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.

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, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA Section 319 Grant Program, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and GROWMARK Inc.