By Andi Anderson
Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Des Moines Water Works and the Conservation Learning Group, invites community members to join a “Conservation On Tap” event on Thursday, December 5, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Fenceline Beer Lab in Huxley, Iowa.
This informal gathering is designed to foster conversations among local farmers, landowners, and urban residents on conservation topics and challenges that impact both rural and urban areas.
Following the main discussion, there will be time for networking and further conversation. RSVPs are requested by December 2 to ensure adequate space and refreshments and can be made by calling 515-294-5429 or emailing ilf@iastate.edu.
The event aims to build connections within the community while creating an open environment to discuss the issues and solutions related to conservation and water quality.
“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,” said Liz Ripley, Iowa Learning Farms conservation and cover crop outreach specialist. “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.”
The lineup of hosts for this event includes Ted Corrigan, CEO and General Manager of Des Moines Water Works, Dr. Matt Helmers, Director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, and Mark Licht, Iowa State University Extension Cropping Systems Specialist. Susan Frantz, owner and brewer at Fenceline Beer Lab, will also be present to discuss the importance of water quality in brewing and how it affects local businesses.
“This is another opportunity for us to partner with like-minded organizations who truly want to see improvements in water quality in our watersheds and want to be part of the solution,” said Corrigan. “We look forward to this series of discussions and engaging with attendees about where their water comes from and the water quality challenges we face in our state. We need interested landowners and citizens involved in not only discussing these challenges, but being part of the solution for improved water quality.”
This event is part of a broader series aimed at bringing together concerned citizens and stakeholders to address water quality issues in Iowa’s watersheds. Attendees are encouraged to join the dialogue and be part of the movement toward sustainable practices for better water quality in the state.
Photo Credit: istock-blackjack3d
Categories: Iowa, Education