By Andi Anderson
Iowa Learning Farms, along with Floyd and Mitchell County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, is organising a Wetland Field Day near Osage, Iowa, on Thursday, April 10, from 12 to 2 p.m. The event will be held at the New Haven Mennonite Community Center, and it is free for farmers and landowners, with a complimentary lunch included.
The field day focuses on water quality enhancement wetlands, which are specially designed to reduce nitrogen runoff from farm fields into nearby rivers and streams. These wetlands not only help clean the water but also provide homes for wildlife and improve outdoor recreation.
As part of Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy, the Iowa Water Quality Initiative is providing flexible funding options to support more wetland construction across the state.
So far, over 138 wetlands have been completed, and another 88 are in progress, with construction expected within the next two or three years.
During the event, Mitchell County landowner Myrna Hoisington will share her experience with a wetland built on her land near Orchard. Kurt Hoeft, a wetland field specialist, will explain how wetlands help both water and wildlife.
Brandon Dittman from the Iowa Department of Agriculture will offer guidance on how landowners can get involved in wetland projects and funding opportunities.
The event will include a walking tour of a recently completed wetland, weather permitting. It will be held rain or shine at 3000 360th Street, Osage, Iowa.
To attend, please RSVP to Will Kopp by April 3 at 641-426-4215 or William.Kopp@ia.nacdnet.net. All attendees will be entered in a drawing to win ISU Prairie Strips honey.
The event is supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and aims to educate and engage landowners in sustainable land practices.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Iowa, Education