AMES, Iowa — The Conservation Learning Group, a think tank organization based at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and dedicated to addressing conservation and environmental challenges, recently published a series of infographics aimed at providing information about water quality and conservation topics relevant to Iowa in an easily consumed and understood format.

The six new infographics include an introduction to the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy as well as four “A Closer Look” pieces that dive into topics such as algal blooms and farmland ownership dynamics related to conservation.

“Our goal in publishing these infographics is to promote understanding and facilitate learning through science- and research-based information regarding water quality in Iowa and the INRS that is accessible to everyone,” said Matthew Helmers, director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center and dean’s professor in Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Using a combination of visual elements and text, each of the new documents presents facts and figures that will help readers easily gain an understanding of key issues. For those interested in delving deeper into these topics, each infographic contains references to additional helpful resources.

The infographics are hosted on the Conservation Learning Group website, and are free to download and distribute. Visitors to the site will also find videos and additional conservation and water quality resources.

The new infographic series includes:

• Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy – Aiming to Improve Water Quality.
• Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy – Frequently Asked Questions.
• A Closer Look: Harmful Algal Blooms.
• A Closer Look: What Drives Conservation Decisions in Iowa?
• A Closer Look: Iowa Farmland Ownership and Water Quality.
• A Closer Look: Stream Delivery of Nitrogen and Phosphorus.

“There has been a lot of public discussion about nutrients in our water, which has led to some confusion and misunderstandings,” continued Helmers. “Water quality is not just a rural or urban concern — it affects all Iowans, and it will take cooperation and collaboration from all sectors to successfully address nutrient reduction. CLG is committed to helping all Iowans learn and understand their role in keeping the only water we will ever have clean and safe.”

About Conservation Learning Group

Conservation Learning Group is a collaborative team established to advance training, outreach and research across land uses and production systems to increase overall sustainability of agricultural and natural systems for multiple generations to come. CLG draws on experts in various disciplines to deliver engaging science-based outreach to farmers, agricultural advisers, landowners, decision makers, youth and communities. To learn more about Conservation Learning Group visit them online.

— Matt Helmers and Liz Ripley, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

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