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In 1998, the University of Northern Iowa Biology Botanical Center established an Aquatic Learning Center within the 70 year old Biology Botanical Center Complex. The addition of aquatic plants to the already diverse holdings of the teaching collection drew the attention of pond enthusiasts throughout our area. Because of that interest, a letter was sent to the university faculty and staff and to the local newspapers.The letter basically stated that if there was sufficient interest in water gardening to sustain a water gardening group, Ron Camarata, as manager of the University Biology Botanical Center, would be interested in moving in that direction. As a result of the positive responses, The Northern Iowa Association of Pond and Water Gardeners was established on August 31, 1999, to provide and share water gardening information and encourage a greater appreciation of water gardening and ponds. There were 60 people in attendance at the first meeting, and the organization continues to grow and is a very diverse and progressive group.