By Andi Anderson
Farmers and landowners in Iowa are invited to a free woodland management and water quality workshop on February 18, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., at the Briggs Woods Conference Center near Webster City.
The event, organized by Iowa Learning Farms in partnership with Iowa State University, aims to provide insights into improving water quality through innovative techniques.
The workshop will be led by Billy Beck, a forestry specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, and Michelle Soupir, a professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering at Iowa State. Attendees will learn about combining woodland management with woodchip bioreactors to reduce nitrate levels in water.
This approach is part of a USDA-funded research project exploring the use of traditionally low-value timber species to achieve better water quality while supporting landowner woodland management goals.
The event, supported by a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant, will be held at the Van Diest Supply Company Meeting Room, located at 2501 Briggs Woods Trail. It is free to attend, but reservations are required to ensure space and meal availability.
In addition to a complimentary meal, participants will have the chance to win ISU Prairie Strips honey through a lucky draw. For reasonable accommodation and to RSVP, contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or email ilf@iastate.edu.
The workshop is part of Iowa Learning Farms’ ongoing efforts to support sustainable farming practices and water conservation. Field days and workshops are also supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. For more information, visit www.iowalearningfarms.org.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Iowa, Education