AMES, Iowa – Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Mahaska County Soil and Water Conservation District, will host a wetland and beaver dam water quality workshop on Tuesday, March 26th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Mahaska County Environmental Learning Center in Oskaloosa. We welcome farmers and landowners to attend this free workshop and join us for a complimentary meal. 

Wetlands and beaver dams have both historically been regarded as obstacles rather than assets in Iowa agricultural settings, but both contribute to water quality benefits such as the transformation of nutrients, storing floodwater, slowing the flow of water, and recharging groundwater resources. In addition, both provide habitat for local and migrating wildlife and can provide recreational opportunities for people. 

This workshop will feature Kay Stefanik, assistant director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, diving deep into wetlands sharing their water quality benefits and ability to cycle nutrients.  Andrew Rupiper, graduate research associate at Iowa State University, will discuss benefits of beaver in Iowa streams, drainage water management, and row crop agriculture in areas adjacent to streams. Myriam Lafreniere-Landry, watershed coordinator with Muchakinock Creek, will share financial incentives for wetlands. 

The event will be held at the Mahaska County Environmental Learning Center, 2342 IA-92, Oskaloosa, IA and is free and open to farmers and landowners, though we require reservations to ensure adequate space and food. Attendees will enjoy a complimentary meal and be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, please contact Alena Whitaker at 515-294-2473 or ilf@iastate.edu.  Iowa Learning Farms field days and workshops are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. For more information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit www.iowalearningfarms.org.