EDITOR’S NOTE: This press release has been updated from a version published on October 21 to include a recording of the webinar.
AMES, Iowa — The Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinar recorded Oct. 27 at noon CDT features Beth Baker, assistant extension professor, Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University. Baker conducts research and outreach in areas of water quality, nutrient transport, and other ecosystem services to advance conservation adoption and protect soil and water resources.
In the webinar, “Expanding Engagement in Watershed Conservation & Planning,” Baker presents a case study exploring a project in the Catalpa Creek Watershed. She offers insight into the necessity of collaboration at all project stages, from planning through implementation of a suite of conservation practices. She also discusses communication and engagement strategies that can help improve awareness and capture buy-in from stakeholders throughout the watershed.
“Producers and landowners clearly understand the value of watershed projects, and while these projects provide opportunities to put conservation practices in place, effective stakeholder communication is imperative to building a better understanding of what goes into a watershed plan,” said Baker. “I hope participants in this webinar will better appreciate how impactful watershed collaboration can be and get some ideas for how to share their watershed work with others to build engagement.”
Iowa Learning Farms – October 27, 2021 from ISU CALS ONLINE on Vimeo.
About Iowa Learning Farms:
Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA Section 319 Grant Program and GROWMARK, Inc.
— Iowa Learning Farms