Environment

Local Highlights

February 27, 2013

A growing interest in alternative energy sources, sparked by soaring oil prices and the development of large wind farms in northwest Iowa, has raised many questions about wind and solar energy.  Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach in Woodbury and Plymouth Counties, along with other partner organizations, addressed these issues at the 2013 Wind and Solar Energy Conference that was held on  Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the Sioux City Convention Center.  170 people attended the conference.  Below are some of the materials shared at the conference.

January 18, 2013

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists discuss the best time to prune common Iowa trees. Find answers to common yard and garden questions at the Yard and Garden FAQs website, http://expert.hort.iastate.edu/.

January 18, 2013

Traps, sentinel trees, visual surveys and other surveillance efforts show pest is only in eastern Allamakee County in northeast Iowa, according to the Iowa Emerald Ash Borer team.

January 18, 2013

Many farmers appear to believe that farmland is overvalued and eventually the market bubble will burst, according to the 2012 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll.

January 18, 2013

Ag Decision Maker, one of the most visited Iowa State University Extension and Outreach websites, has a new look. The decision-oriented agricultural business website now showcases new and emerging issues within farm management.

Agriculture and Natural Resources has to many resources to help Iowans. Get a list of them all here.

Statewide Resources

  • Tree identification, care and maintenance, and timber management resources.

  • Educating people about Iowa's wildlife resources so that Iowans can make informed decisions that impact wildlife and their habitats.

  • Publications and resources covering fish farming to pond management.

  • Establishing watershed groups in impaired sub-watersheds throughout Iowa implemented through partnerships of farmers, extension specialists, Iowa State University Extension and agencies at the state and local level.

  • Providing Iowans with an independent, authoritative voice on water resource issues affecting Iowa.

  • Building institutional partnerships and increasing the capacity of citizens, educators, agencies and community leaders to better address water quality concerns.

  • A management approach for environmental enhancement of intensively modified agricultural landscapes.

  • Iowa Learning Farms is building a Culture of Conservation, calling attention to the importance of improved water and soil quality through conservation farming practices.

  • Research-based information and current Extension and Research projects on tillage and cropping systems, soil carbon sequestration, residue management, and cover crops.

  • Developing new ways to farm profitably while conserving natural resources.

  • Information on Pesticide Applicator Training, Integrated Pest Management, and related environmental programs.

  • Comprehensive information on manure management, research and application for Iowa.

  • Providing extension services on topics such as water quality and pollution control, hydrology and drainage, and remote sensing and modeling.

  • The Iowa Soil and Land Use site provides data related to the agricultural and non-agricultural uses of Iowa land to help you determine the right use for your soil.

  • Find resources on soil nutrients, nutrient management, soil sampling and testing, interpretations and recommendations.

  • Specialists have compiled a list of resources to help you prepare for and recover from natural disasters. Remember to take care of yourself and your family first; then deal with the things lost to the disaster.

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