Iowa Learning Farms to host forestry event near Iowa City

AMES — Iowa Learning Farms will host “Forestry On Tap,” Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 6-7 p.m. at Wilson’s Orchard and Farm near Iowa City.

The event will allow local farmers, current and future landowners and urban residents a to discuss and ask questions about conservation practices aimed to improve water quality and soil health and to manage risk from weather variability and climate change.

There will be an opportunity for networking following the event. To ensure adequate space and food, participants are asked to RSVP by Oct. 14 by calling 515-294-5429 or emailing ilf@iastate.edu.

ISU hosts at the event will include Billy Beck, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Forestry Specialist, and Michelle Soupir, Iowa State University Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.

Paul Rash, Wilson’s Orchard and Farm owner will begin the discussion by highlighting the importance of water quality in the cider process and conservation practices they have implemented on the farm.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase beginning at 5:30 p.m.

This event is supported by a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant award 2024-68016-42660. To learn more about planned field days, virtual field days, webinars and other conservation events, visit iowalearningfarms.org/events-1.

Iowa Learning Farms was established in 2004 to build 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.