1000 Friends of Iowa

Climate Emergency: DSM City Council Meeting
2016-04-25 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | 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

Seminar: Growing a New Generation of Agroecological Interpreters
2016-04-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Iowa Central Community College, One Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, IA, United States
Iowa Central Community College presents Luke Gran, forester and owner of Prudenterra, is a native Iowan, alumnus of the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Iowa State University with a B.S. in Forestry & International Agriculture (2008). Enjoy a diverse presentation and a brain-stimulating small group activity “designing a better farm” to achieve water quality, soil quality, and biodiversity goals.
To register call: 515-574-1293
Find more information at http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/calendar/2016-04-20/seminar-growing-new-generation-agroecological-interpreters

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Women, Land & Legacy
2016-04-20 13:00 - 14:00 | IA
The regular monthly Iowa Learning Farms webinar for April will be on Wednesday, April 20, at 1 p.m. This month’s guest speakers are Wren Almitra, Women, Land & Legacy Coordinator, and Tanya Meyer-Dideriksen, NRCS Area Easement Specialist.
Women, Land & Legacy (WLL) is a USDA outreach project that gives agricultural women in Iowa the opportunity to network with other local women landowners, to inform agencies of their needs, and to become a well-informed decision maker for their land and farming operation. The program is led through local teams in 24 Iowa counties and has successfully reached over 3,000 individuals to date. These local teams create a network of agricultural women who decide what programs, projects, and information they specifically need to assist them in farming and conservation decision making. The presentation will cover the program’s statewide presence and how new counties can become involved in Iowa as well as in other states.
The ILF webinars are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. They are free, and all that is needed to participate is a computer with Internet access. To log in, go to: https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/ at 1 p.m. on the afternoon of the webinar and log in through the “guest” option. Webinar participants will be able to converse with Almitra and Meyer-Dideriksen by typing their questions through the chat function. The webinar will be recorded and archived on the ILF website for viewing at any time at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/Webinars/.
Get more information, http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/calendar/2016-04-20/iowa-learning-farms-webinar#sthash.GoAZ13xh.dpuf

North Iowa Earth Day Events in April
2016-04-16 - 2016-04-26 | IA
Find out the great events offered in Mason City and Clear Lake. From community cleanups to a 5k and 10K race, there are loads of fun activities that promote stewardship of the environment and community building.
Get information about all the events happening in April at http://www.earthdaynorthiowa.org/

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/

Iowa Energy Plan Public Hearings
2016-04-12 17:30 - 2016-04-14 19:30 | IA
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.

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/

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/

Plant Some Shade Program: Scott County
2016-04-08 - 2016-04-18 | IA
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

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.

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.

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.

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 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!

State Forest Nursery Sale
2016-03-07 - 2016-03-25 | IA
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 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.

Iowa Utilities Board Hearings on Bakken Pipeline
2016-02-08 08:00 - 2016-02-11 17:00 | IA
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.

Iowa Caucuses Monday February 1
2016-02-01 19:00 - 21:00 | IA
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/

Climate Emergency Caucus
2016-01-29 19:00 - 21:00 | IA
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.

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!

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.

Deadline to submit nominations for the Best Development Awards
2015-12-15 08:00 - 17:00 | IA
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/

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.

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.

2015 - U.S. Food Sovereignty Alliance’s - Prize Winners
2015-10-14 19:00 - 21:00 | IA
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
