1000 Friends of Iowa

Windsor Heights Committee of the Whole City Council Meeting
2016-03-07 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Windsor Heights City Council Chambers, 1133 66th St. , Windsor Heights, IA, 50324, United States
The meeting’s agenda includes further discussion of the University Avenue plans, which incorporate Complete Streets ideas, including a protected bike lane. Come and show your support!

IUB Final Deliberations & Decision on Bakken Pipeline Permit
2016-03-10 | IUB Hearing Room, 1375 E. Court Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50309, United States
*** Updated March 8 ***
Join us March 10th at the Iowa Utilities Board’s final deliberations meeting for the anticipated Bakken Pipeline permitting decision. We want to have a big presence to show the IUB that people are engaged and are ready to respond to their decision.
No matter what the decision is on March 10th, there are several options to continue fighting the pipeline. The Iowa DNR and Army Corps of Engineers have yet to approve permits, and we will work to organize with landowners in the remaining eminent domain fights if the pipeline is approved.

Windsor Heights Draft Design & Development Standards Hearing
2016-03-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Windsor Heights City Council Chambers, 1133 66th St. , Windsor Heights, IA, 50324, United States
The Windsor Heights Planning and Zoning Board will ask their City Council to adopt updated and revised building and design standards. The plan is designed to make the city more walkable, incorporate compact mixed-use buildings, and improve stormwater management. Please attend the city council meeting to show your support for these smart growth initiatives. Click here to view the proposal.
Learn more about what’s possible in comprehensive planning for creating sustainable communities by reading the Smart Planning Checklist created by1000 Friends of Iowa’s Board President, Stacey Long.

2016 Environmental Lobby & REAP Day at the Capitol
2016-03-22 08:30 - 13:00 | Iowa State Capitol, 1007 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50319, United States
The Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) is hosting their annual Environmental Lobby & REAP Day at the Capitol. Lobby training will begin at 8:30 a.m. 1000 Friends of Iowa is a member of the IEC and will be an exhibitor at the event. We invite you to help support and protect Iowa’s natural resources and stop by our table to see what’s new in smart growth across Iowa! Click here for more information and a schedule of the day’s events.

Reading Our Land: Heritage and Legacy
2016-04-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Madison County Historical Complex, 815 S. 2nd Ave., Winterset, IA, United States
Iowa author Connie Mutel will discuss Iowa’s natural heritage and Iowa geoarcheologist Joe Artz will be present to discuss natural artifacts. Attendees are encouraged to bring fossils, arrowheads, rocks, and other artifacts. The event is sponsored by For Lands Sake! and is from 9 a.m. to noon. Free admission. Madison County Historical Complex at 815 S. 2nd Ave. in Winterset. Find more event information here.

Plant Some Shade Program: Scott County
2016-04-08 - 2016-04-18 | IA
Scott County MidAmerican Energy Company customers are eligible to purchase trees for $30 each (with the remaining cost funded through a grant from MidAmerican Energy). Purchase is initially limited to two trees per household to ensure that all customers have the opportunity to participate. Advanced purchase is required. In the event that additional trees are available on distribution day they will be released for purchase at 4 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis until all are sold.
Trees must be picked up Thursday, April 21 between 4 and 6 p.m. at West Lake Park, 14910 110th Ave., Davenport. Orders forms should be mailed no later than April 18.
For more information visit, http://www.scottcountyiowa.com/event/2016/04/21/plant-some-shade-program-tree-pickup

University of Iowa Office of Sustainability's Earth Month 2016
2016-04-12 - 2016-04-24 | University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
This April, the University of Iowa Office of Sustainability invites you to celebrate the culture of sustainability during Earth Month 2016. Events include an Earth Month Bike Challenge, “True Cost” documentary screening, UIEC’s Earth Month Benefit Concert, and more.
Find all the month’s events at https://sustainability.uiowa.edu/earthmonth/

All Things Solar
2016-04-12 06:00 - 20:00 | Smokey Row Coffee, 1910 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50314, United States
Hosted by Urban Ambassadors, All Things Solar is a monthly meeting for people interested in about solar energy in Iowa. This month’s guest speaker is Tim Kruse, owner of Green Light Renewable Services. Tim is a master electrician with 20+ years of experience. He will share his vast knowledge on the different types of solar panels available for your home or business.
Registration is appreciated.
For more information and to RSVP visit, https://www.facebook.com/events/575683475941683/

Iowa Energy Plan Public Hearings
2016-04-12 17:30 - 2016-04-14 19:30 | IA
You can still participate in the Iowa Energy Plan. The statewide energy plan is based on four foundational pillars: Economic Development and Energy Careers, Iowa’s Energy Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Energy Efficiency and Conservation.
The forums will follow an open house format with one-on-one and group discussions. Each session will include an informational presentation. Iowans are encouraged to attend the public forums, meet the plan development team, and provide thoughts and opinions on the future of energy for Iowa.
Three forums have been held around the state and three remain. The forums will be held at the following venues:
Ottumwa – Tuesday, April 12
5:30 to 7:30 pm
Indian Hills Community College, The Formal Lounge (Building C)
525 Grandview Ave., Ottumwa, IA 52501
Cedar Rapids/Marion – Wednesday, April 13
6:00 to 8:00 pm
Kirkwood Community College Training and Outreach Center
3375 Armar Dr., Marion, IA 52302
Dubuque – Thursday, April 14
5:30 to 7:30 pm
Northeast Iowa Community College – Conference Center 1 and 4
8342 NICC Dr., Peosta, IA 52068
Registration is not required to attend.
Citizens and interested stakeholders may also obtain additional information and submit comments via the website at www.iowaenergyplan.org or by email at energyplan@iowa.gov.

Clive City Council Meeting: Topsoil Protection Proposal
2016-04-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Clive City Hall Council Chambers, 1900 NW 114th St, Clive, IA, 50325, United States
The City of Clive is in the process of passing an 8-inch topsoil rule. While we strongly support this proposal, there are builders who would like to create a loophole allowing them to avoid maintaining topsoil if they implement other storm water management solutions.
The City of Clive is asking for people to make comments on the proposed rule. Go to the link below to voice your opinion on the City’s open forum. Look for “Soil health for construction projects.” The forum is open until 6 p.m. on April 15:
http://www.cityofclive.com/government/clive-open-forum#peak_democracy
For more information about how 1000 Friends of Iowa is working for topsoil protection across the state, visit https://1000friendsofiowa.org/iowa-communities-moving-forward-with-topsoil-rules/

North Iowa Earth Day Events in April
2016-04-16 - 2016-04-26 | IA
Find out the great events offered in Mason City and Clear Lake. From community cleanups to a 5k and 10K race, there are loads of fun activities that promote stewardship of the environment and community building.
Get information about all the events happening in April at http://www.earthdaynorthiowa.org/

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Women, Land & Legacy
2016-04-20 13:00 - 14:00 | IA
The regular monthly Iowa Learning Farms webinar for April will be on Wednesday, April 20, at 1 p.m. This month’s guest speakers are Wren Almitra, Women, Land & Legacy Coordinator, and Tanya Meyer-Dideriksen, NRCS Area Easement Specialist.
Women, Land & Legacy (WLL) is a USDA outreach project that gives agricultural women in Iowa the opportunity to network with other local women landowners, to inform agencies of their needs, and to become a well-informed decision maker for their land and farming operation. The program is led through local teams in 24 Iowa counties and has successfully reached over 3,000 individuals to date. These local teams create a network of agricultural women who decide what programs, projects, and information they specifically need to assist them in farming and conservation decision making. The presentation will cover the program’s statewide presence and how new counties can become involved in Iowa as well as in other states.
The ILF webinars are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. They are free, and all that is needed to participate is a computer with Internet access. To log in, go to: https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/ at 1 p.m. on the afternoon of the webinar and log in through the “guest” option. Webinar participants will be able to converse with Almitra and Meyer-Dideriksen by typing their questions through the chat function. The webinar will be recorded and archived on the ILF website for viewing at any time at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/Webinars/.
Get more information, http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/calendar/2016-04-20/iowa-learning-farms-webinar#sthash.GoAZ13xh.dpuf

Seminar: Growing a New Generation of Agroecological Interpreters
2016-04-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Iowa Central Community College, One Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, IA, United States
Iowa Central Community College presents Luke Gran, forester and owner of Prudenterra, is a native Iowan, alumnus of the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Iowa State University with a B.S. in Forestry & International Agriculture (2008). Enjoy a diverse presentation and a brain-stimulating small group activity “designing a better farm” to achieve water quality, soil quality, and biodiversity goals.
To register call: 515-574-1293
Find more information at http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/calendar/2016-04-20/seminar-growing-new-generation-agroecological-interpreters

12th Annual Sustainable Agriculture Research Symposium: Iowa State University
2016-04-20 18:00 - 21:00 | South Ballroom/Sun Room, Memorial Union, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
Keynote speaker Eric Holt-Giménez, executive director of the Institute for Food and Development Policy, better known as Food First. will give a talk titled, Food Regimes, Food Sovereignty and Agroecology. The Institute for Food and Development Policy was founded in 1975 by Joseph Collins and Frances Moore Lappé, and promotes access to healthy, ecologically produced, and culturally appropriate food.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information visit, http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/calendar/2016-04-20/12th-annual-sustainable-agriculture-research-symposium

Clear Lake Green Expo
2016-04-21 16:00 - 19:00 | The Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr, Clear Lake, IA, 50428, United States
The Green Expo is a fun way to be empowered, find out the latest of what is in your own “backyard” for healthier food, homes and lifestyles for families. Shopping locally and “adventuring” locally recycles the dollars in North Iowa. Exhibitors include everything from NIACC representatives discussing the wind turbine program to architects, landscapers, spa professionals, health consultants, local food producers, local and state non-profit organizations to companies providing non-toxic paint. It is held in conjunction with the Clear Lake and Mason City Area Chamber Business After Hours.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information about the event visit http://earthdayclearlake.org/events/green-expo/

Earth Day Family Fun Fair
2016-04-23 09:00 - 12:00 | West Des Moines City/School Campus, 4200 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
The City of West Des Moines will celebrate Earth Day with canoeing, kayaking, fishing, Earth-themed arts and crafts, and games. This free event will be educational and fun for the family with activities for all ages.
For more information, contact WDM Parks & Recreation at 515-222-3444 or parkrec@wdm.iowa.gov or visit http://www.wdm.iowa.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/11769/116?backlist=%2Fgovernment%2Fparks-recreation

Earth Day Walk & Rally: Our Renewable Electric Energy Future
2016-04-23 09:30 - 11:30 | Unnamed Venue, 602 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA, United States
In celebration of Earth Day 2016, you are invited to participate in a walk & rally for our renewable and sustainable electric energy future in downtown Des Moines!
Bring your signs and banners to support renewable energy and come learn how electric energy is transforming our world for future generations. The rally will feature a solar energy display, a model wind turbine, and all-electric vehicles (We even have a Tesla and other fun electric vehicles to check out!). There will be live music, plus speakers from the solar and wind energy community, policy makers, students and more.
Hosted By: Interfaith Green Coalition, Iowa Wind Energy Association, Iowa Solar Energy Trade Association, Wind Energy Student Organization (ISU campus), and Iowa Interfaith Power and Light
Event Details:
Walk:
The half-mile walk will begin at the Chinese Pagoda near the Des Moines Botanical Center. Parking is available on the street or at 602 Robert D. Ray Dr. Des Moines, IA. Plan to arrive around 9:30 for live music and we will start the walk across the Women of Achievement Bridge to Cowles Commons at 10 am.
Rally:
The Rally will begin once the walkers arrive at Cowles Commons, located at 3rd & Locust Street.
Afterwards:
Celebrate Earth Day with free admission and activities at the Science Center of Iowa and the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden!
Interesed in participating as an organization or volunteering? Follow the link: http://goo.gl/forms/IkxPfwlw3z
For more information visit, https://www.facebook.com/events/1095221620530079/

Arbor Day in Madrid
2016-04-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Iowa Arboretum, 1875 Peach Street, Madrid, IA, 50156, United States
Celebrate Arbor Day at the Iowa Arboretum in Madrid, Iowa. Free Kentucky Coffeetree and Lilac trees will be given away at the event. Tree climbing for children will be the highlight of the morning. Children will put on a harness and helmet and be guided by Iowa Arborist Association members as they climb a tree. Demonstrations and other activities are planned for the morning.
The Arbor Day celebration is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is free to the public. For more information visit http://iowaarboretum.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/

Climate Emergency: DSM City Council Meeting
2016-04-25 16:30 - 18:00 | Des Moines City Hall, 400 Robert D. Ray Dr., Des Moines, IA, 50309, United States
Bring your signs and join a host of local organizations, including Interfaith Green Coalition, Central Iowa Sierra Club, iMatter DM, and more, as they declare a climate emergency at the Des Moines City Council meeting at City Hall, on Monday, April 25 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The coalition plans to tell the city council that Des Moines and the world needs a Carb-Neutral Des Moines. For more information, contact Carolyn Walker at 515-779-1680.

Anti-Fracking Documentary: "Dear President Obama"
2016-05-04 19:00 - 22:00 | Fleur Cinema & Cafe, 4545 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA, United States
If the Bakken pipeline is built it will carry crude oil from fracking operations in the Bakken region. Fracking poses a great threat to our country and is proving to be a dangerous and irresponsible land-use decision.
Want to learn more about fracking and how you can take a stand? Our friends at Food and Water Watch are hosting a special screening of the new anti-fracking documentary “Dear President Obama,” which is narrated by Mark Ruffalo and written and directed by Iowa native, Jon Bowermaster.
The screening is Wednesday, May 4 at 7 p.m. at the Fleur Cinema in Des Moines. Tickets are $9 and will be available at the door. The director will be at the screening and former State Senator Jack Hatch will moderate a panel discussion after the film. Find more information here.

League of American Bicyclists with Bill Nesper
2016-05-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Merge, 136 S Dubuque St., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Take this opportunity to learn how to create a welcoming bicycle environment and community from one of the experts in the field. Bill Nesper directs the Bicycle Friendly America℠ program with a particular focus on growing the program as a tool for new communities, businesses and universities. Bill will talk about his programs and how to enhance the bike friendliness of our businesses, university, and community. The presentation to local business is at 1 pm, followed by a free public presentation at 6 p.m. at Merge in downtown Iowa City.
To register, visit, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/league-of-american-bicyclists-coming-to-iowa-city-tickets-24683574235?aff=erellivmlt

Windsor Heights City Council Meeting
2016-05-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Windsor Heights City Council Chambers, 1133 66th St. , Windsor Heights, IA, 50324, United States
Item #25 on the meeting’s agenda is a discussion on sidewalks and walkability — a key part of smart growth.

Soil Health Partnership Field Day
2016-05-19 08:00 - 10:00 | IA
Get answers from the experts at the Soil Health Partnership Field Day Open House hosted by SHP farmer Mark Mueller at his field demonstration site. Located 3 miles North of Waverly and 1 mile west of Hwy 218 at the Northeast corner of the intersection of County Road C-33 and Butler Ave.
Stop by anytime between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 19. Coffee and doughnuts will be served while participants can visit our three information stations.
• No till machinery set up and cover crop management.
• Soil pit to observe soil properties and cover crop root growth.
• Up to date water quality information and resources.
Get more information here: http://soilhealthpartnership.org/

Native Plant Sale
2016-05-22 12:00 - 16:00 | Annett Nature Center, 15565 118th Ave., Indianola, IA, 50125, United States
Come and see what’s growing at the ANC and take some of it home with you. The Friends of Warren County Conservation annual native plant sale offers native Iowa perennials. You will find a variety of plants, such as purple coneflower, New England aster, rattlesnake master, and foxglove beardtongue.
Contact 515-961-6169 for more information.

Hike the Wild
2016-05-24 09:30 - 11:30 | Dickinson County Nature Center, 2279 170th St., Spirit Lake, IA, 51360, United States
Take a hike at the Little Sioux Savanna and enjoy one of the newest additions to the conservation board and learn about this unique Iowa landscape.
No registration required. For more information about ongoing hikes in Dickinson County, visit http://dickinsoncountyconservationboard.com/calendar/hike-the-wild-2-2016-05-24/

The 2016 Loess Hills Prairie Seminar
2016-06-03 18:00 - 2016-06-05 12:00 | Loess Hills Wildlife Area, 178th St. & Oak Ave., Castana, IA, 51010, United States
“Fascinations of the Loess Hills” is the 40th annual Loess Hills Prairie Seminar where families and people of all ages can enjoy sessions about birds, plants, insects, photography, history, soil, ecology, prairie management, writing, Native American heritage, farming, storytelling, and more.
Don’t miss the campfires both Friday and Saturday night from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. with Friday’s musical performance by Chad Elliot, and Saturday’s music by Douglas Wood and Steve Borgstrom. Plus 6 a.m. birding walks will be offered both Saturday and Sunday morning.
The weekend’s events will be held at West Monona High School and the Loess Hills Wildlife Area in rural Castana, Iowa.
For the timeline of events and more information, visit, http://www.nwaea.k12.ia.us/en/educators/loess_hills_prairie_seminar/

Broken Heartland Bakken Rally at the Capitol
2016-06-06 13:30 - 14:30 | Iowa State Capitol, 1007 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50319, United States
Think the Bakken Pipeline is a bad deal for Iowa? Join the Broken Heartland rally! We know it is not a “done deal” and will continue our Summer of Resistance against the Bakken Pipeline, Monday, June 6, at 1:30-2:30 pm, at the Granite Map of Iowa on the State Capitol grounds*.
Seven Iowans will speak about their ecosystems/communities at each of the seven main river crossings that the pipeline imperils, against the backdrop of a huge patchwork heart.
Learn what else you can do to keep the tide turning to stop the pipeline, including pressuring the Army Corps of Engineers to deny the pipeline’s permit.
*This is on the far west end of the Capitol grounds, across E. 7th Street, east of the Historical Building. Parking right there is limited, but there is free parking up the hill closer to the west side of the Capitol.
Learn more about the Bakken Pipeline Resistance event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1711235795797217/

Windsor Heights Garden Tour 2016
2016-06-12 01:00 - 17:00 | IA
Featuring seven unique garden places and spaces, this year’s garden tour is free. There will be free will donation containers at each of the gardens on the tour. Donations will be used to support and develop a butterfly garden at Colby Park . All of the gardens provide ideas for your own yard and demonstrate that beauty can be found in places and spaces large and small.
Special Presentation: At Garden #6, there will be a 30 minute presentation at 2:00 pm and repeated at 4:00 pm. The title is “Gardening with Purpose – Heirloom Vegetables and Butterfly Gardens.” The speaker is Lorin Knapp, member of Keep Windsor Heights Beautiful and author of “A Garden on the Edge: Creating a Heritage Habitat Garden.”
Gardens include Cowles Montessori’s school garden, where students, teacher, and volunteers plant and maintain several garden spaces to provide creative and innovative outdoor learning opportunities. See a list of gardens and their locations here.

“River Stories: Views from an Iowa Watershed"
2016-06-12 17:00 - 18:30 | Town/Craft Center, 1122 Willis Ave., Perry, IA, United States
The exhibit was created by a group of six area women landowners this spring. Local landowners Courtney Tournis, Chris Henning, Jan Kaiser, Danielle Wirth, Patti Edwardson, and Colleen Radebaugh took part in a participatory project documenting their experiences in the watershed through photographs and short narratives, or “photostories.” They will share these photostories at the event.
The event is free. Public and press are invited to attend, and may come and go between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Participants will present a short presentation at 5:15 pm. Light refreshments will be served.
The event follows a reading of Jen Wilson’s Water at the Perry Public Library at 3 p.m.
For more information visit, https://www.facebook.com/events/1112751582131357/

Stormwater Design Series: Runoff reduction modeling of GSI
2016-06-14 11:30 - 13:00 | IA
This webinar is one in a series of six webinars hosted by the Iowa Storm Water Education Program that begins June 14 and runs through November 2016.
June 14: Runoff reduction modeling of GSI
What would it look like if you could locate and preliminarily investigate green infrastructure sites in a matter of minutes? Using a Chicagoland area community you experience the whole process from start to finish as Innovyze demonstrates the newly released InfoSWMM Sustain, a powerful hydraulic modeling platform. Speaker(s): Brett Singley, P.E., Innovyze
Find webinar series registration information at: http://www.iowastormwater.org/index.cfm/74331/77981/stormwater_design_series_webinar__runoff_reduction_modeling_of_gsi or download the series flyer: http://www.iowastormwater.org/documents/filelibrary/files/training/stormwater_design_series_webinars_2016/SWDesignWebinarFlyer2016_846EAB020D9A0.pdf
