2016 Iowa Environmental Council Annual Conference
2016-10-06 08:00 - 16:45 (America/Chicago) | DMACC Ankeny Campus — FFA Enrichment Center, 1055 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny, IA, 50023, United States
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 registrations ends Sept. 2, 2016.
For more information and to register, go to http://www.iaenvironment.org/get-involved/council-events/annual-conference/

Des Moines Planning and Zoning Special Meeting
2016-10-06 16:00 - 17:30 | Richard A. Clark Municipal Service Center 2nd Floor Council Chambers, 1551 East MLK Jr. Pkwy , Des Moines, IA, 50309, United States
Over the next year, the City of Des Moines will be updating their very old and outdated zoning code.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 to help with the new plan.
Click here for today’s agenda.

BRAP- Bike Ride Against Pipelines
2016-10-08 10:00 - 19:00 | Bondurant Trail Head, 2 Main St NE, Bondurant, IA, 50035, United States
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 are welcome!
The bike ride will be on the Chichaqua Valley Trail. Meeting in Bondurant around 10 a.m. then heading towards Mingo to arrive there by 1 p.m. for days events, that will include music, food, and testimony. The event is free but donations are welcome and appreciated.
Find more information visit, http://www.bikeiowa.com/EventPop/11189/brap-bike-ride-against-pipelines

Rural Creative Placemaking Summit
2016-10-12 - 2016-10-14 | University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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 for the centrality of rural creative placemaking – as a field, and as a strategy for development and community sustainability.
For the schedule of events visit, https://ruralgeneration.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Summit-Schedule-of-Events.pdf
To register, go to https://form.jotform.com/61895753017160

The Iowa Chapter of Sierra Club Annual Dinner
2016-10-15 14:00 - 21:00 | Collegiate Presbyterian Church, 159 Sheldon Ave., Ames, IA, 50014, United States
Please join the Iowa Chapter of Sierra Club for a day of food, conversation, interesting ideas, and celebration for the Iowa Chapter’s Annual Dinner. The dinner will be local and sustainably produced foods prepared by the extraordinary chef, Donna Prizgintas. Donna was the personal chef to many well-known Hollywood stars including Warren Beatty, Annette Bennng and Norman Lear.
Two engaging speakers include Alison Hawthorne Deming, a compelling essayist and poet. You may have read her work in Sierra. She will be speaking after dinner. In the afternoon, there will be a Conservation Conversation and hike at Ledges led by Mark Edwards, Sierra Club member and former DNR employee.
Please RSVP by Oct. 13. $40 per person. Find more information and register by visiting, sierraclub.org/iowa/2016AnnualDinnerRes
Details: Saturday, October 15th
2:00 PM Afternoon Hike at Ledges with Mark Edwards; Meet at the Oak Woods Shelter, south of Boone, Iowa.
4:30 PM Wine and cheese reception with the featured speaker at the home of Carolyn Raffensperger in Ames.
5:30 PM Dinner will be held at Collegiate Presbyterian Church, 159 Sheldon Ave, Ames, IA 50014
7:00 PM Alison Hawthorne Deming

Walkability Lecture: Author Jeff Speck in Iowa City
2016-10-24 18:30 - 21:00 | Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St., Iowa City, 52240, United States
Jeff Speck, author of Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time will speak Monday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St., Iowa City. The event is free and open to the public.
Speck is a city planner and urban designer who advocates for more sustainable cities. In his latest book, Walkable City, Speck writes that creating a walkable city is more than constructing sidewalks. Instead, the urban environment must be designed so walking is useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting.
Speck will be available afterwards to sign his book. Prairie Lights will sell copies at the event and will also have them in stock at their shop located at 15 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City.
For more information on Jeff Speck visit, jeffspeck.com
For more information about the lecture visit, click here.

Iowa Energy Summit
2016-10-25 12:30 - 2016-10-26 17:00 | Prairie Meadows Conference & Event Center, 1 Prairie Meadows Dr., Altoona, IA, 50009, United States
Join The Iowa Association for Energy Efficiency (IAEE) from 12:30-3:30 p.m. on Oct. 25 for the Emerging Professionals Workshop. The workshop is open to all industry professionals – whether you’re “breaking in” or an “old hat” this added event will have something for you. Learn more about the workshop here.
Dr. Holmes Hummel will kick off the Summit as keynote speaker. Dr. Hummel is the founder of Clean Energy Works which “connects champions of energy efficiency and renewable energy with resources that accelerate investment in clean energy solutions.”
For more information about the two-day event, click here.

Nitrogen: Streams, Society & Statewide Impact
2016-11-01 17:30 - 20:00 | Science Center of Iowa, 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy., Des Moines, IA, 50309, United States
Join the Science Center of Iowa as they explore the delicate relationship between nitrogen’s necessity and the societal implications of excess nitrogen on ourselves and our landscapes with Dr. Peter Levi.
Dr. Peter Levi is an assistant professor in environmental science and policy at Drake University. His research investigates patterns and processes in freshwater ecosystems, combining physical, chemical, and biological measurements to understand the connections between the components of these dynamic ecosystems. Dr. Levi’s current projects seek to explain the controls on water quality parameters in Iowa streams, rivers, and wetlands. In his previous research, he has assessed restored urban streams in Milwaukee and investigated the effect of annual salmon migrations and watershed timber harvest on streams in Southeast Alaska.
Click here for more information.

Lecture: Author Margaret Atwood
2016-11-01 20:00 - 22:00 | ISU Memorial Union, 2229 Lincoln Way , Ames, IA, 50011, United States
Iowa State University presents “Fiction, the Future and Environmental Crisis,” a lecture by Margaret Atwood, revered author, poet and environmental activist whose more than forty books include “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “The Blind Assassin,” and the MaddAddam trilogy featuring “Oryx and Crake.”
The lecture is free and open to the public. Find more information here, http://www.event.iastate.edu/event/38426

Connect Downtown Public Meetings
2016-11-02 12:00 - 19:30 | Downtown Des Moines Public Library, 1000 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50309, United States
The Urban Land Institute Iowa, Greater Des Moines Partnership, and City of Des Moines will host two public meetings on Nov. 2 at noon to 1 pm or 6 to 7:30 pm at the Downtown Public Library. Speakers include walkability consultant/author Jeff Speck and the engineering firm Nelson/Nygaard. Share your ideas and concerns on how the city can improve walkability, transit, driving, and bicycle access in downtown Des Moines.

For more information about the two public meetings, click here.

To learn more about Jeff Speck, visit jeffspeck.com

Women, Food & Ag Network Annual Conference
2016-11-04 09:00 - 2016-11-05 16:00 | Lied Lodge and Conference Center,, 2700 Sylvan Rd., Nebraska City, IA, 68410, United States
The Women, Food and Ag Network 2016 annual conference is set for Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4-5, at the Lied Lodge and Conference Center, Nebraska City, Neb. The conference theme is Women, Culture, and Permaculture: Making a Living in Harmony with the Land, featuring keynote speaker Karryn Olson-Ramanujan.
Learn more and register for the conference at the WFAN conference website at http://www.wfan.org/2016-wfan-annual-conference/

Water, Prairies, & Climate Change: Iowa’s Environment in Historical Perspective
2016-11-08 16:00 - 17:00 | Old Capitol Museum, Senate Chamber, 21 N Clinton St., Iowa City, IA, 52242, United States
Iowa has been called the most radically transformed environment in the U.S. How has this transformation affected Iowa, the Midwest, and beyond? What will the future bring as climate change influences Iowa? How has Iowa contributed to climate change? Author Connie Mutel and UI School of Urban and Regional Planning Director Chuck Connerly talk about their mutual interest in the history and future of Iowa’s environment and its connections to global climate change.
Click here for more information.

Women Caring for the Land
2016-11-10 09:00 - 15:00 | Stanhope Library, 665 Iowa St., Stanhope, IA, 50246, United States
Women Caring for the Land incorporates a women-only, peer-to-peer informal discussion alongside an afternoon visit to see and discuss conservation practices in action.
As estimates indicate that women now own or co-own nearly half the farmland in the Midwest, many wonder whether they are doing all they can to improve soil and water quality while maintaining high agricultural productivity. Maintaining healthy soil is the key to productivity and environmental health for our farmland. Women landowners who attend this meeting will learn to assess and improve the health of their soils.
The meeting starts at 9 a.m. with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m, continental breakfast and lunch provided. We will finish up with closing discussion and dessert by 3 p.m. This meeting is sponsored by WFAN and Prairie Rivers of Iowa.
For registration information, contact Kayla Hasper at 515-232-0048 or click here for more information.

2016 Iowa Organic Conference
2016-11-13 14:00 - 2016-11-14 17:00 | University of Iowa Memorial Union, 125 North Madison St., Iowa City, IA, 52245, United States
The Iowa State University Organic Agriculture Program invites you to experience the 16th Annual Organic Conference on Sunday evening, Nov. 13 and Monday, Nov. 14 in the Iowa Memorial Union at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. The conference will feature roundtable discussion and an organic luncheon, as well as information from keynote speaker Fred Iutzi, President of the Land Institute. Workshops on a wide variety of organic crop and livestock topics will also take place.
For conference details, schedules, pricing, and more, visit sustainability.uiowa.edu/2016-iowa-organic-conference/

1000 Friends of Iowa Annual Meeting
2016-12-03 10:00 - 16:00 | Cherry Glen Learning Farm, 3989 NW 94th Ave., Polk City, IA, United States
1000 Friends of Iowa invites you to join us Saturday, Dec. 3, for our 18th annual meeting. The annual meeting will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cherry Glen Learning Farm in Polk City, IA. We’ll start with a tour of the farm, followed by great speakers, including organic farmer and soil fertility scientist Dr. Francis Thicke, plus hands-on workshops and a free screening of the documentary Dirt! The Movie. Click here to register!
For more information, contact kfoi@1000friendsofiowa.org

Stand with Iowa December 15, 2016
2016-12-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Polk County Court House, 500 Mulberry St, Des Moines, IA, United States
Stand With Iowa December 15th!
Iowa Needs You!
CALLING ALL WATER PROTECTORS & PIPELINE FIGHTERS FROM ACROSS THE MIDWEST
Stand up for Iowa! Protect our soil, water, health, climate, and future.
Join with pipeline fighters and water protectors from across the Midwest on Thursday, December 15th in Des Moines, Iowa.
We will stand with Bakken Pipeline Resistance Coalition partners Iowa Sierra Club and BOLD Iowa at their day in court. Together, we will stand for the Missouri, Des Moines, South Skunk, and Mississippi Rivers. We will stand with the Iowa landowners contesting abuse of eminent domain. We will stand for the protection of our children, our communities, and our futures.
We need a big crowd, and we need you there! The state needs to see that our numbers are growing!
What: Stand with Iowa Rally! to tell Iowa’s courts they must shut this pipeline down
Where: Polk County Courthouse, 500 Mulberry St. Des Moines, IA
Date: Thursday, December 15th
Time: Gather at 8 AM outside courthouse; hearing from 9 am to 11 am; march to Cowles Common 11: 15 am; Rally at Cowles Common at 11:30 am
More information: Visit our facebook event page or this website for updates
We will meet at the courthouse at 8 am to fill the room with water protectors! Together, we will stand with those testifying on behalf of Iowa’s land and water. Please respect courthouse rules: no signs, no phones inside the courthouse (outside at the rally ok). Pipeline fighter t-shirts are ok. Following the hearing, we will march four blocks to Cowles Common for a rally. Tweet #StandForIowa and #NoDAPL to show your solidarity and support!
We’ve been mad ever since the Iowa Utilities Board, relying on empty promises and misinformation from Dakota Access, threw Iowans under the bus when it approved the Dakota Access’ Bakken pipeline last March. Now, on December 15th, we will finally get our day in court when lawyers representing both landowners and water and soil protectors appear before an appeals judge to show that the IUB, in approving the pipeline, violated legal precedent and ignored the safety of Iowa’s soil, water, and, most importantly, its citizens.
Make no mistake; even if Dakota Access were to complete the pipeline construction, and even if it were to begin transporting its water-threatening, climate-disrupting fracked oil, the court has the authority to shut it down. This historic legal proceeding provides the perfect backdrop for all of us opposed to the pipeline to stand together and demand that the injustice perpetrated by Governor Branstad’s unelected, three-person board be undone.
We need you on the 15th to stand with us to protect Iowa’s rivers, soil, communities, climate, and public health! We are on the right side of history and we won’t back down.
In solidarity,
The Bakken pipeline Resistance Coalition

AARP's The Missing Middle
2016-12-16 08:00 - 10:00 | Des Moines University Olsen Center, 3200 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, United States
Age-Friendly Greater Des Moines
Join AARP and the volunteer and community leaders of the Greater Des Moines Age-Friendly Initiative for the fourth annual report to the community, featuring special guest Daniel Parolek.
A national thought leader in architecture, design, and urban planning, Mr. Parolek will speak on the concept of Missing Middle Housing. He’ll address how these types of developments are helping to meet the growing demand for age-friendly housing and walkable urban living.
Please RSVP at: http://aarp.cvent.com/events/aarp-iowa-age-friendly-greater-des-moines-ia-12-16-16/event-summary-1a2414b2e88a4096b8060a25d11c66a9.aspx

Show your support for Des Moines Sustainability Taskforce at City Council!
2016-12-19 04:30 - 19:30 | Des Moines City Council Chambers, 400 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA, United States
In August, the Des Moines City Council met to set priorities for 2017 for the city’s strategic plan. One of the priorities that the council identified at the workshop meeting was the creation of a sustainability task force.
The taskforce was the idea of a group of Des Moines area organizations, including 1000 Friends of Iowa. the purpose of the task force is to help the City of Des Moines achieve a 5 star rating with Star Communities Network – with a focus on addressing climate change and environmental justice.
Monday, December 19 at 4:30 pm the city council will officially vote on the priorities that they identified., including the task force. Please join us to support the task force!

Benefit Show to continue help for Water Protectors
2016-12-23 20:00 | Bogg’s Hull Ave Tavern, 834 Hull Ave, Des Moines, IA, United States
Benefit show at Bogg’s Hull Ave Tavern all proceeds will go to help Mississippi Stand.
Des Moines Live presents:
Agrinex
https://www.facebook.com/Agrinex.Black.Metal/
Primal Breath
https://www.facebook.com/Primal-Breath-118844914853353/
Curseword
https://www.facebook.com/curseworddsm/
Still Shine Railroad
https://www.facebook.com/still.railroad?fref=ts
Ghostbusters
8pm
-$5 suggested donation that goes directly to Mississippi Stand.
-A BATTLE WAS WON BUT THE WAR IS FAR FROM OVER! We won at Standing Rock but still have water protectors with Mississippi Stand who badly NEED OUR HELP and are working RIGHT HERE IN IOWA! Their legal fund is all but diminished and these people are fighting to protect clean drinking water for ALL OF US and ALL OF OUR CHILDREN. There is a link in the posts for more information, and the total amount raised will be announced at the end of the show!
-Also this will be an awesome night full of some of Des Moines best local bands at one of our oldest watering holes..so show up for the music or for the cause or both but show up!

West Des Moines Public Meeting on Veterans Parkway and Bike Trail
2017-01-04 17:30 - 19:30 | West Des Moines City Hall, Council Chambers, 4200 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA, United States
The City of West Des Moines is holding a public meeting for landowners and other stakeholders to give input on possible alternative routes for the proposed Veterans Parkway expansion. The expansion of this up-to-six lane highway will have a serious impact on the Great Western Bike Trail and greenway, and on neighboring land owners. To see the proposed alternatives – follow this link.

Best Development Awards Ceremony
2017-01-19 11:30 - 13:30 | Iowa State Capitol Building First Floor Rotunda, 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, United States
Join us Thursday, January 19 at the Iowa State Capitol Building to recognize this year’s winners of 1000 Friends of Iowa’s Best Development Awards!
The ceremony will start at noon and will be located in the first Floor Rotunda. Lunch will be provided before the ceremony begins.
The Best Development Awards recognizes communities, businesses and individuals who are doing development with sustainability in mind. These are projects that show us there is a better way to do things and these projects can serve as models for others.
Please register for the event by clicking here.
Come early and meet with your legislators to talk bout land use issues! We’ll provide talking points and handouts.

Beekeeping classes
2017-01-24 06:00 - 2017-02-28 20:00 | Cherry Glen Learning Farm, 3989 NW 94th Ave., Polk City, IA, United States
Cherry Glen Farm will be hosting Beekeeping classes–each class includes hands-on activities. We also host on-site field days

If an adult attends one child can attend free
Tuesday evenings, Jan.24-Feb. 28; 6:00-8:00 PM
Saturday mornings, Jan 28-March 4: 8:00-10:00 AM
Cost: $40

Register at: cherryglenfarmiowa@gmail.com
515-450-1207 or 515-619-9014

People's Climate Movement Des Moines
2017-04-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Iowa State Capitol West Terrace, 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa, 50319, United States
On Saturday April 29, Iowans from across the state will join together at the People’s Climate Rally in Des Moines, IA to stand up for good jobs, environmental justice and clean energy. At the same time Iowa will take a stand to oppose the dismantling of the Clean Power Plan, the expansion of fossil fuels, and the weakening of provisions that support renewable energy, equity and creation of good jobs.
Though the focus of the event is serious, there will be fun for the entire family. The day will be interspersed with music, great speakers and activities for young and old!
Who: The People’s Climate Movement Rally Des Moines, IA
When: Saturday, April 29 from1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: West Terrace on the Iowa State Capitol Grounds
What: Music, great speakers and kids activities
RSVP: http://bit.ly/2paX7kk
David Osterberg from the Iowa Policy Project will be the emcee for the event. There will be music featuring Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dartanyan Brown, and Native American drummers. Numerous organizations from around the state will have booths and there will be kids activities including kite making and kite flying, art areas and games for kids as well.
The People’s Climate Movement Des Moines is a coalition of thirty organizations, Churches, scientists and more, who are joining together to find real solutions to the climate crisis while supporting good jobs, social justice and clean energy. Organizations include 1000 Friends of Iowa, Central Iowa Sierra Club, and the Bakken Pipeline Resistance Coalition. Please RSVP at: http://bit.ly/2paX7kk.
Click here for location information.

Shirm/Stephenson Prairie Remnant Tour Sunday June 25 3:30 pm
2017-06-25 15:30 | Shirm/Stepenson Prairie, 3067 Pleasant View Trail , Peru, IA, 50222, United States
This tour, near Peru, IA is one you won’t want to miss! It’s a rare opportunity to see an “off the beaten path” gem of remnant prairie, prairie reconstruction, and savanna managed for over 20 years. The management goal was to improve habitat for hunting.
Dress for grassland and woodland setting. Bring water and bug repellent. Mobility aids will be present, so don’t let that prevent your attendance. We hope to have Pheasants Forever members as our guests as well. See you on the prairie!!

Address: 3067 Pleasant View Trail — Take Peru Road to the stop sign in the town of Peru. Turn South on Odell Ave. Odell Ave. will quickly turn into Brown Street. Proceed West on Brown Street out of town (the road will turn into Gravel). The gravel road will come to a Y intersection. Bear LEFT and then quickly LEFT again on Pleasant View Trail. After approximately 2 miles, take the grade B road RIGHT where a log home is located. Look for parking directions at this destination.

Des Moines Sustainability Tour July 26
2017-07-26 13:50 - 17:10 | 400 E Court Ave Des Moines, IA, 400 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA, United States
Wednesday July 26 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm the Des Moines Citizens Sustainability TaskForce (which 1000 Friends of Iowa is part of), will host a Sustainability Tour in Des Moines Iowa.
Among those attending the tour are: Des Moines City Council members, Mayor Cownie, Polk County Supervisors, members of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and others interested in a sustainable Des Moines.
The tour will highlight existing projects within the city limits that were designed with sustainability in mind. Projects include:
— A park shelter that is LEED Certified and incorporates sustainable elements such as stormwater mitigation, rain gardens, and geothermal heating and cooling.
— A residence that is in the process of being rehabbed with sustainability and renewable energy elements. The house incorporated a non-profit’s programming into the rehab design. In includes rainwater collection, repurposed construction material that resulted in zero construction waste, compost tumblers from barrels, and a basement that has been converted for vertical farming and hydroponics, as well as youth programming.
— Two projects that won a 1000 Friends of Iowa Best Development Award. Both projects started by renovating existing structures and incorporating solar and numerous other sustainable features. One is a mixed use building (shown in photo) and the other is a business.
— A stormwater and watershed restoration project at Easter Lake.
DART is providing a bus for the tour and will pick us up at 400 E Court in the parking lot. Space on the bus is limited, so please RSVP soon.
Please RSVP by emailing: Kari@1000friendsofiowa.org or calling 515-288-5364.
For those who would like to join for just a portion of the tour or need to drive on their own, the tour route is:
1:50 p.m. Meet at the back parking lot of City Hall, 400 E. Court Ave., to board bus
2:05 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. Stop #1 — 1650 Garfield Ave. – MLK, Jr. Shelter House (Ward 2)
2:40 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. Stop #2 — 1409 16th St. — Homes 4 My Peeps Sustainable Project home (Ward 1)
3:10 p.m.- 3:40 p.m. Stop #3 – 800 19th St. (corner of 19th and Center Street) – Green and Main – 2016 BDA winner for Renovated Mixed Use Building (Ward 3)
3:50 p.m. – 4:20 p.m. Stop #4 — 130 E. 3rd St. — Market One Building – 2016 BDA winner for Renovated Commercial Building (Ward 4)
4:30 p.m. – 4:50 p.m. Stop #5 — Easter Lake Watershed Project (Ward 4)
5:00-5:10 p.m. Drop off at City Hall, 400 E Court Ave.

RDG Planning and Design - 2018 Design Residency
2018-10-24 - 2018-10-25 | RDG Planning and Design, 301 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 500309, United States
JOIN US:
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23 – 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Welcome Ceremony
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24 – 8:00 am – 9:45 am Introductory Panel
Kick-off Design Residency with the vision, program structure and goals. Presenters provide an overview into climate resilience followed by a curated panel discussion. Confirmed participants include:
• Eric Weiland, Advisor/Program Manager – FEMA
• Jonathan Rosenbloom, Dwight D. Opperman Distinguished Professor of Law; Director, Environment and
Sustainability Program – Drake University Law School
10:00 am – 11:45 am City Administrators Panel
Defining the role city and community leaders play in addressing resilience issues. Sharing real-world experience with crisis events and attempts at implementing resilience planning and policy.
Discussing obstacles communities face in shaping and implementing resilience planning and policy. Confirmed participants include:
• Laura Graham, Sustainability Coordinator – City of Des Moines, Iowa
• Jonathan Gano, Public Works Manager – City of Des Moines, Iowa
• Dan Holderness, City Engineer – City of Coralville, Iowa
• Matt McQuillen, City Manager – City of Clive, Iowa
11:45 am – 1:30 pm Lunch / Walking Tour of Des Moines
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Economics and Risk Management Panel
Describe the critical role economic issues play in shaping community development and resilience.
Discuss economic obstacles that communities face in shaping resilience planning and policy
Confirmed participants include:
• David Keiser, Natural Resource Economics – Iowa State University
• David Courard-Hauri, Economics and Environmental Policy – Drake University
3:15 pm – 4:30 pm Policy and Risk Planning Design Charrette
4:45 pm – 5:30 pm Website Visioning Charrette
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Dinner / Happy Hour
6:30 pm Resident Work Session

20 Years - Taking a Stand for the Land - Annual Meeting and Celebration
2018-10-27 10:00 - 16:00 | University of Northern Iowa’s (UNI) Center For Energy & Environmental Education, 8106 Jennings Drive Cedar Falls, IA, Cedar Falls, IA, 50614, United States
Join us October 27 for our 20th Anniversary Annual Meeting. From 10:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with our special guest Eric Giddens, Energy Program Manager for Community Energy and Climate Action at the UNI’s Center for Energy and Environmental Education. We’ll also have a “walking workshop” led by the Tallgrass Prairie Center, a story telling panel sharing stories and insights from the past 20 years of 1000 Friends of Iowa and much more!
Registration is $35 per individual/$60 per couple for members or $45 per individual/$70 per couple for non-members.
Center for Energy and Environmental Education,
8106 Jennings Dr, Cedar Falls, IA
October 27, 2018 10:00 am -4:00pm
Eric Giddens
Register today by clicking here!

Food Access in Your Neighborhood
2018-11-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Martin Luther King Jr Community Center 1650 Garfield Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316, 1650 Garfield Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50316, United States
Whether it is the lack of a grocery store, farmers market, community gardens, or fresh, affordable, and healthy food – We need better access to food in all of our neighborhoods.
We know with the impacts of climate change, the issue of food access will get even worse.
Come help us give the City of Des Moines ideas on how to improve food access for ALL residents. Join us for a free dinner, activities for kids, some take-home ideas and items, and most importantly… opportunities to let your voice be heard.
Thursday, November 1, 2018 6:00 -8:00 pm Martin Luther King Jr Community Center 1650 Garfield Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
Sponsored by the Des Moines Citizens’ Taskforce on Sustainability, 1000 Friends of Iowa, Habitat for Humanity, The Martin Luther King Jr Neighborhood association, Eat Greater Des Moines, Homes 4 My Peeps, and Iowa State University.
For more information, contact: Kari Carney 515-288-5364 or kari@1000friendsofiowa.org
This Conversation is the first of at least three Race, Climate and Community Conversations. Join us in 2019 for Housing & Energy and another on Health and Safety.

Best Development Award Ceremony
2019-01-22 11:45 - 13:00 | Iowa State Capitol Building First Floor Rotunda, 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, United States
Join us for a light lunch starting at 11:45 a.m. and an inspiring awards ceremony at 12 noon.

First Hearing City of Des Moines Proposed Zoning Code
2019-09-09 16:30 - 19:30 | Des Moines City Council Chambers, 400 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA, United States
Join us at the City Council Chambers on September 9 for the first public hearing on the proposed zoning code. This code is a complete overhaul of what the city had before. And though we like a lot of what is in it — form-based code, an emphasis on walkable neighborhoods, reduction of minimum parking requirements, and updated solar regulations — there are things we want to see changed.
Specifically, it is important to remove any minimum house size requirements in the code, remove the requirement that every house has to have a garage and remove the requirement that every house has a basement. These requirements do not fit with the cities goal to reduce green house gas emissions and ensure affordable, mixed income housing and neighborhoods. Large, minimum house requirements mean that homes will become unaffordable to purchase and unaffordable to heat and cool.
Many home buyers and renters are looking for homes with a smaller footprint, homes that are in neighborhoods that are walkable and bikeable and have easy access to public transit. These requirements leave out many people and are short sighted. In addition, the city should move towards mixed-income neighborhoods and developments. Research shows that well thought-out mixed income neighborhoods reduce poverty and increase opportunity, as well as other benefits. Minimum housing requirements could make mixed income house an impossibility.
In addition, we would like to see more of an emphasis on urban agriculture and urban forest and woodlands incorporated into the zoning code. We would also like to see food gardens allowed in the front yards and parking.
