Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
6/7/04
Contacts:
Linda Naeve, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-8946, lnaeve@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
ISU Extension Offers Urban "Farming" Programs
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 provides agricultural services and programs 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 provides 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, 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 provides 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/.
ISU Extension has established programs and resources that address urban agriculture the Master Gardener Program 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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