Get to Know Angela Auel

By Mikael Mulugeta

Beginning in July, Angela Auel will serve as the project coordinator of the Upper Wapsipinicon Watershed Management Authority.

Auel will coordinate the implementation of flood resiliency conservation projects, organize informational and education outreach programs, facilitate watershed planning activities, and work with landowners in southern Buchanan and Delaware counties.

Raised on a farm west of Jesup, Iowa, Auel received a BA in animal ecology (fisheries) from Iowa State University.

We caught up with Auel to discuss her new role.

Q: Where did you work before you took this position?

A: For the past seven years, I worked for Buchanan County Conservation Board as a naturalist. I also worked in Ringgold, Dallas, and Guthrie counties as a recreational coordinator and naturalist.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish?

A: I am excited to see acres of land go into helping protect our land and water. My key environmental concerns will include flood reduction, nutrient loading, sedimentation, and other hydrologic, soil conservation and water-quality issues for the Upper Wapsipinicon River.

Q: What was appealing about the position?

A: I have worked with children for years and know I am making an impact on their lives. However, by working with the WMA, I will be able to see the immediate impact on land and water.

Q: Is there anything you would like to tell the IWA partners?

A: I am excited to see what we can accomplish when we all work together. I am ready to hit the ground running!

Q: What’s a hobby of yours?

A: I grew up canoeing the Wapsi River from Cutshall to Otterville Bridge. I now enjoy taking my 5, 9, and 10 year-old children kayaking on the Wapsi. We also enjoy camping and visiting national parks.

Q: What is the last book you read?

A: I’m actually kind of cheating right now; I am listening to the Harry Potter books on CD. I started rereading/listening to the series this year when I got my son hooked on the Harry Potter series.

Q: What’s your favorite movie?

A: There are too many to list but Harry Potter and Indiana Jones are the movies that tend to be played the most.

Q: What’s your favorite food?

A: HuHot.

Q: Where would you like to go that you’ve never been?

A: Africa has been on my bucket list since I have been in high school. I would love to go on a safari.

Q: What’s your hidden talent?

A: It’s not exactly hidden, but my husband and I have started two archery teams in Iowa. I have figured out my talent is coaching archery. There is an art in coaching 4–12th grade students!