Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Iowa State University, will host two woodland management and water quality workshops in February. The events are open to farmers and landowners at no cost and include a complimentary meal.

Hosted by Billy Beck, extension forestry specialist with ISU, and Michelle Soupir, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering with ISU, the workshop aims to highlight how woodland management and woodchip bioreactors can work together to reduce nitrate levels and improve water quality. Through an innovative research and demonstration project supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the team is exploring how traditionally low-value timber species perform in woodchip bioreactors to meet both landowner woodland management and statewide water quality goals.

The workshops will be held on two dates and locations in February:

• Feb. 17:  Grundy Center Community Center, American Legion Room, noon to 2 p.m., 705 F Avenue, Grundy Center
• Feb. 24: Musser Public Library, Room 301,  noon to 2 p.m., 408 East 2nd Street, Muscatine

The events are open to farmers and landowners, though reservations are required 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 Feb. 13.  Attendees will be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey.

This event is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture through grant award 2024-68016-42660. Iowa Learning Farms field days and workshops are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.