1000 Friends of Iowa

Let’s Take a Close Look at Pollinators
2016-07-30 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | 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/

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

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

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/

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

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 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

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.

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.

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/

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

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

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

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

“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/

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.

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/

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/

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/

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.

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/

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.

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

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.

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.

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/

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/

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

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/

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
