By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University students recently explored new possibilities for the Brewer Creek watershed in Webster City through an interdisciplinary design studio that focused on sustainable growth and community development. The project examined how water resources, infrastructure, public spaces, and future development can work together to support long-term community needs.
The initiative, known as Civic Hydrology, was developed as part of Webster City’s participation in the 2025 Iowa Mayors’ Design Workshop. The program connects local leaders with university faculty, extension specialists, design professionals, and students to address important community challenges through innovative planning and design.
The spring 2026 course was led by Austin Dunn, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture, and Sara McMillan, Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. Graduate and undergraduate students from several disciplines, including landscape architecture, architecture, agricultural and biosystems engineering, environmental engineering, and environmental science, collaborated on the project.
Students were divided into five teams, each focusing on a different aspect of the Brewer Creek watershed. One group explored neighborhood planning concepts, including green spaces, environmentally responsive design, and housing options suitable for different needs and budgets. Another team examined creek restoration approaches aimed at reducing erosion and improving flood protection.
Additional teams focused on industrial development practices that support environmental sustainability, expanded trail networks and recreational amenities, and broader watershed management strategies. Together, the concepts demonstrated how future development can align with natural systems while improving water quality, protecting streamside areas, and enhancing community spaces.
Community involvement was an important part of the project. Students and university staff visited Webster City, met with city leaders, gathered stakeholder input, and presented their ideas during a public open house. This engagement allowed residents and local organizations to contribute valuable insights throughout the planning process.
Lindsay Henderson, Community and Economic Development Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, played a key role in supporting communication between the students and the community. She emphasized the value of local participation, stating, “Design work is stronger when it is connected to the people and places it is meant to serve. Our role was to help create those points of connection between the students, city leaders, stakeholders, and residents so the studio work could reflect both technical expertise and local knowledge.”
The proposed ideas are conceptual and not intended for immediate implementation. However, they provide Webster City with valuable planning tools and visual concepts that can guide future discussions on land use, water management, recreation, infrastructure, and economic growth.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Education