Pollinator declines are a global concern, and agriculture sits at the center of the challenge. As farms grow more efficient and landscapes become increasingly simplified, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are losing the diverse habitats they depend on. One widely promoted solution is planting native vegetation, but an important question remains: Can pollinator habitat embedded within conventional farming systems truly help if pesticides remain in the surrounding landscape?

Iowa landowners may apply to participate in the 2026 Landowner Program: Balancing Profitability, Stewardship and Legacy, offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The application window is open until April 10, and program events will take place in June and July...

Are you a landowner who wants your tenant to implement more conservation practices, such as cover crops? Key communication strategies can ease the process. “Adopting a conservation practice is a behavior change, and change takes time,” said Catherine DeLong, a water quality program manager with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach...

Landowners interested in restoring oxbows on their property can consult guidance from a new publication from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “Oxbow Restoration: A Guide for Landowners” is available for download at no cost from the ISU Extension Store and provides practical guidance on the benefits of oxbow restoration, the restoration process and timeline, costs and funding opportunities, as well as additional resources available to help landowners get started...