AMES, Iowa — Iowa Learning Farms, along with the Rapid Creek Watershed Project, will host a filter strips and soil health workshop on Thursday, April 13, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Morse Community Club near Iowa City. The event is free and open to the public and includes a complementary meal.
Speaking at the field day is Tim Youngquist, Prairie STRIPS Farmer Liaison, discussing the Science-based Trials of Rowcrops Integrated with Prairie Strips (STRIPS) project where a small percentage of a field is planted into strips of perennial prairie plants to reduce soil erosion, water runoff, improve soil health and to create habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Also speaking is Johnson County Farm Service Agency Director, Matt Berg, who will lead a discussion on the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Adam Janke, Iowa State University Extension Wildlife Specialist, will talk about ways to incorporate wildlife habitat on the farm. Wren Almitra, Rapid Creek Watershed Coordinator, will provide a project update.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own soil samples for a free SOILSCAN 360 analysis by Johnson County NRCS staff during the event.
The field day will be held at the Morse Community Club located at 2542 Putnam St NE, Iowa City, IA. The workshop is free and open to the public, but reservations are suggested to ensure adequate space and food. Contact Liz Juchems at 515-294-5429 or email ilf@iastate.edu.
For more information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit the website: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/.
Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms has become a trusted source of conservation information and research while helping to build 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 are the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Service, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (USEPA section 319), Conservation Districts of Iowa, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Water Center and Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Click here to view a flyer for the event: 04-13-2017 Rapid Creek Flyer
— Iowa Learning Farms
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