Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
5/16/03
Contacts:
Linda Naeve, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-8946, lnaeve@iastate.edu
Julie Todd, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-2405,
jtodd@iastate.edu
Iowa State University Extension Provides Services in Urban Agriculture
AMES, Iowa - Iowa State University (ISU) Extension has traditionally provided its rural communities with research-based information on the production of food, feed, fuel and fiber commodities. To meet similar but unique needs of Iowans in urban communities, ISU Extension is reorganizing its services to include an urban agriculture program to build relationships between urban and rural communities.
Urban agriculture focuses on lawns, flowers, home food and greenhouse production, forestry, horses for recreation and pest and wildlife management. It also involves composting, water quality, conservation of natural resources and entertainment through botanical gardens and zoos. ISU Extension's Urban Agriculture Program will provide greater visibility of services that promote sustainability and improve quality of life in urban communities through an understanding of natural resources.
Linda Naeve, extension coordinator at Reiman Gardens in Ames, said "Attention to urban agricultural issues is important with more with 55 percent of Iowa's population residing in 10 urban counties, and ISU Extension's Urban Agriculture Program will provide urban communities with information to enhance their environment and improve their quality of life through agriculture."
Iowans can access publications, newsletters, newspaper columns, workshops and other learning opportunities related to urban agriculture through the Extension Urban Agriculture Web site at www.extension.iastate.edu/urbanag/.
Some established ISU Extension programs and resources that address urban agriculture include the Master Gardener Program that focuses on horticultural needs and education. The School Integrated Pest Management Program provides timely information on pest management topics of concern to school officials and staff in Iowa. "Hortline" is a phone service (515-294-3108) through which Iowans can get answers to the garden, lawn, tree, and pest management questions. In addition, producers, businesses, and homeowners can have plant problems diagnosed through the Department of Plant Pathology's Plant Disease Clinic and insects and related organisms identified through the Department of Entomology's Insect Diagnostic Clinic.
For more information on urban agriculture, contact Linda Naeve, Reiman Gardens, 1407 Elwood Dr., Ames, IA 50014 or call (515) 294-8946.
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Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.