You may never notice, but the trumpeter swans that resided on Lake LaVerne are no longer part of Iowa State. They have been replaced by a pair of smaller mute swans. As you walk by the lake today, try to notice the difference. You may not, but the state of Iowa will.

ISU’s trumpeter swans were not on campus so debates about fencing, feeding and care could be argued. These birds were part of a bigger picture.

Over a hundred years ago, trumpeter swans flourished in the skies of Iowa. Our beautiful state was once a natural environment for this 6-foot long, black-beaked beauty.

But due to unregulated hunting and wetland drainage, they are no longer a native species of our state.

Six years ago, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources embarked on a mission to restore this species to Iowa. Each pair is one step to repairing the damage.

Across Iowa, there are about 80 breeding pairs flourishing in accommodations like Lake Laverne. The old Lancelot and Elaine could be enjoyed by people from around the world. That privilege has been taken away.

We are sorry to see the trumpeters leave, but their future is bright. They will remain a vital part of the state’s restoration. Unfortunately, we are no longer part of restoring this species.

Our committee hopes that in 10 years, trumpeter swans will grace the Iowa skies as a native species again, so that you may one day have the opportunity to realize what the bigger picture truly is.

Kathleen Block

Senior

Animal Science

President

ISU Trumpeter Swan Restoration committee