Windbreak School: Establishment, Management, Renovation workshop

Tuesday, February 8, 2022 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Iowa is in desperate need of a windbreak renaissance. Windbreaks and shelterbelts act as critical farm infrastructure – providing energy savings, livestock growth gains, timber and non-timber forest products, wildlife habitat, odor and dust control, aesthetics, and privacy. However, Iowa’s aging windbreaks are simply not functioning as they should be, due to general decline, storm damage, and insect and disease issues.

This FREE, in-person event will focus on promoting the proper establishment, management, and renovation techinques that will ensure successful and effective windbreaks. Please pre-register for this event by contacting the Tama County ISU Extension Office at (641) 484-2703 prior to 2/4/22. Hosted by Tama County ISUEO, open to all. 

Check out the Event Flyer for details!

Opportunity exists for participants to speak 1-on-1 with NRCS staff and foresters to discuss objecitves for their land, cost share potential, initiate the windbreak planning process, and schedule on-site visits. 

Topics: The science behind windbreaks; site, species, and design considerations for multiple objectives (e.g., farmstead, livestock); planning and planting; maintenance (e.g, irrigation, pruning, deer damage control); on-farm economic value (e.g., non-timber forest products); managing and ID of insect and disease issues; renovation strategies; cost share, technical service, and educational resources.    

Speakers: Ed Zaworski (Plant Pathologist, ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic), Billy Beck (ISU Extension Forestry Specialist), IDNR District Foresters, Michelle Crumrine and Larry Jones (Iowa NRCS), and Cheryl Bruene (ISU Extension and Outreach - Tama Co.).  

This event is part of the "Working Watersheds" LSR grant, with funding provided by the Iowa DNR.

Official promotional flyer forthcoming. 

Windbreak renovation is a critical need across Iowa. The event will discuss how to address situations that warrant renovation, such as those where insects, disease, storm damage, and lack of management have led to reductions in windbreak functionality.