Iowa Learning Farms to host Forestry on Tap

AMES — Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Conservation Learning Group and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Warren County, will host “Forestry On Tap,” Thursday, Feb. 20, from 6-7 p.m. at West Hill Brewing Co. in Indianola.

The event will provide local farmers, landowners and urban residents with a chance to discuss conservation practices aimed to improve water quality and soil health, as well as managing risk from weather variability and climate change.

There will be an opportunity for networking following the event. Complimentary food will be available beginning at 5:30 p.m. Beverages will be available for purchase.

To ensure adequate space and food, please RSVP by Feb. 14 by calling 515-294-5429 or email ilf@iastate.edu.

“Our intent with this event is to help build community through encouraging farmers, landowners and urban residents to talk about topics important within the community, what keeps them up at night, what challenges they see with conservation practices and what they want to learn more about,” said Liz Ripley, Iowa Learning Farms conservation and cover crop outreach specialist.

“There will be no formal presentations or agenda, just a chance to talk, ask questions, listen and learn while enjoying a beverage and provided food. We are looking forward to learning alongside everyone else who attends.”

Iowa State hosts at the event will include Billy Beck, ISU Extension and Outreach forestry specialist, and Michelle Soupir, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering.

A member of the West Hill Brewing Co. team will begin the discussion by highlighting the importance of water quality in the brewing process.

This event is supported by a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant award. To learn more about planned field days, virtual field days, webinars and other conservation events, please visit the Iowa Learning Farms website.

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 and GROWMARK Inc.