Your UIRA sponsors Special Interest Groups that meet periodically to further shared interests. If you would like to join an active group or have an idea for a new group, contact us at ui-ra@uiowa.edu.

Explorers

Created in fall 2023, Explorers is a group of UIRA members interested in walking and hiking. Walks are held at various locations in the area on the third Wednesday of each month. In addition, the group may schedule walks at local parks and trails managed by Johnson County Conservation and Bur Oak Land Trust.

The spring 2026 walks are:

  • Jan. 21, 2:00 p.m., Clear Creek Trail/Tom Harkin Trailhead, 719 Camp Cardinal Blvd., Coralville.
  • Feb. 18, 2:00 p.m., Court Hill Trail/McPherson Park, 1858 7th Ave. Ct., Iowa City.
  • Mar. 15, 2:00 p.m., Muddy Creek Trail/Wickham Elementary School, 601 Oakdale Blvd., Coralville.
  • Apr. 15, 2:00 p.m., Lily Lake (between Amana and Middle Amana). Meet at the parking lot on Hwy. 220. (Look for an email about carpooling.)
  • May TBD, naturalist-led hike at Kent Park. Time TBD.
  • May 20, 2:00 p.m., Solon-Lake Macbride Recreation Trail. Park at Lake Macbride State Park (3525 Hwy. 382 NE). Look for an email about carpooling.)

There is no need to register to attend the walks. The group will begin walking about 5 minutes after the scheduled time.

Watch for The Gray Hawk email newsletter for additional walks that may be scheduled.

To join the Explorers group, email Lesanne Fliehler.

 

Explorers group photo

Gray Hawk Writers

Gray Hawk Writers have been meeting fortnightly since April 1999. Members read aloud what they have written, encourage one another, and offer friendly critiques. The Gray Hawk email newsletter regularly features writings by group members.

The storytelling and writing styles are quite diverse—there are many pathways that can be followed when writing. 

Feel free to visit as a guest. You may decide you would like to join the group. Everyone has a story to tell. 

For information about joining the group, contact Jennifer Wohn.