Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Mahaska County Soil and Water Conservation District, will host a wetland and beaver dam water quality workshop on Tuesday, March 26 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Mahaska County Environmental Learning Center in Oskaloosa.
Farmers and landowners are encouraged to attend this free workshop and to join for a complimentary meal. Iowa Learning Farms is a conservation program with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Wetlands and beaver dams have both historically been regarded as obstacles rather than assets in Iowa agricultural settings, but both contribute to water quality benefits such as the transformation of nutrients, storing floodwater, slowing the flow of water and recharging groundwater resources. In addition, both provide habitat for local and migrating wildlife and can provide recreational opportunities for people.
This workshop will feature Kay Stefanik, assistant director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State, diving deep into wetlands by sharing their water quality benefits and ability to cycle nutrients.
Andrew Rupiper, graduate research associate at Iowa State, will discuss the benefits of beavers in Iowa streams, drainage water management and row crop agriculture in areas adjacent to streams. Myriam Lafreniere-Landry, watershed coordinator with Muchakinock Creek, will share financial incentives for wetlands.
The event will be held at the Mahaska County Environmental Learning Center, 2342 IA-92, Oskaloosa, Iowa, and is free and open to farmers and landowners, though reservations are required to ensure adequate space and food.
The event includes a complimentary meal and participants will be entered into a drawing for Iowa State Prairie Strips honey. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, contact Alena Whitaker at 515-294-2473 or ilf@iastate.edu. Iowa Learning Farms field days and workshops are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. For more information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit them online.