Iowa Learning Farms Hosts Conservation on Tap event in Altoona

By Andi Anderson

Iowa Learning Farms is preparing to host a community event called Conservation on Tap on Thursday, March 19, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Brightside Aleworks in Altoona. 

The gathering is open to the public at no cost and aims to bring together farmers, landowners, urban residents, and anyone interested in conservation. The event is designed to be casual, welcoming, and focused on open conversation rather than formal presentations.

The purpose of Conservation on Tap is to encourage open communication about conservation challenges and goals within local communities.

Attendees will have the chance to ask questions, share their experiences, and learn from others, including experts from Iowa State University. After the main discussion period, there will be time for networking and building new connections.

Explaining the idea behind the event, Liz Ripley, conservation and cover crop outreach specialist with Iowa Learning Farms, stated, “Our intent with this event is to help build community through encouraging farmers, landowners and urban residents to talk about topics important within the community — what keeps them up at night, what challenges they see with conservation practices and what they want to learn more about. There will be no formal presentations or agenda, just a chance to talk, ask questions, listen and learn while enjoying a beverage and provided food. We are looking forward to learning alongside everyone else who attends.”

Ripley will be joined by event hosts Matt Helmers, director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, and Mark Licht, associate professor and cropping systems specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Their combined knowledge will help guide the discussion and support attendees as they explore different aspects of conservation.

In addition, Andrew Frana, founder and co‑owner of Brightside Aleworks, will open the event by discussing the importance of water quality in brewing, helping connect conservation to everyday business operations.

To ensure enough space and food for everyone, Iowa Learning Farms encourages interested participants to RSVP by March 12 by calling 515‑294‑5429 or emailing ilf@iastate.edu. The event promises to be an informative and friendly opportunity for community members to learn together.

Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic