Iowa Water Center

July 12 Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Social and Natural Sciences Support Butterfly Conservation
2023-07-12 12:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place July 12 at noon CDT will feature Jon Dahlem, postdoctoral research associate, Iowa Learning Farms and Iowa State University. Dahlem is an environmental sociologist whose work focuses on understanding social obstacles which may inhibit conservation efforts. He applies multiple research methodologies to explore issues such as the production of conservation knowledge, power within and between conservation groups, and the applied use of the social sciences in conservation practice.
In the webinar, “How the Social Sciences Can Help Conserve Butterflies (and More),” Dahlem will draw on a social scientific case study of the highly threatened island marble butterfly to provide a reflection of ways the social sciences might illuminate otherwise hidden, yet important, solutions to problems in butterfly conservation work. He will also note correlations between this case study and implications and ideas for addressing Iowa’s monarch butterfly challenges.
“There is a growing trend in collaboration between natural scientists and social scientists striving to better understand the many social factors that lie at the root of environmental degradation and that can also constrain conservation action,” said Dahlem. “Figuring out the best combinations of approaches and efforts, as well as exploration of the chasm between identifying a social obstacle to conservation and seeing that obstacle overcome are ongoing. However, I think that this may be where sociologists and other social scientists can meaningfully assist in efforts to conserve pollinators such as butterflies, as well as many more species.”
Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
Shortly before noon CDT, click the link below or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172
Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Water Quality Wetlands in Iowa
2023-06-14 12:00 - 17:00
Join Iowa Learning Farms June 14 at noon for a presentation by Shane Wulf, wetlands project manager for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), covering water benefits delivered with water quality wetland improvements.
Wulf works in concert with farmers, landowners, and other stakeholders in Iowa to identify opportunities for the development and installation of water quality wetlands. His work has contributed to reductions in nitrate loss to waterways and helps support achievement of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy goals.
In the webinar, “Water Quality Wetlands in Iowa,” Wulf will discuss the function of different water quality wetland types and how each contributes to nitrate reductions while also providing excellent wildlife habitat. He will share examples of built projects as well as offer an update on sites under development. Wulf will also review the historical wetlands focus of IDALS and discuss ongoing expansion of programs and the efforts to site projects within alternative landscapes.
“Wetlands have something to offer just about anyone, whether you are an avid birder or interested in water quality and conservation, IDALS’s efforts to promote wetland growth in Iowa delivers benefits to all Iowans,” said Wulf. “Participants in this webinar should gain a better understanding of the importance of water quality wetlands to Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy and how these crucial systems impact water quality.”
Shortly before 12:00 pm CDT, click the link below or type this web address into your internet browser:https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172

Iowa Learning Farms Cover Crop Field Day Near Coon Rapids
2023-06-13 12:00 - 17:00
Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will host a cover crop field day on Tuesday, June 13, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Whiterock Conservancy Burr Oak Visitor Center near Coon Rapids. The free event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal.
This field day aims to equip attendees with best management practices for establishing and managing cover crops. Cover crops offer many benefits to farmers and landowners, including reduced soil erosion, weed suppression potential, reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies, and increased organic matter in the soil. When paired with no-tillage additional benefits include increased water infiltration and reduced erosion during heavy rain events.
The field day will feature Crawford County farmer Doug Gronau, who farms with his son near Vail. For nearly 20 years, they have been planting no-till corn and soybeans to help reduce soil erosion, improve soil health, and manage soil moisture. The Gronau’s have also been using cover crops since 2014 to further address soil erosion and help improve water quality. Dr. Mark Licht, associate professor and extension cropping systems specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will highlight best practices for establishing and managing cover crops to meet farm goals, and Meaghan Anderson, Iowa State University Extension field agronomist, will discuss the herbicide considerations for successfully establishing cover crops. The field day will also include a Conservation Station rainfall simulator demonstration.
The field day will be held at the Whiterock Conservancy Burr Oak Visitor Center, 1436 IA-141, Coon Rapids, IA 50058. The event is free and open to farmers and landowners, though we require reservations to ensure adequate space and food.
For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, please contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu by June 6. Attendees will be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey.

Iowa Learning Farms Bioreactor and Cover Crop Field Day
2023-06-06 10:30 - 12:30
Join Iowa Learning Farms for a bioreactor and cover crop field day on Tuesday, June 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ron Vos’ farm near Ireton. The free event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal.
Bioreactors, and similar edge-of-field practices, have been prioritized by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship as they are some of the most cost-effective methods to improve water quality. These practices can be located within existing filter strips and are designed to work with the field’s drainage system. When partnered with cover crops in the field, farmers and landowners can take advantage of their additional benefits, including reduced soil erosion, weed suppression, reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies, and increased organic matter in the soil. Numerous programs with financial and technical assistance are now available to encourage farmers and landowners to install these critical practices.
Join us to learn more about how bioreactors work through the demonstration of the Conservation On The Edge trailer and a site visit to Ron’s bioreactor installed in 2022. Ron will share his experience with the bioreactor, as well as how he has been able to incorporate cover crops into his system. Ryan Johnson, Iowa Soybean Association conservation agronomist, will share best management practices for the northwest region of Iowa, and Colton Meyer, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship environmental specialist, will share program opportunities for cost-share related to bioreactors and cover crops.
The field day will be at 2766 450th St, Ireton, IA 51027. The farm is located on the north side of Hwy 10, about 3.3 miles west of HWY 75. The event is free and open to farmers and landowners, though we require reservations to ensure adequate space and food.
For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, please contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu. Attendees will be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey.

Iowa Learning Farms Relay Intercropping Field Day
2023-06-01 10:30 - 12:30
Iowa Learning Farms will host a relay intercropping field day on Thursday, June 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Jason Russell’s Farm near Monticello. The free event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal.
The field day aims to equip attendees with best management practices for establishing and managing a relay intercropping system designed to improve soil health and reduce nutrient losses while increasing productivity and profitability. The relay intercropping system begins following corn with the seeding of winter wheat or rye. The soybean crop is planted into the winter wheat/rye the next spring and the winter wheat/rye is harvested for grain in June. Following soybean, oats are planted as a cover crop ahead of corn.

The event will feature a field visit with farmer host, Jason Russell, to take a closer look at his relay intercropping system and discuss best management practices for the system. Dr. Mark Licht, associate professor and extension cropping systems specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will discuss how relay intercropping systems can be integrated into existing rotations and highlight how to successfully manage the system based on current research. Ross Evelsizer, Northeast Iowa RC&D natural resource projects director, will share results from local relay intercropping cereal rye and soybeans trials. Erin Erickson, Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority watershed coordinator, will share opportunities to get involved and staff from Center for Rural Affairs will provide resources and updates related to crop insurance and relay intercropping.
The field day will be held at the Russell Farm, 234 Prairie Main Rd, Monticello, 52310. From Monticello, head west on Co Rd E16/Prairie Hills Rd for 10 miles. Turn right to head north on Frozen Hill Rd for 1 mile. Turn left to head west on Prairie Main Rd and the farm is located on the south side of the road.
The event is free and open to farmers and landowners, though we require reservations to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, please contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu. Attendees will be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey.

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: A Long-term View of Cover Crop Benefits
2023-05-31 12:00 - 17:00
The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place May 31 at noon CDT will feature Rabin Bhattarai, associate professor, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Bhattarai discovers innovative ways to clean polluted waters. His research group develops sustainable engineering solutions to improve water quality and crop production through experimental studies and computer simulation models which can predict water quality and crop production at various scales.

In the webinar, “Can Cover Crops Still Provide Targeted Nutrient Loss Benefits in the Future?,” Bhattarai will provide an overview of impacts on water quality attributed to the extensive use of subsurface drainage in agricultural fields in the Midwestern U.S. which have contributed to local concerns as well as to the formation of the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico. He will highlight the effectiveness of winter cover crops as an eco-efficient solution for reducing nitrate loss via sub-surface drainage channels in the maize-soybean system. Bhattarai will also discuss cost sharing incentives which have boosted practice adoption. In addition, he will offer insights into the long-term impacts of cover crops and discuss research efforts to better understand how climate change and other factors may affect efficacy.
“Winter cover crop adoption continues to rise, and their use has been identified as one of the most efficient practices not only for nutrient loss reduction but also for soil health improvement,” said Bhattarai. “Participants in this webinar should gain a better understanding of the long-term impacts of winter cover crops on soil, water-N and cash crop growth in the maize-soybean system, and how climate change will impact the nutrient loss and soil health benefits from cover crops.”
Shortly before noon CDT, click the link below or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Online Conservation Communities Encouraging Conservation Learning
2023-05-24 12:00 - 14:00
The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place May 24 at noon CDT will feature Jenny Seifert, watershed outreach specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. Seifert’s expertise in environmental communications, behavior change, and facilitation aids in her efforts leading multi-state projects to build leadership capacity and cultivate community among conservation professionals and farmers. These projects help increase participant’s success at meeting soil and water conservation goals.

In the webinar, “How Two Online Communities Are Facilitating Peer Learning about Conservation,” Seifert will provide an introduction to online communities that facilitate learning among farmers and conservation professionals to improve soil and water conservation outcomes. Highlighting the programs, One Good Idea and The Confluence for Watershed Leaders, she will provide examples of how these online groups work to encourage and build conservation leadership. Siefert will also offer information on participating in these virtual groups.
“Online communities provide an answer to the ongoing thirst for connection, a hunger for learning what works and doesn’t work, and a distaste for reinventing the wheel, commonly found among conservation professionals and engaged farmers,” said Seifert. “One Good Idea and The Confluence were designed to enable more on-the-ground successes through helping these stakeholders connect and learn from each other. I hope participants in this webinar will get excited about what they can gain from and contribute to One Good Idea and The Confluence and become part of these vibrant communities.”
Join at noon: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172

Conservation on Tap
2023-05-18 18:00 - 19:00
Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Des Moines Water Works and Conservation Learning Group, will host the first of three “Conservation On Tap” events, Thursday, May 18, from 6-7 p.m. at Firetrucker Brewery in Ankeny.
The event will provide local farmers, landowners and urban residents with a chance to discuss and ask questions. There will be an opportunity for networking following the event. To ensure adequate space and food, please RSVP by May 15th by calling 515-294-5429 or email ilf@iastate.edu.
“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.”
Hosts at the event will include Ted Corrigan, CEO and General Manager of Des Moines Water Works, Dr. Mark Licht, associate professor and extension cropping systems specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and Liz Ripley. Staff from Firetrucker Brewery will also join in the conversations as to why water quality matters for brewing.
“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,” Corrigan said. “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.”
Dr. Licht’s extension, research and teaching program is focused on how to holistically manage Iowa cropping systems to achieve productivity, profitability and environmental goals. His research is centered around varied aspects of soybean, corn and cover crop management as well as agronomic implications of precision technologies.
Growing up on a farm in Butler County, Liz Ripley learned the importance of soil conservation and water quality and propelled her decision to pursue a career in agriculture and conservation. With the Iowa Learning Farms, Ripley works with farmers and landowners to explore which practice options will align with their farming operation and provide best management recommendations for successful implementation of those practices.

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: The Influence of Trusted Advisers in Conservation Decision Making
2023-05-17 12:00 - 14:00
Join Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) for a conservation webinar taking place May 17 at noon CDT featuring Seth Harden, Upper Wabash River project director, The Nature Conservancy. Harden leads the Upper Wabash River Project for The Nature Conservancy in Indiana. He regularly speaks with farmers to help support The Nature Conservancy’s objectives to discover conservation solutions that realize mutual farm profitability and positive environmental outcomes.

In the webinar, “Conservation Adoption: The Role of the Trusted Adviser,” Harden will discuss the top influencers that can affect conservation practice adoption. Drawing on data and outcomes from research conducted by The Nature Conservancy and the Purdue University Center for Food and Agribusiness, as well as paired qualitative research with ag retailers and their customers, and quantitative research via the Large Commercial Producer survey, Harden will highlight opportunities for ag retailers to facilitate conservation practice adoption. He will also introduce a business model decision support tool that can aid retailers in considering integration of conservation systems into their customer relationships.
“Research clearly indicates that farmers are seeking information about conservation practices from their trusted advisers and that ag retailers are poised to deliver this sort of information IF the customer requests it directly,” said Harden. “Providing retailers with the tools and support enabling them to assume a leadership role in furthering conservation adoption while also improving business outcomes through additional customer touchpoints, added services and profitable supply chain collaboration.”
Shortly before noon CDT, click the link below or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: A Multi-Purpose Approach to Drainage System Design
2023-05-10 12:00 - 17:00
The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place May 10 at noon CDT will feature Spencer Pech, civil engineer at ISG. Pech specializes in producing data-driven water quality and agriculture drainage solutions for ISG’s water resource team. He applies knowledge gained from growing up on a family farm, formal education and his professional career to designing drainage systems, storage basins, wetlands, and edge-of field practices for ISG’s agriculture and watershed partners throughout the Midwest.

In the webinar, “Designing Multi-Purpose Drainage Systems to Meet Modern Demands,” Pech will discuss the current state of aging drainage infrastructure and the impact of ever-changing concerns surrounding water quality, regulation and environmental impacts of agricultural drainage. He will also highlight alternative designs such as wetlands, sediment basins, and edge-of-field practices, which bolster the efficiency of drainage systems, protect downstream water quality and improve agricultural productivity.
“As we undertake the replacement of aging drainage infrastructure, it presents excellent opportunities to implement multi-purpose designs, including temporary storage, that improve agricultural production as well as water quality,” said Pech. “Improved drainage systems and better water quality outcomes are not mutually exclusive. Implementing modernized solutions can deliver benefits to landowners and producers as well as the water ecosystem – a win-win proposition that will serve for the long into the future.”
Shortly before 12 p.m. CDT, click the link below or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Water Quality Benefits of Beaver Dams
2023-05-03 12:00 - 17:00
The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place May 3 at noon CDT will feature Andrew Rupiper, graduate research associate, Iowa State University. Rupiper is currently studying the impacts of beaver in Iowa streams, drainage water management and row crop agriculture in areas adjacent to streams. He works under the direction of Billy Beck, assistant professor and extension forestry specialist at Iowa State University, conducting field research on beaver-modified streams in Iowa.

In the webinar, “Beaver on the Des Moines Lobe: Impacts on Water Quality and Sediment Transport,” Rupiper will provide an early look at a multi-year study of beaver activity in Iowa’s streams. He will provide a review of factors that have contributed to degradation of streams and a historical look at beaver populations in the state. Drawing on two- and one-half years of data, Rupiper will share current interpretations of ongoing analysis. He will also provide insights on how beaver activity can supplement restoration, conservation and water quality approaches.
Shortly before 12 p.m. CDT, click the link below or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172

April 26 Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Field-scale Mapping of Evapotranspiration
2023-04-26 12:00 - 15:00
The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place April 26 at noon CDT will feature Antonio Arenas, assistant professor, Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Iowa State University. Arenas’ research focuses on modeling and geospatial analysis of water resources. His work includes developing and using fully coupled surface-subsurface watershed models to evaluate flood mitigation strategies and study the fate and transport of nutrients.
In the webinar, “Mapping Evapotranspiration at Field Scale,” Arenas will discuss the analysis and estimation of water consumption by crops at one quarter acre resolution. Sharing evapotranspiration data spanning 2016-2021, he will discuss the correlations between understanding water consumption by crops and water resource management practices.

Antonio Arenas – Iowa State University

“With ongoing drought conditions and changes to the availability of water resources, it is beneficial to have a better understanding of water demands and utilization by crops,” said Arenas. “Variability across fields and landscapes makes it crucial to develop accurate water budgets at multiple spatial scales to ensure crop health and robust yields.”
Shortly before 12 p.m. CDT, click here to join: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Cover Crops and Nitrate-N Loss from Plot to Watershed Scale
2023-04-19 12:00 - 14:00
The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place April 19 at noon CDT will feature Matthew Helmers, director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, Dean’s Professor, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Brent and Cindy Hart Professor, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, at Iowa State University. Helmers conducts research and extension outreach programs concerning nutrient management, cropping practices, drainage design and management, and strategic placement of buffer systems on nutrient export from agricultural landscapes.

Matt Helmers. Iowa Nutrient Research Center staff photos (Christopher Gannon/Iowa State University)

In the webinar, “Impacts of Cover Crops on Nitrate-N Loss: Plot to Watershed Scale,” Helmers will overview the current status of cover crop adoption in Iowa, note progress made over the past 10 years and provide updates on water quality investigations on nitrate-N reduction potential of practices studied. He will highlight work on drainage water research and its impacts on water quality from the plot to the watershed scale.
“The data and outcomes of our research at every scale have proven the efficacy of cover crops as an effective practice that directly contributes to reduction of nitrate-N loss from agricultural fields into waterways,” said Helmers. “Acknowledging that in some cases, it may take a longer time to see results than we would prefer, cover crops are one of the more important tools that can protect water quality. To meet nutrient reduction goals, it is crucial to achieve growth in adoption throughout Iowa.”
Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Shortly before 12 p.m. CDT, click the link below or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172
Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172
Up Next: Wednesday, April 26, 2023, “Mapping Evapotranspiration at Field Scale,” with Antonio Arenas, Iowa State University.

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Assessing Soil Health in the Des Moines Lobe
2023-04-05 08:00 - 13:00
The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place April 5 at noon CDT will feature Minerva J. Dorantes, Ph.D., CCA project soil scientist, and Shannon Moeller, soil health educator, at the Soil Health Institute. The Soil Health Institute is a global nonprofit with a mission to safeguard and enhance the vitality and productivity of soils. In her work, Dorantes applies pedagogic principles and statistical analysis for optimized soil sampling and management-based assessment of soil health indicators. Moeller’s background includes hands-on conservation project work and a deep commitment to learning from farmers and keeping up with the latest developments in soil health knowledge and the implementation of soil health practices on farms.
Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program.
In the webinar, “Soil Health Institute’s Study to Assess Soil Health in the Des Moines Lobe Region of Iowa,” Dorantes and Moeller will highlight a study currently being conducted by the Soil Health Institute in the Des Moines Lobe of Iowa. The study is designed to help determine the achievable levels of soil health and soil carbon for the most cultivated soil types in the region. They will also discuss the study goals to provide farmers and their advisers with scientifically credible, measurement-based guidance and to help them understand the outcomes of implementing soil health practices. In addition, they will provide information for farmers interested in learning more or participating in the study.
“Soil health benefits growers, the environment and society in many ways,” said Dorantes. “Determining achievable levels of soil health for different soil types is foundational to our efforts and of importance to growers and landowners who manage the soil resource. We are eager to connect with farmers and farmland owners in the Des Moines Lobe region of Iowa who are interested in learning more about this project.”
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Shortly before 12:00 pm CT, click the link below or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172
Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172
Or, join via phone:
Dial: 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 364 284 172

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Selecting Sulfur Sources to Maximize Yield
2023-03-15 12:00 - 17:00
The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place March 15 at noon CDT will feature Daniel Kaiser, associate professor at the University of Minnesota. Kaiser’s focuses on the evaluation of fertilizer guidelines for major agronomic crops grown in Minnesota. One key area has been the development of sulfur guidelines including rate, timing and source of application to facilitate crop productivity.
Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program.
In the webinar, “Choosing the Right Source of Sulfur,” Kaiser will discuss the importance of sulfur application and availability to plants in corn, soybean and alfalfa crops. Drawing on his research which compares the effects of different sources of sulfur on crop yields, Kaiser will discuss data showing if and when elemental sulfur oxidizes to plant available forms necessary for utilization by crops. He will also provide insights into the need for better widespread understanding of sulfur forms and application practices.
“I don’t think farmers always know what source of sulfur is being applied to their field, and therefore may not be aware whether the sulfur being applied will be available at the time a crop needs it,” said Kaiser. “It is critical that farmers choose the correct source of sulfur to ensure that it will have a significant impact on crop yields.”
Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
Shortly before 12:00 pm CT, click the link below or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172
Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172

Honoring Leopold’s Legacy: Building a Future for Iowa Webinar
2023-03-15 08:00 - 2023-03-22 14:00
March 22 presentation by Page County, Iowa farmer and conservationist Seth Watkins will provide insights on building toward a more sustainable future
The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place March 22 at noon CDT will feature Seth Watkins, owner of Pinhook Farm in Page County Iowa. Watkins has been a leading advocate for soil and water conservation efforts across Iowa and was the recipient of the 2022 Iowa Leopold Conservation Award.
In the webinar, “Honoring Leopold’s Legacy,” Watkins will discuss conservation efforts in Iowa, agricultural practices and practical methods being employed to improve the future that all stakeholders are building together. He will share his philosophy and approaches to farming that have been honed over some 40 years and will share lessons learned from successes and failures. Watkins will also address the importance of taxpayer supports for farming and the importance that farmers respond to those supports in ways that regenerate resources, restore water quality and provide healthy food.
A staunch advocate of land stewardship, Watkins once said, “If we’d stop subsidizing the wrong things, we wouldn’t have to subsidize the right things… We probably wouldn’t need price supports if everyone found the most appropriate land use per acre. We must look at and listen to our land, responding to what makes it healthy and productive, and what does not.”
Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
DATE: Wednesday, March 22, 2023
TIME: noon
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Shortly before 12:00 pm CT, click the link below or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172
Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172
Or, join via phone:
Dial: 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 364 284 172
The webinar will also be recorded and archived. All archived webinars are available on the ILF website, so that they can be watched at any time.
ILF has applied for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) for attending this webinar. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.
Upcoming Webinars in the Series:
Next week: Wednesday, March 29, 2023, One Block at a Time: Community-driven planning and equitable adaptation through multi-benefit green infrastructure, Kara Salazar, Purdue University
March 29: Kara Salazar, Purdue University
April 5: TBD
April 12: Gabriel Johnson, Iowa State University
April 19: Matt Helmers, Iowa State University

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: A Drone’s-eye View of Wetlands and Wildlife
2023-03-08 12:00 - 17:00
Ames, Iowa – The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place March 8 at noon CST will feature Adam Janke, extension wildlife specialist and associate professor, Iowa State University (ISU) and Kay Stefanik, assistant director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center housed at Iowa State University. Janke is a trained wildlife biologist who is active in regional and national efforts for wildlife conservation and education. Stefanik’s expertise and research is in water quality, nutrient cycling and aquatic ecosystems.
Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program.
In the webinar, “Iowa’s Wetlands from the Sky: Educational videos on wetland wildlife and water quality with drones,” Janke and Stefanik will team up to showcase a program designed to fill the knowledge gap in wetland ecology and diversity by leading an educational video campaign to explore wetland ecology and function through the lens of water quality and wildlife habitat using drones and aerial photography throughout Iowa. They will discuss the win-win-win interrelations between wildlife habitat, water quality and people, and will challenge Iowans to build literacy and provide resources for further exploration of the ecology nature and diversity of wetland ecosystems.
“In agricultural settings, wetlands have historically been regarded as obstacles rather than assets,” said Stefanik. “However, they are actually an integral part of Iowa’s landscape that contribute to reduction of nutrient loss from farm fields, provide habitat for local and migrating wildlife, store floodwater, and provide recreational opportunities for people. We are hopeful that this project will spark a greater appreciation of wetlands, along with a desire to improve wetland restoration and creation efforts across the state.”
Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
Webinar Access Instructions

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CST March 8:
Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172

Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172

Or, join from a dial-in phone line:

Dial: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 364 284 172
The webinar will also be recorded and archived. All archived webinars are available on the ILF website, so that they can be watched at any time.
ILF has applied for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) for attending this webinar. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.

Edge of Field Batch and Build Workshop to be held March 2 in Ames
2023-03-02 11:30 - 13:30
Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Story County, City of Ames and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, is hosting a bioreactor and saturated buffer workshop on Thursday, March 2 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Ames Water Treatment Plant to discuss the new batch and build project kicking off in Story County. The free event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal.
Saturated buffers and bioreactors have been prioritized by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship as they are some of the most cost-effective methods to improve water quality. These practices can be located within existing filter strips and are designed to work with the drainage system of the field. In Story County there is a new program with financial and technical assistance available offering 100% cost share for these practices to be installed.
Join us to learn more about how these practices work through the demonstration of the Conservation On The Edge trailer. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will share update on water quality efforts in the state and opportunities for farmers and landowners to get involved. Sara Carmichael, watershed coordinator for Story County, Megan Volkens, environmental specialist with Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Dustin Albrecht, environmental specialist for City of Ames, will provide information and technical assistance to help decide if a bioreactor or saturated buffer could work on your land and discuss possible funding opportunities to assist with installation. Weather permitting, there will be an optional tour of current bioreactor and saturated buffers installations in Story County.
The workshop will be at the Ames Water Treatment Plant, 1800 E 13th Street, Ames, IA 50010. The event is free and open to farmers and landowners, though we require reservations to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, please contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu. Attendees will be entered in a drawing that evening for ISU Prairie Strips honey.
Iowa Learning Farms field days and workshops are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. For more information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit www.iowalearningfarms.org.

National Competitive Grants Program for Aquatic Invasive Species Accepting Proposals
2023-03-01 08:00 - 2023-04-15 17:00
The Water Resources Research Institutes National Competitive Grants Program for Aquatic Invasive Species is Accepting Proposals
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Institutes for Water Resources, requests proposals for research projects to address aquatic invasive species. For the 2023 National Competitive Grants Program, proposals must address one of three priority areas:

Effects: Research that improves our understanding of the effects of aquatic invasive species on lakes, rivers, and associated tributaries in the upper Mississippi River basin, including changes to water quantity, water quality, and ecosystem dynamics.
Characteristics: Research that identifies physical, biological, and chemical characteristics of water bodies that infer resistance and resilience to the distribution, establishment, and effects of aquatic invasive species in the upper Mississippi River basin. Research is needed to better understand these interactions to guide management decisions that will improve invasive species management and result in positive effects on aquatic ecosystems.
Management: Research on assessment of the detection, spread, and management of aquatic invasive species in the upper Mississippi River basin and the connections to human dimensions, both socially and economically. Note that this does not include physical control of AIS.

Any investigator at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States is eligible to apply for a grant through a Water Research Institute or Center established under the provisions of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984, as amended (http://water.usgs.gov/wrri/index.php).
Proposals involving substantial collaboration between the USGS and university scientists are encouraged. Proposals may be for projects of 1 to 3 years with discrete 12-month budget periods, and may request up to $279,000 in federal funds. Investigators much match one non-federal dollar to each federal dollar requested.
The deadline for submissions to the Iowa Water Center is April 15, 2023 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Investigators are encouraged to read through the Iowa Submission Guidelines prior to reviewing the FY2023 announcement.
104(G) SUBMISSION GUIDELINES_IA 2023 – AIS
2023 104g AIS RFP

National Competitive Grants Program for PER – AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFAS) is Accepting Proposals
2023-03-01 08:00 - 2023-04-15 17:00
The Water Resources Research Institutes National Competitive Grants Program for PER – AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFAS) is Accepting Proposals
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Institutes for Water Resources, requests proposals for research projects to address the challenges and opportunities of understanding the effects of per-and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS)
substances on water resources, which are poorly understood, despite the real and growing effect of this group of man-made substances on water quality and the resultant exposure to humans, other organisms, and ecosystems.
Research is needed to better understand these interactions and guide management decisions that will improve water resources at the regional or national scale.
For the 2023 National Competitive Grants Program, proposals are sought on the following specific areas of inquiry:

Media-specific methods: Enhanced methods for detection on specific media, with a clear indication of new or different compounds, new or different methodological approaches, lower detection levels for specific media or compounds, especially with respect to EPA health guidelines for PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate).

Media of interest include (in ranked order) (1) Tissues/plasma, (2) sediment, (3) air or interfaces, (4) water.

Atmospheric sources: Improved understanding of atmospheric exchange in PFAS distribution and fate. This may include methods to determine transport of PFAS to the atmosphere and to subsequent receiving waters, such as a water method that determines “new” compounds based on their likelihood to occur in the atmosphere.
Processes oriented at molecular level: Process-oriented research of PFAS fate, transport, and effects, with emphasis on molecular-level understanding of PFAS precursor transformation, sorption dynamics, or mechanisms of bioaccumulation and(or) biological/ecological effects.

Any investigator at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States is eligible to apply for a grant through a Water Research Institute or Center established under the provisions of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984, as amended (http://water.usgs.gov/wrri/index.php).
Proposals involving substantial collaboration between the USGS and university scientists are encouraged. Proposals may be for projects of 1 to 3 years in duration with discrete 12-month budget periods, and may request up to $279,000 in federal funds. Investigators much match one non-federal dollar to each federal dollar requested.
The deadline for submissions to the Iowa Water Center is April 15, 2023, 5: 00 p.m. Central Time. Investigators are encouraged to read through the Iowa Submission Guidelines prior to reviewing the FY2023 announcement.
104(g) Iowa Submission Guidelines
PFAS FY2023 announcement

The Water Resources Research Institutes National Competitive Grants Program (104G) Accepting Proposals
2023-03-01 - 2023-04-15
National Competitive Grants Program (104G) Accepting Proposals
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Institutes for Water Resources, requests proposals for research projects to address improving and enhancing the nation’s water supply and availability, as well as promoting the exploration of new ideas that address or expand our understanding of water problems.
For the 2023 National Competitive Grants Program, proposals must address one of the priority areas:

National-scale evaluation of water budget: Retrospective or predictive analyses using hydroclimate-forcing data sets, with emphasis on CONUS404, which was developed in a USGS- NCAR collaboration.

Additional guidance includes: Emphasis on prediction of water-budget components through a variety of interpretive approaches; Incorporation of how uncertainty in hydroclimate-forcing propagates to water budget component; Consideration of both retrospective and projected conditions.

Socieoeconomics: Integrate ongoing USGS research and data collection in order to assess socioeconomic and ecological vulnerability to compounding extreme events and develop adaptation measures. This proposed project should undertake new research (e.g., Water Use and Social and Economic Drivers Program) to understand the vulnerability of urban (e.g., trans-basin diversions), agricultural (e.g., reservoir management), and ecological (e.g., endangered species) water-use sectors to drought and compounding hazards such as wildfire.

Additional guidance includes: Provide a quantifiable portfolio of risk for water-use sectors (including ecological and socio-economic); Develop climate futures and planning scenarios for relevant institutions: management, communities, other institutions.

Any investigator at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States is eligible to apply for a grant through a Water Research Institute or Center established under the provisions of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984, as amended (http://water.usgs.gov/wrri/index.php).
Proposals involving substantial collaboration between the USGS and university scientists are encouraged. Proposals may be for projects of 1 to 3 years in duration with discrete 12-month budget periods, and may request up to $310,000 in federal funds. Investigators much match one non-federal dollar to each federal dollar requested.
The deadline for submissions to the Iowa Water Center is April 15, 2022 5 p.m. Central Time. Investigators are encouraged to read through the Iowa Submission Guidelines prior to reviewing the FY2023 announcement.
104(g) Iowa Submission Guidelines
104(g) FY2023 announcement

Cover Crop Workshop February 22 in West Union
2023-02-22 12:00 - 14:00
Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Consortium for Cultivating Human And Naturally reGenerative Enterprises (C-CHANGE), will host a cover crop workshop on Wednesday, February 22 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the West Union Event Center. We welcome farmers and landowners to attend the free event, which includes a complimentary meal catered by the West Union Event Center.
Cover crops offer many benefits to farmers and landowners, including reduced soil erosion, weed suppression potential, reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies, increased organic matter in the soil and forage potential for livestock. When paired with no-tillage or strip-tillage, additional benefits include increased water infiltration to further reduce erosion during heavy rain events. Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about these opportunities, ask questions, and share their experiences.
The discussion will be facilitated by Dr. Jacqueline Comito, Iowa Learning Farms program director, Dr. Matt Helmers, Iowa Nutrient Research Center director, and Dr. Mark Licht, associate professor and extension cropping systems specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and Liz Ripley, Iowa Learning Farms conservation and cover crop outreach specialist.
The workshop will be held in the West Union Event Center, 10201 Harding Road, West Union, IA 52175. The event is free and open to farmers and landowners, though we require reservations to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, please contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu. Attendees will be entered in a drawing that evening for ISU Prairie Strips honey.

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Quantifying and Managing Residual Soil Nitrogen
2023-02-22 12:00 - 13:00
The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place Feb. 22 at noon CST will feature Greg LaBarge, field specialist, agronomic systems department, The Ohio State University. LaBarge conducts research and outreach on nutrient management and water quality issues through The Ohio State University Extension. His work focuses on the application of 4R (Right Source, Right Time, Right Rate, Right Place) management of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in row crops, and conservation practices which help limit downstream impacts of nutrients leaving farm fields.
Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program.
In the webinar, “Quantifying and Managing Residual Soil N after Corn,” LaBarge will highlight research conducted to help measure residual nitrogen in soil after harvest and discuss management techniques such as cover crops which have proven to limit transport of nutrients to waterways. He will also discuss edge of field losses and additional conservation practices that mitigate nutrient losses.
“Having sufficient nitrogen (N) is critical to supporting maximized crop yields, but our studies are showing a significant amount of residual N in the soil after harvest,” said LaBarge. “Research has shown that the use of cover crops after corn is an effective way to capture residual N as organic matter and improve soils. Identifying and encouraging the deployment of additional practices which keep that N in the field is important to achieving both long-term economic and environmental goals.”
Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
Webinar Access Instructions
To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CST Feb. 22:
Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172
Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172
Or, join from a dial-in phone line:
Dial: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 364 284 172
The webinar will also be recorded and archived. All archived webinars are available on the ILF website, so that they can be watched at any time.
ILF has applied for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) for attending this webinar. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.
Upcoming Webinars in the Series:
Up Next: Wednesday, Mar. 1Citizen Scientists and the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow (CoCoRaHS) Network, with Justin Glisan, Bureau Chief and State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
March 8: Adam Janke and Kay Stefanik, Iowa State University
March 15: Daniel Kaiser, University of Minnesota
March 22: Seth Watkins, Page County Farmer

Call for Presentation Proposals: 2023 Iowa Water Conference
2023-02-21 08:00 - 2023-03-15 17:00
2023 Iowa Water Conference
The 17th annual Iowa Water Conference will be held on September 19-20, 2023, at the Meadows Events and Conference Center at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Iowa. This year, the conference theme is “Navigating the Extremes.” Climate change has been disrupting water supplies and impacting the environment, socioeconomic structures, and ecosystems, such as forests, soils, lakes, cities, and communities.
The Iowa Water Conference and our conference planning partners invite individuals and groups to focus on the ways individuals and communities navigate climate extreme impacts on such areas as drinking water quality and quantity, floods, droughts, and other related subjects.
We are planning three broad focus areas associated with the theme of the conference:

Climate change: water insecurity, managing/addressing water shortages/excess, water quality, cities’ climate action plans, and related topics
Sociological implications of climate change: impact on underserved populations, flood management, planning for the metro area watersheds, drought management, including Iowa drought plan and associated policies, building resiliency on many levels, including water policy-building, outreach and education on K-12 and college levels as part of curriculum/instruction and research in higher education
Women and water: climate change awareness of women landowners; women land legacy group(s); women’s role in policy- and community-building practices.

As a trend of increasing climate extremes is observed across the U.S., we are looking for the findings and responses to droughts, floods, heat waves and sudden intense rainfalls across our region. How do climate extremes impact our communities? What do we do to increase resilience and mitigate the impact of these increasingly frequent events?
Iowa Water Conference is a great opportunity for water, climate, agriculture, and natural resource professionals to come together, brainstorm and collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from each other.
Join us in Altoona in September 2023 as we explore ways to navigate the extremes.
Proposal Information
The Iowa Water Conference Planning Committee is interested in proposals that address the theme of this year’s conference. Proposals that do not relate directly will be considered by the committee *if* they present new advances on the topic or emphasize interdisciplinary teams at work.
Accepted proposals should include at least one of the following:

Emphasize diversity of science and members of society (institution, geography, gender, ethnicity, subject)
Timely water topics that address real-time needs of Iowans
Exemplify success stories, ground-breaking data, or interesting research approaches
Address policy discussions on water resources that are data-driven and informed by scientific discovery.

Presentation Options

Keynote presentation (45-minutes, full conference audience)
Breakout presentation (30-minutes, small classroom session in a themed track)
Panel presentation (60-minutes, brief introduction with discussion among presenters and session attendees)
Mini workshop (60-minutes, guided session that teaches the audience a skill, technology, or other material)

Subject Areas (check top two that apply)

2023 special focus: Des Moines and the Racoon River watersheds
2023 special focus: Climate change and water
Cities’ climate action plans
Community engagement and education
Current research and technology
Local agriculture and urban partnerships
Policy making and water issues
Sociological implications of climate change
Soil/water connection
Water insecurity in Iowa
Watershed management
Storm water green infrastructure
Women, leadership, and water
Stream restoration.

Information Regarding Co-Presenters
For the abstract submission, please register individuals co-presenting for any of the presentation options listed above. Co-authors (i.e., participants in the project/research but not presenting) should *not* be listed in the submission.
Presenters are welcome to acknowledge co-authors or participants in the project/research at the conference.
Session Set Up
Each room will be equipped with:

A laptop
Projector and screen
One podium
One microphone
Classroom-style seating for audience
Additional materials/equipment will be the responsibility of the presenter to bring.

Communication
To receive notification and updates, please make sure emails from ibassis@iastate.edu and messages from Microsoft Conference Management Toolkit (CMT) are not blocked or routed to the Spam Folder.
Please spell out all acronyms and abbreviations at least once in submitted text.
Proposal Submission
Proposals will be submitted through Microsoft Conference Management Toolkit. No submissions will be accepted via email to conference organizers. Please read the instructions below to submit. Incomplete submissions or submissions sent to Iowa Water Conference staff or planning committee members will be eliminated from consideration.

Go to https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/IWC2023/Submission/Index
Select “Create Account” and fill out the requested information to register
Once you are logged in, follow prompts to create your submission
Select “Create New Submission”
Select “Presentations 2023” for presentation submission
Enter the title and abstract
Select “Add” under the Authors section to add additional co-presenters if any***
Select applicable Subject Areas
Answer additional questions, if any
Select “Submit.”

*** For the abstract submission, please register individuals who are co-presenting at the conference for any of the presentation options listed above. Those not presenting should not be listed in the submission even if they are co-authors on the project or paper.

Navigating the Extremes: Call for Conference Presentation Proposals
2023-02-20 08:00 - 2023-03-15 17:00
Deadline: March 15, 2023
2023 Iowa Water Conference
Prairie Meadows Conference Center (Altoona, Iowa)
September 19-20, 2023
The 17th annual Iowa Water Conference will be held on September 19-20, 2023, at the Meadows Events and Conference Center at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Iowa. This year, the conference theme is “Navigating the Extremes.” Climate change has been disrupting water supplies and impacting the environment, socioeconomic structures, and ecosystems, such as forests, soils, lakes, cities, and communities.
The Iowa Water Conference and our conference planning partners invite individuals and groups to focus on the ways individuals and communities navigate climate extreme impacts on such areas as drinking water quality and quantity, floods, droughts, and other related subjects.
We are planning three broad focus areas associated with the theme of the conference:

Climate change: water insecurity, managing/addressing water shortages/excess, water quality, cities’ climate action plans, and related topics
Sociological implications of climate change: impact on underserved populations, flood management, planning for the metro area watersheds, drought management, including Iowa drought plan and associated policies, building resiliency on many levels, including water policy-building, outreach and education on K-12 and college levels as part of curriculum/instruction and research in higher education
Women and water: climate change awareness of women landowners; women land legacy group(s); women’s role in policy- and community-building practices.

As a trend of increasing climate extremes is observed across the U.S., we are looking for the findings and responses to droughts, floods, heat waves and sudden intense rainfalls across our region. How do climate extremes impact our communities? What do we do to increase resilience and mitigate the impact of these increasingly frequent events?
Iowa Water Conference is a great opportunity for water, climate, agriculture, and natural resource professionals to come together, brainstorm and collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from each other.
Join us in Altoona in September 2023 as we explore ways to navigate the extremes.
Proposal Information
The Iowa Water Conference Planning Committee is interested in proposals that address the theme of this year’s conference. Proposals that do not relate directly will be considered by the committee *if* they present new advances on the topic or emphasize interdisciplinary teams at work.
Accepted proposals should include at least one of the following:

Emphasize diversity of science and members of society (institution, geography, gender, ethnicity, subject)
Timely water topics that address real-time needs of Iowans
Exemplify success stories, ground-breaking data, or interesting research approaches
Address policy discussions on water resources that are data-driven and informed by scientific discovery.

Presentation Options

Keynote presentation (45-minutes, full conference audience)
Breakout presentation (30-minutes, small classroom session in a themed track)
Panel presentation (60-minutes, brief introduction with discussion among presenters and session attendees)
Mini workshop (60-minutes, guided session that teaches the audience a skill, technology, or other material)

Subject Areas (check top two that apply)

2023 special focus: Des Moines and the Racoon River watersheds
2023 special focus: Climate change and water
Cities’ climate action plans
Community engagement and education
Current research and technology
Local agriculture and urban partnerships
Policy making and water issues
Sociological implications of climate change
Soil/water connection
Water insecurity in Iowa
Watershed management
Storm water green infrastructure
Women, leadership, and water
Stream restoration.

Information Regarding Co-Presenters
For the abstract submission, please register individuals co-presenting for any of the presentation options listed above. Co-authors (i.e., participants in the project/research but not presenting) should *not* be listed in the submission.
Presenters are welcome to acknowledge co-authors or participants in the project/research at the conference.
Session Set Up
Each room will be equipped with:

A laptop
Projector and screen
One podium
One microphone
Classroom-style seating for audience
Additional materials/equipment will be the responsibility of the presenter to bring.

Communication
To receive notification and updates, please make sure emails from ibassis@iastate.edu and messages from Microsoft Conference Management Toolkit (CMT) are not blocked or routed to the Spam Folder.
Please spell out all acronyms and abbreviations at least once in submitted text.
Proposal Submission
Proposals will be submitted through Microsoft Conference Management Toolkit. No submissions will be accepted via email to conference organizers. Please read the instructions below to submit. Incomplete submissions or submissions sent to Iowa Water Conference staff or planning committee members will be eliminated from consideration.

Go to https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/IWC2023/Submission/Index
Select “Create Account” and fill out the requested information to register
Once you are logged in, follow prompts to create your submission
Select “Create New Submission”
Select “Presentations 2023” for presentation submission
Enter the title and abstract
Select “Add” under the Authors section to add additional co-presenters if any***
Select applicable Subject Areas
Answer additional questions, if any
Select “Submit.”

*** For the abstract submission, please register individuals who are co-presenting at the conference for any of the presentation options listed above. Those not presenting should not be listed in the submission even if they are co-authors on the project or paper.

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Linking Soil Management to Stream Eutrophication
2023-02-15 12:00 - 13:30
The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place Feb. 15 at noon CST will feature Marshall McDaniel, associate professor in soil-plant interactions, Iowa State University. McDaniel leads a research group focused on the “give-and-take” relationship between carbon and nutrients, how the relationship is affected by management and the environment, and seeking to better understand what may enhance soil-plant synergy, soil health and agroecosystem sustainability.
Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program.
In the webinar, “Directly Linking Soil Management and the Eutrophication of Iowa Streams,” McDaniel will draw on research outcomes to highlight the complex interaction of stream morphological characteristics, history of nutrient inputs, and tile water quality to assess stream eutrophication (overabundance of nutrients.) McDaniel will also share the water collection and analysis process and discuss factors such as historical nutrient conditions and background that can influence the impacts on a given waterway.
“Despite good methods for monitoring nutrient loss through tile drainage water, we are still only beginning to link nutrient levels to specific soil management practices as they relate to the full effects on streams,” said McDaniel. “From our study, there is clear evidence that cover crops are an effective measure for reducing potential eutrophication! We are eager to continue looking at this and other practices that can contribute to healthier waterways and better water quality.”
Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
Webinar Access Instructions

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CST Feb. 15:
Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172

Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172

Or, join from a dial-in phone line:

Dial: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 364 284 172
The webinar will also be recorded and archived. All archived webinars are available on the ILF website, so that they can be watched at any time.
ILF has applied for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) for attending this webinar. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.
Upcoming Webinars in the Series:
Up Next: Wednesday, Feb. 22Quantifying and Managing Residual Soil N after Corn, with Greg LaBarge, professor and field specialist, The Ohio State University
March 1: Justin Glisan, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
March 8: Adam Janke and Kay Stefanik, Iowa State University
March 15: Daniel Kaiser, University of Minnesota

Cover Crop Workshop to be held February 14 in Orange City
2023-02-14 12:00 - 14:00
Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Consortium for Cultivating Human And Naturally reGenerative Enterprises (C-CHANGE), will host a cover crop workshop on Tuesday, February 14, from noon until 2:00 p.m. at the Sioux County Extension Office. We welcome farmers and landowners to attend the free event, which includes a complimentary meal catered by Nederlander’s Grill.
The discussion will be facilitated by Dr. Jacqueline Comito, Iowa Learning Farms program director, Dr. Matt Helmers, Iowa Nutrient Research Center director, and Mark Licht, associate professor and extension cropping systems specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and Liz Ripley, Iowa Learning Farms conservation and cover crop outreach specialist.
The workshop will be held in the basement room of the Sioux County Extension Office, 400 Central Ave NW Suite 700, Orange City, IA 51041. The event is free and open to farmers and landowners, though we require reservations to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, please contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu. Attendees will be entered in a drawing that evening for ISU Prairie Strips honey.ILF Cover Crop Workshop_Feb 14_Orange City

Beavers: Superheroes for Water Quality?
2023-02-09 08:00 - 17:00
Iowa Learning Farms Virtual Field Day Scheduled for February 9, 2022 at 1pm (Virtual Field Day)
Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, and Conservation Learning Group (CLG), is hosting a free virtual field day on February 9 at 1 p.m. Join us for a live discussion with Billy Beck, assistant professor and extension forestry specialist at Iowa State University and Andrew Rupiper, graduate research assistant in Natural Resources Ecology and Management at Iowa State University.
The virtual field day will explore a unique research project, located at the Ann Smeltzer Trust Iowa Learning Farm in Webster County, looking at a free in-steam conservation practice tying together water quality, wood and wildlife.
Funded by the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, the team is working to quantify hydrologic impacts of beaver dams in the stream system and their effect on nutrients and sediment to determine the influence, positive or negative, these ecosystem engineers have within their watershed.“Many of the stream channels in Iowa aren’t able to assist with nutrient and sediment reductions and may be sources instead due to the straightening of streams, removal of riparian vegetation, removed in-channel wood and added artificial drainage to the landscape,” noted Beck. “While contentious, beaver dams are a free-instream conservation practice that could help improve water quality and reduce nutrient and sediment loads within the watershed.”
Virtual Field Day Access Instructions:
To participate in the live virtual field day at 1:00 pm CT on February 9 to learn more, click this URL: https://iastate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpduihpj8iE9ZHcjpsenc2DWQILG41wg0D or visit https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/events-1.
Or, join from a dial-in phone line:
Dial: +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 945 3331 7620
The field day will be recorded and archived on the ILF website so that it can be watched at any time. The archive will be available at https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/virtual-field-day-archive.
Participants may be eligible for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU). Information about how to apply to receive the credit (if approved) will be provided at the end of the live field day.
About Iowa Learning Farms:
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 (USEPA section 319) and GROWMARK, Inc

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Monarch Butterfly Conservation Within Agroecosystems
2023-02-01 12:00 - 14:00
The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place Feb. 1 at noon CST will feature Kelsey E. Fisher, assistant agricultural scientist II at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven, Connecticut. Fisher’s research focuses on insect movement ecology and its relationships to animal movement behavior and spatial configuration of resources. She works in the field, greenhouse and lab to address research questions related monarch butterfly conservation in agroecosystems.
Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program.
In the webinar, “Monarch Butterfly Biology, Ecology and Conservation Needs,” Fisher will highlight the outcomes of collaborative work on monarch butterfly conservation conducted at Iowa State University, including the notable suggestion that milkweed and nectar resources be planted within 50 meters of established habitat to create a functionally connected landscape that facilitates monarch movement. Fisher will also provide examples of how her research methods, including radio telemetry, population genetics, stable isotope analysis, geospatial analyses and spatial modeling, contribute to monarch conservation strategies.
“Monarch butterflies may be small in size, but they play a significant agroeconomic role, and it is crucial for stakeholders to work together to understand and implement successful conservation strategies that will increase the population,” said Fisher. “Understanding monarch butterfly biology and ecology is fundamental to designing robust management strategies that will preserve these insects while supporting agricultural needs.”
Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
Webinar Access Instructions

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CST Feb. 1:
Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172

Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172

Or, join from a dial-in phone line:

Dial: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 364 284 172
The webinar will also be recorded and archived. All archived webinars are available on the ILF website, so that they can be watched at any time.
ILF has applied for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) for attending this webinar. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.
Upcoming Webinars in the Series:
Up Next: Wednesday, Feb. 8Climate Smart Agriculture and Crop Insurance – A 2023 Update, with Pamela Stahlke, director, USDA – Risk Management Agency St. Paul Regional Office
Feb. 15: Marshall McDaniel, Iowa State University
Feb. 22: Greg LaBarge, The Ohio State University
March 1: Justin Glisan, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Science-Based Restoration and Management of Functional Floodplain
2023-01-17 08:00 - 2023-02-22 17:00
The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place Jan. 25 at noon CST will feature Maria Lemke, director of conservation science, The Nature Conservancy, Illinois. Lemke is a freshwater biologist with the Conservancy who works with partners to implement and quantify the effectiveness of agricultural conservation practices in the Mackinaw River watershed. Her research encompasses understanding the effectiveness of agricultural practices in improving water quality and hydrology and floodplain restoration metrics at the Emiquon Preserve in central Illinois.
Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program.
In the webinar, “The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve: Science-Based Restoration and Management of Functional Floodplain Along the Illinois River,” Lemke will highlight the history and restoration progress in the Emiquon Preserve, a historic floodplain that was separated from the river by levees in the 1920s for agricultural production. She will discuss the project objectives of restoring ecological floodplain processes and habitats that promote and sustain native species and communities. In addition, Lemke will showcase the Key Ecological Attributes (KEA) framework for assessing restoration success.
“With the recent completion of a water control structure, we are well-positioned to improve the conservation status of those floodplain and riverine targets in the preserve that depend on water management and river connectivity,” said Lemke. “Our efforts and studies of the Emiquon Preserve make a significant contribution to understanding large river floodplain restoration in the central United States region and have implications for restoration of critically threatened river ecosystems. The KEA framework provides for strategic and systematic monitoring and consistent assessments which can support similar restoration of ecological integrity efforts in watersheds and floodplains.”
Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
Webinar Access Instructions

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CST Jan. 25:
Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172

Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172

Or, join from a dial-in phone line:

Dial: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 364 284 172
The webinar will also be recorded and archived. All archived webinars are available on the ILF website, so that they can be watched at any time.
ILF has applied for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) for attending this webinar. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.
Upcoming Webinars in the Series:
Feb. 1: Kelsey Fisher, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Feb. 8: Pamela Stahke, USDA – Risk Management Agency
Feb. 15: Marshall McDaniel, Iowa State University
Feb. 22: Greg LaBarge, The Ohio State University
