The Benefits of Biomass Combined Heat & Power
2015-04-23 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
Thursday, April 23, 1-hour webinar featuring Sullivan County, N.H., Facilities Director John Cressy describing the county’s $3.4 million biomass CHP system. Free webinar sponsored by Hurst Boiler. Register now…

Randy Rodgers Publisher & Executive Editor
Sustainable City Network • www.sCityNetwork.com
801 Bluff St. • Dubuque, IA 52001 • 563-588-3853
For Leaders in Government, Education & Healthcare
Think before you print.

Cooling Water Solutions for Power Plant Professionals
2015-04-28 12:00 - 2015-04-29 16:00
April 28-29, 4-hour online course examining cooling tower fundamentals including basic design details and heat transfer, followed by discussion of chemistry and water treatment issues. Instructed by Brad Buecker and Raymond Post, P.E. $299. Learn more…

Randy Rodgers Publisher & Executive Editor
Sustainable City Network • www.sCityNetwork.com
801 Bluff St. • Dubuque, IA 52001 • 563-588-3853
For Leaders in Government, Education & Healthcare
Think before you print.

Designing Wayfinding Systems that Extend Your Civic Brand
2015-04-30 13:00 - 14:00
Thursday, April 30, 1-hour webinar featuring Grant Hayzlett, who has worked with more than 100 civic projects involving signage, furniture and interactive elements that all work together to illustrate and promote a community’s civic brand. Free webinar sponsored by National Sign Plazas. Register now…

Randy Rodgers Publisher & Executive Editor
Sustainable City Network • www.sCityNetwork.com
801 Bluff St. • Dubuque, IA 52001 • 563-588-3853
For Leaders in Government, Education & Healthcare
Think before you print.

Brownfield Site Restoration and Remediation
2015-05-12 12:00 - 2015-05-14 18:00
May 12-14, 6-hour online course covering the components of a brownfield transaction and the critical due diligence tasks necessary to complete a successful transaction, including legal, real estate, environmental, financing and risk transfer. Instructed by Mark Selman, P.E. $295. Learn more…

Randy Rodgers Publisher & Executive Editor
Sustainable City Network • www.sCityNetwork.com
801 Bluff St. • Dubuque, IA 52001 • 563-588-3853
For Leaders in Government, Education & Healthcare
Think before you print.

Pro H2O – Celebrating 20 Years
2015-06-11 18:00 - 21:00
Are you Pro H2O?
If you swim, paddle or fish in our state’s lakes, rivers and streams; walk, run, hike or bike along our waterways; enjoy seeing Iowa’s wildlife thrive; or use water to care for the land, yourself and your family you are!
Save the date for a special edition of our annual event, Pro H2O, celebrating the Iowa Environmental Council’s 20th anniversary.
Questions? Contact Development Director Jamie Burch at 515-255-1194 x202 or burch@iaenvironment.org

Conservation Policy Landowner Workshop
2015-07-31 10:00 - 14:00 | Indian Hills Community College, Centerville, IA, United States
Good morning. I wanted to let PFI farmers and landowners know of an opportunity to provide input on Iowa conservation policy and implementation of conservation programs at the state and federal level.
State and federal officials are looking for input from landowners on conservation policy and implementation of conservation programs. To facilitate this dialogue, Drake University Agricultural Law Center is holding a Conservation Policy Landowner Workshop in Centerville on July 31, 2015.
This regional workshop is part of a larger project supported by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University that will evaluate Iowa’s past and existing conservation policy and provide discussion and guidance on further developments and innovations.
The Conservation Policy Workshop in Centerville will focus on the role of landowners, both farm operators and non-operators, in conservation policy and program implementation. The workshop will be held at Indian Hills Community College – Room 15/16 on July 31, 2015 from 10 – 2. The workshop will allow producers and landowners to provide input on state and federal conservation policy as well as program implementation and contracts with USDA and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Lunch will be provided.
Landowners interested in attending the Centerville Workshop should RSVP Ed Cox at edcox@ommglaw.com or call 641-856-3251. For more information on the state-wide project contact 515-271-4956 or email Matt Russell at matt.russell@drake.edu.
Thanks,
Ed Cox

Smart Growth - Event August 26 & 27
2015-08-26 07:30 - 2015-08-27 09:30
If a picture is worth a thousand words, consider the maps produced by planner and speaker Joe Minicozzi. For more information, visit http://dmampo.org/events/speaker-joe-minicozzi/.
Minicozzi-Joe-300x225Minicozzi, the principal at consulting company Urban 3, uses three-dimensional illustrations of cities to show value per acre – highlighting the development patterns with the highest return on public investment.
Minicozzi is conducting similar research on Greater Des Moines and will share his observations and findings at a series of events August 26 and 27 in Des Moines. All are open to the public and free to attend. Each presentation will be tailored toward different audiences’ interests.
Wednesday, August 26 – 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, 420 Watson Powell Jr. Way #200, Des Moines
“Viewing Cities as Investment Portfolios”
Why should cities invest in what they’ve already built? What is the connection between the physical design of cities and their fiscal sustainability? How can we maximize returns on our municipal investment portfolios? Please join us for this engaging discussion, looking at a community’s assets-land, tax base, and infrastructure-as a financial investment portfolio. Joe Minicozzi – Municipal and Elected Officials (printable event flier PDF).
RSVP to GreenStreets@iowa.gov
Wednesday, August 26 – 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Modus Engineering, 130 East 3rd Street, Des Moines.
Young Leaders Social and Meet & Greet with Joe Minicozzi
Studies across the United States show that young professionals desire to live and work in places that emphasize walkability and mixed uses. Turns out mixed use, walkable places are often also the types of places that generate the greatest financial returns for business and communities. You are invited to a networking event on the beautiful rooftop patio of Modus Engineering with spectacular views of the Des Moines skyline and the state capitol for an informal meet-&-greet with Joe Minicozzi of Urban3. Joe is a much sought after presenter on the value of investing in walkable, mixed use projects. Joe Minicozzi – Young Leaders Meet & Greet (printable event flier PDF)
RSVP to GreenStreets@iowa.gov
Wednesday, August 26 – 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
Creating More Fiscally Efficient and Sustainable Cities
How can cities be more fiscally efficient and sustainable? How do counties benefit from maximizing investments in city projects? What types of developments create the quality of life and financial returns that local governments and residents are seeking? Join us in this entertaining presentation and discussion that will have you thinking differently about how cities grow and develop. Joe Minicozzi – General Public (printable event flier in PDF)
RSVP to GreenStreets@iowa.gov
Thursday, August 27 – 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
“Development Nodes: Good for Business and Cities”
Development nodes are good for businesses and local governments. How can the return on investment in urban and suburban development nodes in the metro area be maximized? How can the business case be bolstered for more investment in walkable, mixed use developments? What types of developments create the best return for city and county investments? Why should we be spending as much time with city finance staff as with city engineering staff in the development process? Join us in a lively discussion as Joe Minicozzi of Urban3 shares the results from a recent study of greater Des Moines metro area development types and the impact of those development types on local government investment portfolios. Joe Minicozzi – Business and Developers (printable event flier in PDF)
RSVP to GreenStreets@iowa.gov
The event is part of The Tomorrow Plan 2015 Speaker Series and is made possible by the following sponsors: Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Capital Crossroads and the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Minicozzi to discuss development areas
2015-08-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Des Moines, IA, United States
Joe Minicozzi of Urban3 LLC will discuss mixed-use developments that cater to pedestrians at 8 a.m. Aug. 27 at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. He will also discuss what types of developments create the best return for local government investments. Networking begins at 7:30 a.m. Urban3 is a consulting company formed by an Asheville, N.C., real estate developer. The keynote address is sponsored by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Iowa Economic Development Authority and others. RSVP by Aug. 24 to GreenStreets@iowa.gov.

"Growing Sustainable Communities" Conference in Dubuque on Oct. 6-7
2015-10-06 - 2015-10-07
The 8th annual Growing Sustainable Communities conference will be held on the Dubuque riverfront in early October. Hosted by the City of Dubuque and Sustainable City Network, the event features two days of education, inspiration and collaboration for those interested in the convergence of economic prosperity, ecological integrity and social/cultural vibrancy in community design and development.
City government professionals will present case studies on sustainability initiatives in the Midwestern communities of Grandview, Mo., Madison, Wis., St. Paul, Minn., South Bend, Ind., Lawrence, Kan., Moline, Ill., and the Iowa communities of Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Davenport, Charles City, Ames, Iowa City and Dubuque. Researchers from seven universities and numerous nonprofits will also present their findings.
The speaker line up includes Beth Osborne, senior policy adviser at Transportation for America and former Acting Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy at the U.S. DOT. She will deliver the Tuesday luncheon keynote address. Gloria Rubio-Cortes, president of the National Civic League and executive editor of the National Civic Review, will deliver the Wednesday morning plenary address; and Peter Kageyama, author and community development consultant will present the Wednesday luncheon keynote address.
Registration information can be found at http://www.gscdubuque.com/

2015 - U.S. Food Sovereignty Alliance’s - Prize Winners
2015-10-14 19:00 - 21:00
In 2015, the U.S. Food Sovereignty Alliance’s two prize winners are the Federation of Southern Cooperatives in the U.S., and the Black Fraternal Organization of Honduras. The prizes will be presented on Tuesday, October 14 at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 1548 8th Street in Des Moines, IA at 7:00 p.m.
The Food Sovereignty Prize challenges the view that simply producing more through industrial agriculture and aquaculture will end hunger or reduce suffering. The world currently produces more than enough food, but imbalanced access to wealth means inadequate access to food. Real solutions protect the rights to land, seeds and water of family farmers and indigenous communities worldwide and promote sustainable agriculture through agroecology. Please check out U.S. Food Sovereignty Alliance and Food Sovereignty Prize online.
Contact:
Lisa Griffith, National Family Farm Coalition
US Food Sovereignty Alliance
(773)319-5838
lisa@nffc.net

Bakken Pipeline Resistance Coalition Press Conference & Public Hearing
2015-11-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Boone County Fairgrounds, 1601 Industrial Park Road, Boone, IA, United States
November 12, 2015 8:00 am-5:00 PM Boone County Fairgrounds. press conference and public hearing. Speak out against the Bakken Pipeline, join us for a rally and press conference starting at 8:00 am, followed by the public hearing starting at 9:00 am. More information can be found here.

1000 Friends of Iowa Annual Meeting
2015-12-05 13:00 - 16:00 | Griffieon Farm, 11655 NE 6th Street, Ankeny, IA, United States
Join us December 5, 2015 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Griffieon Farm in Ankeny, IA. For a celebration of the past year and looking forward to exciting things in 2016. We will be joined by very special guests Jim Thompson of Main Street Iowa Project and Ed Fallon of the Fallon Forum, freshly back from the Climate march in Paris.

Deadline to submit nominations for the Best Development Awards
2015-12-15 08:00 - 17:00
December 15, 2015 is the last day to submit nominations for the 2015 best Development Awards. For more information about the awards and for a nomination form, please go here: https://1000friendsofiowa.org/now-accepting-nominations-for-the-2015-best-development-awards/

Best Development Awards Ceremony
2016-01-21 11:30 - 12:40 | Iowa State Capitol, 1007 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50319, United States
January 21, 2016 Iowa State Capitol Building from 11:30 am -12:30 pm. First floor rotunda. More information coming soon.

1000 Friends of Iowa Sustainability and Land Use Lobby Day
2016-01-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Iowa State Capitol, 1007 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50319, United States
January 21, 2016 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Land Use and Sustainability Lobby Day. More information coming soon!

Climate Emergency Caucus
2016-01-29 19:00 - 21:00
Do you care about climate change and want to ensure the climate message gets out this caucus season? Plan to attend the Climate Emergency Caucus — Friday January 29. More information here.

Iowa Caucuses Monday February 1
2016-02-01 19:00 - 21:00
Monday February 1st, Iowan’s have the unique honor of being the first in the nation to decide who we want as our nominees for President. This is an opportunity for Iowans to set the tone for the nation. In addition to this honor, we have the ability to propose resolutions that we want our respective parties to include in the state platform. as a way to help set the political agenda and ensure that our elected officials know what issues are important to us.
1000 Friends of Iowa has drafted resolutions, based on our issue priorities for you to take to your caucus site to send on to the platform committee for adoption. 2016 Caucus Resolutions

Caucus locations can be found here: http://iowademocrats.org/2016-democratic-caucus-locations/
and here:
https://www.iowagop.org/caucus-locations/

Iowa Utilities Board Hearings on Bakken Pipeline
2016-02-08 08:00 - 2016-02-11 17:00
The IUB will hold 3 days of deliberations on the Bakken Pipeline’s request for eminent domain. Though there will be no opportunity for public input, strong attendance by the public sends a message to the IUB that people care and are paying attention to their decisions. February 8-11. More information coming soon.

Windsor Heights Complete Streets Initiative Hearing
2016-02-08 17:30 - 19:30 | Windsor Heights Community Center, 6900 School Street, Windsor Heights
The city of Windsor Heights is proposing improvements along University Avenue based on the Complete Streets Initiative. The concept includes protected bike lanes. The hearing is February 8 at 5:30 pm. Read more about the proposal here.

State Forest Nursery Sale
2016-03-07 - 2016-03-25
Interested in creating butterfly and bird habitats? Then you don’t want to miss this great deal from the Iowa State Forest Nursery–available only until March 25. You’ll get 250 bare-root seedlings that attract a variety of pollinators, butterflies, and birds for $110 plus tax, shipping and handling.
To take advantage of this offer, download this order form and submit via email or call the State Forest Nursery at (800) 865-2477 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and mention the “Butterfly and Bird packet.”
Each month, the State Forest Nursery creates a different specialty packet to offer a unique mix of tree and shrub species for that month only. This month’s specialty packet is only available through March 25, 2016. Look for a new packet on April 5, 2016.
Seedling choices, including photos and descriptions, can be seen in the seedling catalog at www.iowadnr.gov/seedlingcatalog
For more information about this monthly special or other tree and shrub seedlings, contact the Iowa DNR State Forest Nursery at (800) 865-2477.

Windsor Heights Committee of the Whole City Council Meeting
2016-03-07 17:30 - 19:30 | 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
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
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/
