Native Plant Sale
2016-05-22 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | 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

Third Annual Pro H2O: Thirsty for Change
2016-06-16 18:00 - 21:00 | Noce, 1326 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA, United States
Join the Iowa Environmental Council for an evening with like-minded friends to celebrate and support a shared vision for clean water, healthy land, and continued advocacy for Iowa’s environment.
Special Guest Speaker is Chris Kolb, co-chair of the Flint Water Crisis Task Force.
Honorees to be recognized at this year’s event include Tom Hadden, Susan Heathcote, and Paul Johnson.
Pro H2O is the Iowa Environmental Council’s annual event. For three years, Pro H2O has provided an opportunity for our members, supporters, staff, allies and advocates to come together to honor local leaders, draw inspiration and strength from one another, and raise funds for the Iowa Environmental Council.
See more information and to RSVP, visit, http://www.iaenvironment.org/get-involved/council-events/pro-h2o#sthash.qiqvS7p1.dpuf

Iowa's Drinking Water: Could Flint Happen Here?
2016-06-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Iowa Events Center – HyVee Hall, 730 3rd St., Des Moines, IA, 50309, United States
This symposium will explore the current state of Iowa’s drinking water and the future challenges confronting water providers in the state to reliably deliver safe drinking water to Iowans. Co-organized by the University of Iowa Public Policy Center and the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination (CHEEC), this all day event will include panels of water experts from academia, industry, and the public sector including the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
In light of recent, high profile incidents of public health crises arising from drinking water contamination around the United States, a special focus will be placed on whether drinking water supplies in Iowa are susceptible to similar vulnerabilities experienced elsewhere. This includes a presentation by members of the Flint Water Study, who will share first-hand experiences and lessons learned from the public health crisis in Flint, Michigan. Beyond Flint, panel topics will address other potential threats to the sustainability of Iowa’s drinking water supplies.
For updated information on speakers and to register, visit, http://ppc.uiowa.edu/forkenbrock/iowa-h2o

7th Annual Iowa Trails Summit
2016-06-17 08:00 - 17:00 | University of Northern Iowa’s (UNI) Center For Energy & Environmental Education, 8106 Jennings Drive Cedar Falls, IA, Cedar Falls, IA, 50614, United States
The 7th Annual Iowa Trails Summit brings together a diverse group of people – from great thinkers and experts at connecting people and ideas, to people that share a passion for outdoor recreation, the natural environment, and community development.
This award-winning event, recognized by the National Park Service’s Mid America Trails & Greenways for its unique approach, features a power-packed group of experts sharing their experiences, innovations and ideas for connecting people and enriching lives.
There will be special presentations on new trails attractions from all corners of Iowa, trail groups and trail supporters sharing information, and plenty of opportunities for networking, meeting new people, and sharing ideas.
The master of ceremonies is Iowa’s own master raconteur and trails enthusiast Chuck Offenburger.
For more information and to register, visit, http://iowatrailssummit.org/2016-summit/
Download the event’s program with agenda and timeline, http://iowatrailssummit.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2016-Iowa-Trails-Summit.pdf

Protect Our Rivers Flotilla & Community Gathering
2016-06-25 10:00 - 19:00 | Unnamed Venue, Norton's Ford Access, Pilot Mound, IA, United States
All are welcome to join the Bakken Pipeline Resistance coalition for all or part of the day as they continue to work together to stop the Bakken Pipeline. Bring your kayak or canoe if you can. We will have canoes for those without boats. If you prefer not to paddle, volunteers are needed to help with organization for the flotilla and picture-taking in the morning. Camping will be available for out-of-town people. More information to be posted to nobakken.com.
Schedule for June 25
10-11 a.m. shuttle cars/people/boats at put-in site Norton’s Ford Access NE of PIlot Mound
11 a.m.-12 p.m. Press conference at Norton’s Ford Access
12 noon Enter water and stay together to Bridge on E18
1 p.m. Collect upstream before bridge for press pictures
2-3 p.m. Unload boats at North Fraser Ramp; total trip 4.4 miles
3-7 p.m. meet at Pilot Mound Community Center for press conference, food, fun, and sharing stories

To RSVP and for more information, visit:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1029310210485204/

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation Opens 2016 Hagie Heritage Award Nominations
2016-06-28 - 2016-07-15 | IA
The annual Hagie Award recognizes Iowans “who have demonstrated an extraordinary personal service and commitment to improving the quality of Iowa’s natural environment and who encourage others to do the same.” The award generally goes to volunteers, but professional nominees are eligible if their efforts clearly go well beyond their job duties.
For more information on the Hagie Heritage Award and nomination process, visit the INHF website at www.inhf.org/hagie.cfm or call 515-288-1846 for a printed copy. Please send all correspondence and questions to Katie Bandurski, INHF communications intern, via e-mail at comminternkatie@inhf.org or by mail to:
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
Attn: Katie Bandurski
505 Fifth Ave, Suite 444
Des Moines, IA 50309-2321
All nominations must be received by July 15, 2016.

Iowa State University Annual Field Day
2016-06-28 13:00 - 16:15 | Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm, 3327 290th Street, Nashua, IA, United States
Experts will address legal aspects of water quality as well as provide updates and research information on soil quality and farming practices, including cover crops. This event is free and open to the public. For details on the day’s schedule of events and speakers, click here.
Field days give farmers and the public a chance to see research projects in progress and talk with the researchers involved in the experiments. But they also provide the opportunity to view the latest in modern agriculture.

Bike Ride and Boone River Geology Tour
2016-07-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Briggs Woods Park Amphitheater, 2490 Briggs Woods Trl., Webster City, IA, United States
Ride along the 5.5 mile scenic Boone River Recreational Trail from Briggs Woods Park to Webster City. We will be stopping at geological sites along the way to discuss the features. The return back to Briggs Woods Park will be at your own pace. Parents must accompany children. Bring your bike, helmet, water and join the geology bike tour. Free geological handouts on this area of the Boone River will be available from the county naturalist.
For more information or to register, visit: http://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Hamilton/Park/Briggs-Woods-Park-and-Golf-Course/Events/5564/Bike-Ride-and-Boone-River-Geology-Tour.aspx

Puccoon Prairie Seed Harvest
2016-07-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, 8700 NE 126 Ave., Maxwell, IA, United States
Help restore a unique prairie remnant in Polk County by clearing invasive species and collecting seeds that are ready for harvest at the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt Park in Maxwell, Iowa. No experience necessary and equipment is provided.
Directions: After crossing the South Skunk River coming from Hwy 330, take NE 102nd St. east then turn south on NE 112th St. We will meet at the entrance gate south of 102nd about a half-mile down the road on 112th St. on the east side. Look for waysigns along the road.
This event is hosted by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Questions? Contact INHF Volunteer Coordinator Mary Runkel at mrunkel@inhf.org or 515-288-1846, ext. 17. RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1163798806967123/

Bike Tour of Des Moines Green Buildings
2016-07-16 10:00 - 12:30 | Des Moines Bike Collective, 506 E. 6th St., Des Moines, IA, 50309, United States
Join the US Green Building Council’s Iowa chapter for a 6-mile bike tour of seven LEED certified buildings in Des Moines.
Hear from USGBC Iowa members and design professionals about the LEED rating system as they relate to the specific buildings and their features. Pending 2.0 GBCI CE and AIA LU continuing education approval.
From this tour, you will:

Become more familiar with the city of Des Moines, while experiencing the benefits of sustainable design.
Learn how to tune up your bike/riding safety.
Explore the LEED accreditation application process and levels of accreditation.
Distinguish the seven impact categories which are the guiding principles to the accreditation system.
View local green buildings.

Bicycle Route: Bicyclists will start at the Des Moines Bike Collective at 506 E. 6th St. and end at Fleet Feet Sports at 521 E. Locust.
$10 for USGBC members; $20 for nonmembers.
For more information and to register visit, http://www.usgbc.org/event/bike-tour-des-moines-green-buildings

Central Iowa Bicycle – Pedestrian Roundtable
2016-07-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Burnham Room, MPO Office, 420 Watson Powell Jr. Way, Des Moines, IA, United States
Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) hosts this recurring event.
For more information, visit: http://iowabicyclecoalition.org/event/central-iowa-bicycle-pedestrian-roundtable/2016-07-19/

Smoothie & Harvest Party
2016-07-23 09:30 - 11:00 | Wetherby Park Edible Forest, 2400 Taylor Dr., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Backyard Abundance in Iowa City presents its Smoothie and Harvest Party at Wetherby Park Edible Forest where smoothies will be made using a bike-powered smoothie maker borrowed from World of Bikes.
Edible Forest Tours: Tours of the Wetherby Edible Forest will be given where you will see elegant, nature-inspired design firsthand. You will come away with an understanding of how to arrange plants in a landscape of any size to maximize yields and space.
Other activities include:
Regenerative Landscapes: This event helps people learn how to create low-maintenance landscapes that contribute to our quality of life while enhancing our local ecosystems.
Free Cherries and Aronia Berries: Bring bowls to harvest loads of aronia berries and bush cherries. Donate them to the smoothie-making cause or take them home for future munching. Walking onions, chives, oregano, thyme, loveage, sorrel and other herbs are also ready for harvest.
Splash Pad! Bring the kids and enjoy the nearby Splash Pad of 15 crazy-fun water sprays.
Light Weeding: After the event, spend 15-30 minutes weeding a few patches. Weeding assistance makes the free-food forest thrive. This event and future events are offered free-of-charge to demonstrate how these outdoor spaces can be managed through the power of community skill-sharing.
What to Bring Optional items to bring…

Reusable cup for sampling smoothies.
Buckets, bowls, or bags for harvested berries and herbs.
Friends and family.
Gloves for weeding.

For more information about this family-friendly event visit, http://www.backyardabundance.org/ClassesEvents/Events/Classes.aspx

2nd Annual Summer Sustainability Fair
2016-07-30 11:00 - 15:00 | Dubuque Rescue Mission Garden, 398 Main Street, Dubuque, IA, 52001, United States
FREE Event! Join Green Iowa AmeriCorps in their 2nd Annual Summer Sustainability Fair in Dubuque. There will be lots of interactive booths from local businesses and organizations along with crafts and games for the kids, raffle drawings, keynote speakers, garden tours, fresh on-site made pizza with ingredients from the garden and more! You won’t want to miss this exciting event!
If you’re interested in attending or volunteering visit, http://www.sustainabledubuque.org/index.cfm/51784/77946/2nd_annual_summer_sustainability_fair

Let’s Take a Close Look at Pollinators
2016-07-30 13:00 - 17:00 | Central Park Nature Center, 12515 Central Park Rd., Center Junction, IA, United States
As part of the Blank Park Zoo’s new conservation program, Plant.Grow.Fly, participants will learn how to provide habitats for pollinators and how they impact the environment and food sources.
To learn more about the Blank Park Zoo’s Plant.Grow.Fly program, visit http://www.blankparkzoo.com/conservation/plantgrowfly/

Governor Branstad's Water Quality Tour
2016-08-01 15:30 - 2016-08-04 17:00 | IA
Governor Branstad is holding meetings this week – and Citizens for a Healthy Iowa invite YOU to take a message to the Governor … that YOU support funding the Natural Resources & Outdoor Recreation Trust for important water quality, habitat, outdoor recreation and soil conservation programs.
For more information visit, www.citizensforahealthyiowa.org
Meeting Locations & Times:
Monday, August 1
• Gov. Branstad attends Harrison County Water Quality Discussion and Watershed Tour; 3:30 p.m.
Farm of Bill Hammitt, Harrison County, IA; East of Hwy 30 on Hwy 44 (6.5 miles) to Toledo Ave. Turn north on Toledo Ave and go 0.5 miles to meeting site.
Tuesday, August 2
• Gov. Branstad attends Buena Vista County Water Quality Roundtable Discussion and Watershed Tour; 8 a.m.
Kings Point Resort – Conference Room, 1520 Lakeshore Dr., Storm Lake, IA
Wednesday, August 3
• Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds attend Bremer County Water Quality Discussion and Watershed Tour; 12:30 p.m.
Juchems’ Farm, 33635 110th St., Plainfield, IA
• Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds attend Jones County Water Quality Discussion and Watershed Tour; 3:45 p.m.
Doug Fairbanks Farm, Jones County, IA; From Anamosa go southwest on Hwy 151 for about 2 ½ miles, turn south onto Forest Chapel Road, go about ¾ mile to 90th street. The farm is on the south side of 90th street. The new manure storage facility and dairy operation, where we will meet, is on the West side of Forest Chapel road.
Thursday, August 4
• Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds attend Washington County Water Quality Discussion and Watershed Tour; 8:30 a.m.
West Fork Crooked Creek WQI Bioreactor Installation
Washington, IA; Drive east on Hwy 92 from Des Moines. You will want to take the Keokuk/Washington Road north through Keota and keep north until you’re a mile out of town until the blacktop road curves east. Continue to drive east for 5 miles on county highway G26 (190th St). At Fir Ave (gravel), turn right (south) on for ¼ mile. The location will be on the right (west) and pull into the farm driveway.
• Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds attend Marion County Water Quality Discussion and Watershed Tour; 11 a.m.
Roger Van Vark Farmstead, 320 180th St., Otley, IA

Des Moines Area: MPO Transportation Technical Committee Meeting
2016-08-04 09:30 - 10:30 | IA
August 4, 2016 at 9:30 am – 10:30 am Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), 420 Watson Powell Jr Way #200, Des Moines, IA 50309
For more information visit, https://dmampo.org

IPN Annual Meeting and Prairie Event
2016-08-06 08:30 - 20:30 | Floyd County Fossil and Prairie Park, 1227 215th St. , Rockford, IA, 50468, United States
Join Iowa Prairie Network for their Annual Membership Meeting hosted by Region 2 on Saturday, August 6 at the Floyd County Conservation Fossil and Prairie Park Preserve near Rockford! The event is free and open to the public.
Come for the day or camp over the weekend. Camping accommodations are included below.
RSVP for meals by July 30 (more details below)
WEEKEND EVENT SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY — tour local prairies and attractions on your own
SATURDAY
8:30-10:00: Pancake Breakfast *
10:00: IPN Annual Meeting
11:00: IPN Board Meeting
(10:00-11:30: For those not involved in meetings: hunt fossils or tour former Brick and Tile Facility)
11:30: Lunch *
12:30: Presentation/Walking Tour of the prairie at Fossil & Prairie Park
3:00: Presentation/Tour: Local prairie reconstructions (recently planted and several years old), a remnant, and conservation work
6:30: Banquet *
7:30: Speaker: Bob Jackson of Tall Grass Bison
8:30: Evening on your own (there may be some gatherings at a local
campground)
SUNDAY – tour local prairies and attractions on your own
RSVP DETAILS:
* Reservations are requested for breakfast (free will donation) and lunch ($6). Reservations are *required* for the evening banquet ($12.50). To register for meals, please email Dianne Blankenship: bennaid@hotmail.com
Include who/how many plan on attending, and which meals they would like to register for (and if there are any dietary restrictions) by SATURDAY, JULY 30.
For ore information about IPN visit, http://www.iowaprairienetwork.org/
For more information about the park visit,
http://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Floyd/Park/Fossil-Prairie-Park-Preserve-and-Center.aspx
Camping is available in Rockford and at two campgrounds near Marble Rock.
Wyatt Park in Rockford
641-756-3718
Allows RVs and other camping
Tosanak Recreation Area near Marble Rock
http://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Floyd/Park/Tosanak-Recreation-Area.aspx
Has cabins and areas for tent camping. RVs are not allowed
Ackley Creek Park near Marble Rock
http://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Floyd/Park/Ackley-Creek-Park.aspx
Allows RVs and other camping.

Prairie Lakes Conference
2016-08-11 - 2016-08-12 | Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, 1405 US-71, Okoboji, IA, 51355, United States
Sponsored by the Iowa Environmental Council, the Prairie Lakes Conference is a vibrant example of the connectivity where prairie and lakes meet. That is why conservation professionals from throughout the region have banded together to create the Prairie Lakes Conference Thursday-Friday, Aug. 11-12, at the Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center in Okoboji.
Professionals, students and interested members of the public are invited to attend to learn about soil health, water quality, and the connections between the two.
In addition to the conference, Clean Water Week will feature a variety of other environmental events. Check out the agricultural field day Wednesday, Aug. 10, the We Pedal Clean Water conservation bike ride and the Clean Water Concert Saturday, Aug. 13.
For more information and to register visit, http://www.iaenvironment.org/events/eid/ED52136294B9183A/partner-events/prairie-lakes-conference/
A full schedule of speakers will be available at www.plciowa.com as they are confirmed.

Waterloo Transportation Policy Board and Technical
2016-08-11 10:00 - 11:00 | IA
WaterlooTransportation Policy Board and Technical Committee Meeting August 11, 2016 10 a.m. INRCOG Board Room, 229 East Park Ave Waterloo, IA
For more information visit, http://www.inrcog.org/august.htm

Fairfield Solar Fair
2016-08-20 09:00 - 15:00 | Fairfield Iowa Convention and Visitors Bureau, 200 North Main St., Fairfield, IA, 52556, United States
Farmers, business owners, and homeowners interested in going solar will hear answers to common questions and see solar technology in action at this Solar Energy Fair/Mini conference.
The event is designed to be a “one-stop-shop” for those considering solar PV for electricity production at their farm, home, or business.
Schedule of Events
9:00 a.m. – Noon — Vendor Expo
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. — Solar Energy Technology 101, Scott Timm, ISU Extension and Outreach
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. — Solar Finance Presentation, Aurelian Windenberger, Financial Consultant, A Squared Consulting
1 p.m . — 3 p.m. — Solar Crawl
Visit homes, businesses, and farms utilizing solar energy and see the technology in action and to ask questions.
For more information, contact the Iowa Renewable Energy Association (I-Renew) at https://irenew.org/contact

Enhancing Pollinator Habitat
2016-08-20 09:00 - 17:00 | Bremer County Extension Building, 720 7th Ave SW, Tripoli, IA, 50676, United States
Practical Farmers of Iowa will host “Enhancing Pollinator Habitat” at the Bremer County Extension Building in Tripoli with hosts Rob and Tammy Faux and Steve Schmidt. The workshop is for farmers and landowners who want to better understand links between their farm landscape and pollinators. In the morning, Xerces Society pollinator expert Sarah Foltz Jordan will lead the classroom portion at the Extension office. After lunch, the group will caravan to two area farms for “eyes-on” work.
For more information contact leocenter@iastate.edu

Food for a Changing Planet
2016-08-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Clarke University, 1550 Clarke Dr., Dubuque, IA, 52001, United States
Clarke University presents Fred Kirschenmann, a longtime national and international leader in sustainable agriculture, farmer, and author of Cultivating an Ecological Conscience: Essays from a Farmer Philosopher (2010), for a timely and crucial conversation about the future of food in a changing climate. Kirschenman is a Distinguished Fellow for the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and professor in the Department of Philosophy & Religious studies at Iowa State University and has received international recognition for his writing on land ethics.
The lecture is free and will be held in the Jansen Music Hall on the Clarke University Campus in Dubuque.

Myer's Prairie Tour
2016-08-25 19:00 - 21:00 | IA
See a small acreage-sized prairie restoration project up close. Residential landscaping with native plants will be one area that is discussed. Bob and Heidi are enthusiastic, engaging, and quite knowledgeable. There has been talk about a campfire conversation after the tour. Dress for the weather, bring water, and questions!

Location: 1525 Old Portland Road in Van Meter at 7 p.m.. Off 169 north of Winterset, turn east on 148th Street. It will tee into Old Portland after about 2 miles. Turn right to 1525. Parking along the driveway edge.

Mobility needs? Let Nancy (515) 462-1142 know and a four-wheeler will be on site.

Decatur County Mushroom Forays
2016-08-27 - 2016-08-28 | IA
Learn about ectomycorrhizal fungi and how they are important habitat indicators.
Timberhill Oak Savanna, Aug. 27 at 10 a.m.
Lunch will be provided, but we need to know how many plan to attend. Sign up as soon as possible: email Sibylla Brown, timberhll@grm.net, if you plan to attend or call at 641-446-7358.
Directions: (From Des Moines) Take I-35 south to Highway 2, exit 12. Follow Hwy. 2 east through Leon to Pony Farm Road (after mile marker 128, almost to mile marker 129.)
(From the east) Take Hwy 2 west of Hwy 65 to Pony Farm Road, just past mile marker 129, Turn south on Pony Farm Road. Proceed south, keeping left at the Y intersection. The Brown farm, 21675 Pony Farm Road, is on the south side of the road after you pass the red barn, 2 miles from Hwy. 2. A green metal mailbox (no name or address) marks the driveway. There is also a blue “911” sign with our number, 21675.
Nine Eagles State Park, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m.
Meet at the beach
Rugged wooded hills and valleys abundant with oak trees make this one of southern Iowa’s most scenic parks. The timber consists primarily of oak trees some of which are 300 years old. There is also a well established pine plantation in the northeast corner. Ten miles of trails wind through the 1,100 acre park.
Directions: From I-35 south take exit #4 (Lamoni), Hwy. 69. Proceed north 9.6 miles to J66. East on J66 for 5.6 miles to the park entrance.
