1000 Friends of Iowa

The League’s Annual Conference & Exhibit is largest event in the state geared specifically toward the needs of Iowa’s elected and appointed municipal officials. Held in September of each year, the conference includes workshops, an exhibit hall and unique networking opportunities. For information, including schedule of events, go to https://www.iowaleague.org/Conference2016/Pages/2016Conference.aspx

Join the Iowa Environmental Council and the Iowa River Revival at Confluence Brewery to learn more about how you can help protect Iowa's water, land, and natural resources as part of the Service Squad. Network with other local environment enthusiasts and enjoy locally crafted beer. Contact Jamie Burch at burch@iaenvironment.org for more information.

You're invited to participate in an important river cleanup Saturday, Sept. 17 in Iowa City. Volunteers will meet at the Sturgis Ferry Boat Ramp and will canoe to the Hills Access collecting garbage and recyclables along the way. Canoes will launch by 8 a.m. and will be off the water by 3:30 p.m. Registrations begins … Continue reading Iowa River Cleanup 2016 →

Windsor Heights residents who support sidewalks and walkability efforts in the city are invited to submit comments via email and/or attend the final two readings of the revised sidewalks ordinance language at regularly scheduled council meetings on Monday, Sept. 5 and Monday, Sept. 19. To contact the Windsor Heights Mayor and City Council and voice … Continue reading City of Windsor Heights Sidewalk Ordinance Hearing →

This workshop presented by the Iowa League of Cities will focus on identifying State, Federal, and other financial and technical resources to address environmental and redevelopment issues for communities. Often vibrant community spaces such as housing, parks, trails, and job-creating businesses can be developed on previously used sites, including brownfields. The Iowa Department of Natural … Continue reading Brownfield Redevelopment Resources For Your Region →

The farm tour will include a 6 acre prairie reconstruction/restoration that began in the 70s with an initial CRP installation. Then the tour will visit 10 acres of woodland where 12 goats owned by the Kennedy's are reducing invasive species.  A Goats on the Go representative will be present to discuss owning, leasing, and managing goats for restoration/management … Continue reading Kennedy Farm Tour →

Join the Iowa Environmental Council on Thursday, October 6, 2016 for their 2016 Annual Conference, ECOnomics: Dollars, sense & sustainability. This year's conference will explore the bond between the environment, communities and economy and will delve into how to seize opportunities to advance policies, programs and practices that offer ecological, economic and societal benefits. Early bird … Continue reading 2016 Iowa Environmental Council Annual Conference →

Over the next year, the City of Des Moines will be updating their very old and outdated zoning code. This is a great opportunity for 1000 Friends of Iowa to encourage the city to codify smart growth and sustainability! Today in a special P&Z meeting we will hear an update from consultants the city hired … Continue reading Des Moines Planning and Zoning Special Meeting →

This bike ride is a fun way to get more involved with the Pipeline Resistance Movement, that is not only happening in Standing Rock, but also all throughout Iowa.  This bike ride will raise funds and awareness for the No Bakken Legal Defense Fund. Enjoy music by Steve and Michaela McLain, food, and bikes. Children … Continue reading BRAP- Bike Ride Against Pipelines →

You’re invited to the University of Iowa to join this cross-sector collaboration aimed to elevate intercultural perspectives and build policy presence for deeper consideration of rural creative placemaking. Held October 12-14, 2016 at the University of Iowa, this gathering will share reflections from Regional Network members, connect lessons across geographies, and present a sustained argument … Continue reading Rural Creative Placemaking Summit →