Follow these links to get the complete stories in the Summer 2005 issue of the Extension Connection newsletter.

Southwest Iowa Makes Investment for Economic Development

Thanks to regional collaboration and successful grant writing efforts, southwest Iowa has a strong investment for its future. Iowa State University Extension and partners recently secured more than $600,000 in state and private funding for economic development projects in southwest Iowa.

4-H’ers Build Tourism, History through ‘Year of the Barn’

With help from Iowa State University Extension, some Iowa 4-H’ers are using Iowa’s barns to increase tourism and track local history with technology during “The Year of the Barn and the Family Farm.”

Garden of Discovery Honors Lewis and Clark

Visitors to the Garden of Discovery at the Sioux City Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center can see and learn about many of the native plants the explorers encountered. Iowa State University Extension Master Gardeners in Woodbury County are among the volunteers involved in the garden.

Partnership Creates Safer, Cleaner Neighborhoods

Cedar Rapids children are safer now than they were nine years ago, thanks in part to the Partnership for Safe Families project, a coalition of agencies addressing local child and family safety issues. One component of that project, Neighborhood Partners, is coordinated by Iowa State University Extension in Linn County.

Food and Fitness Craze Hits 4-H Clubs Across Iowa

Supersizing is becoming a norm of fast-food menu ordering, and television or computer games take up much of children’s leisure time. That’s why Iowa State University Extension and citizens in southwest Iowa decided to address their fitness and nutrition issues.

Iowa’s Wine Industry Gets an Education

Iowans will be learning more about winemaking, thanks to a new addition to Iowa State University Extension’s staff. Enologist Murli Dharmadhikari is meeting with state grape growers to assess their needs in an effort to develop a program of wine research and education that will benefit the Iowa wine industry.

Iowa Companies Call on Materials Experts

What do noise reduction technology, chimney toppers and concrete chutes have in common? All are products of Iowa companies that have brought questions to Iowa State University Extension’s Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) and ISU’s Institute for Physical Research and Technology (IPRT).

Community Development Is Online

Nine students began the new online master’s degree program in community development at Iowa State University this fall. They join students from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, South Dakota State University, Kansas State University and soon University of Missouri and North Dakota State University in an electronic learning community.

Corn and Soybean Initiative Works for Growers’ Best Interests

Since it was launched in December 2004, the Corn and Soybean Initiative has been working to strengthen partnerships with agribusinesses, retailers, commodity organizations, farm media and others to maximize opportunities to reach growers with research, extension and educational resources.

Extension Staff, Retirees Contribute to Excellence

Established in 1988, Excellence in Extension provides grant dollars to ISU Extension staff for innovative programs, graduate study and individual and group professional development. And it’s entirely funded by donations from past and present ISU Extension staff and retirees.

-30-