Wings2Water has named Rod Marlatt its latest “Water Warrior,” honoring his four decades of conservation leadership and advocacy for water quality in Iowa.
Mr. Marlatt, who served as the executive director of the Fayette County Conservation Board for more than 40 years, is being featured on signage at the Eastern Iowa Airport and across the organization’s digital platforms as part of the recognition. During his tenure in Fayette County, Mr. Marlatt oversaw the expansion of conservation land from 147 acres to more than 3,000 acres.
“Rod’s lifelong passion for conservation and water quality is inspiring to all of us at Wings2Water,” said Rebekah Jones, the organization’s board president. “He embodies the spirit of our mission and conservation altogether.”
Though retired, Mr. Marlatt remains active on several boards and continues to lead projects focused on land and water preservation. He emphasizes a collaborative approach to environmental resilience, encouraging broader community participation.
“There’s always a role for everybody, if nothing else, to just advocate for water quality and show up and be vocal that it is important,” Mr. Marlatt said. “It is the thread that keeps us all together as a community.”
The Water Warrior program is sponsored by GreenState Credit Union. Tara Wachendorf, the credit union’s vice president of community relations, praised Marlatt’s lasting impact on northeast Iowa.
“The impact Rod has made in northeast Iowa over the past forty-plus years is truly a testament to his dedication and love for our land and water,” Ms. Wachendorf said.
Wings2Water is an initiative dedicated to reducing pollution runoff, restoring water quality in the Mississippi River watershed, and eliminating the “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico. Nominations for future Water Warriors can be submitted via the organization’s website.
