Water Rocks! and Iowa Learning Farms are accepting applications from event organizers and organizations to request a visit from one of their four Conservation Station trailers during this spring and summer.
Recognized with the Conservation Innovation Award last summer from the Soil and Water Conservation Society and supported by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the trailers are equipped to deliver accessible and relevant science-based information about Iowa's environment and ecosystems, natural resources, water quality, biodiversity, wetlands and conservation practices.
"The Conservation Station trailers are one of our most effective public outreach tools and have been designed to carry a broad range of materials, demonstrations and activities that make it easy for our team members to tailor each visit to fit the needs of the event and the audience," said Ann Staudt, Water Rocks! director. "We always receive more requests than we can fulfill, so organizers of county fairs, farmers markets, festivals and other community events should submit requests by March 21 for priority consideration."
Thanks to generous partners, visits from the fully staffed Conservation Stations are conducted at no cost. Iowa Learning Farms/Water Rocks! team members will work with requesters to determine which of the four Conservation Station trailers will best meet the needs of the intended audience. At each visit the Conservation Stations are staffed by Iowa Learning Farms/Water Rocks! team members and ISU Extension and Outreach experts.
"Whether demonstrating field runoff with our rainfall simulators, exploring the biodiversity of wetlands with visitors, or encouraging young people to learn more about their natural world, our team is eager to share information and encourage action among Iowans to help build a culture of conservation," said Staudt. "The Conservation Stations provide unique tools and techniques to engage with Iowans across the state on these important topics."
Learn More about the Conservation Station Fleet or request a Conservation Station visit to your event.
Submitting a request does not guarantee that the Conservation Station is booked for an event. Submit requests by March 21 for priority consideration.
Water Rocks! is Iowa's unique, award-winning statewide youth water education program. Through a combination of STEM and the arts, especially music, Water Rocks! educates, challenges and inspires young people toward a greater appreciation of our state's water, soil and other natural resources. Partners of Water Rocks! include Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (United States Environmental Protection Agency, Section 319 of the Clean Water Act), Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and personal gifts of support. Learn more at www.waterrocks.org.
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.
Categories: Iowa, Business