Iowa Master Conservationist Program to begin in Jefferson County

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer the Iowa Master Conservationist Program from August 28-November 6. The program will take place in Jefferson County, providing participants with hands-on interaction with the diversity of the state’s natural resources.

The program teaches about Iowa’s natural ecosystems and the diversity of conservation challenges and opportunities that exist in the region. Graduates of the course learn to make informed choices for leading and educating others to improve conservation in Iowa.

The program consists of approximately 12 hours of online curriculum and 6 face-to-face meetings. The online modules will include lessons and resources by Iowa State subject-matter experts to be reviewed at the participants’ own pace at home or at the ISU Extension and Outreach Jefferson County office.

Module topics include conservation history and science, understanding Iowa ecosystems, implementing conservation practices in human dominated landscapes and developing skills to help educate others about conservation practices.

The six face-to-face meetings will build on the online lessons and be held at various locations in Jefferson County from 6-9 p.m. on Mondays: August 28, September 11, September 25, October 9, October 23, and November 6. Each face-to-face meeting will be led by local subject-matter experts to demonstrate how the principles covered in the online curriculum and play out locally. A free meal is provided at each face-to-face meeting.

Registration for the course is $40 and is due at the time of registration. To register contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Jefferson County office at 641-472-4166 or register online at: https://go.iastate.edu/GIS4MV. The deadline to register is August 17.