Bill Desmarais demonstrating a dinosaur stride

IAS at Saylorville Lake Visitor Center

The Iowa Academy of Science, under an agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers at Saylorville Lake, operates the Gift Shop at the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center. The Academy helps choose interpretive and educational items for the visiting public and in return the Academy is able to use the facilities for Iowa Academy of Science sponsored events such as our summer IAS Speaker Series.
The Academy volunteer coordinating the operation of the Gift Shop is Christee Lee. Christee is volunteering her time to maintain the inventory and serve as a liaison between the Academy and the Army Corps of Engineers on matters relating to the daily operation of the shop. Christee serves the Academy, the Saylorville Visitor Center, and the public and makes it possible for the Academy to use this excellent facility as a science outreach to the public.

Christee Lee, IAS Saylorville Lake Gift Shop Coordinator

Thank you Gene Lucas!

Dr. Gene Lucas served as the representative for the Academy at the Saylorville Visitor Center since the agreement between the Academy and the Army Corps of Engineers was signed in 1997.

Gene first joined the Academy as a Student Member in 1965. He was awarded Fellow status in 1975 and became an Emeritus Member upon retirement from Drake University in 1997. He was recognized for his exceptional service in the area of advancing science in Iowa when he was awarded the Iowa Academy of Science Distinguished Service Award in 2014.

Gene has been an active Member of the Academy, devoting many hours to representing the IAS at Saylorville. Gene has decided it is time to step aside. As a result of his efforts the Academy not only operated the Gift Shop but it has been able to provide science outreach through the IAS Speaker Program at the Visitor Center. Thanks Gene for your excellent work and willingness to serve science in Iowa! Gene and left the position in good hands. Gene's daughter Christee is now the IAS representative at the Saylorville Lake Gift Shop.

A corner of the Visitor Center Gift Shop

Explore Saylorville Lake

When you are in the Des Moines area stop by the Visitor Center to learn more about Saylorville Lake and take advantage of the many opportunities to explore the area, experience recreational activities, and view the wildlife. You may take advantage of the opportunity to experience one of the many Saylorville educational programs that are available to the public including the IAS Speaker Series. Please let your friends know about this wonderful resource for the public as a way to promote science in Iowa. This is another way the Iowa Academy of Science provides education about science and promotes public understanding of science.