Keokuk County Extension to host Master Conservationist program

The Keokuk County Extension and Outreach will host a seven-session Master Conservationist Program beginning late August.

The Master Conservationist Program is a collaborative program offered by ISU Extension and Outreach, county conservation boards and local conservation leaders and professionals. The intensive blended online and in-person curriculum is developed to equip Iowans interested in natural resource conservation with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about natural resources and to become local leaders and educators. After the completion of the course there is no volunteering stipulation.

“I and our program coordinator, Emily Belvel, have tons of great ideas planned for the program this fall,” said Kelly Walker, Keokuk County Extension and Outreach County Director. “We plan on going to Lake Belva Deer for a demonstration from our district foresters, the Hayesville Bend Wildlife Management Area for our prairie and wildlife unit, Chief Wapello Trail for our geology unit, Lake Belva Deer for a boat ride and to talk to our district fisheries specialist, and much more.”

Sessions will be held Tuesday nights from Aug. 29 to Oct. 10 at 4 p.m., to ensure daylight for the activities planned. Classes vary from one to three hours each. The registration fee is $40 and that includes all materials and light snacks each session.

People interested in signing up should visit http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=s7sh84fbb&oeidk=a07ejunzinkf9c147aa. If you have any questions or want to learn more about the Master Conservationist Program contact the Keokuk County Extension and Outreach by calling 641-622-2680 or emailing xkeokuk@iastate.edu.