AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer a revitalized Iowa Master Conservationist program this fall. The program will be piloted in Mt. Pleasant and provide hands-on interaction with the diversity of the state’s natural resources.
Iowa Master Conservationist teaches about wildlife and plant communities, and provides accurate information on a broad range of conservation issues. Ultimately, it provides individuals the resources to make informed, intelligent choices for leading and educating others on a sustainable lifestyle.
“The Master Conservationist Program has a rich history at Iowa State, with its origins dating back to the 1990s,” said Adam Janke, assistant professor and extension wildlife specialist at Iowa State University. “We’re excited to be working with a number of partners in southeast Iowa to modernize the program, engage a new cohort of learners, and make plans for rolling it out across the state soon.”
The program consists of approximately 16 hours of online curriculum and seven face-to-face meetings. The four online modules will include lessons and resources by Iowa State subject-matter experts to be reviewed at the participants' own pace at home or at the ISU Extension and Outreach Henry County office. Module topics include conservation infrastructure and science, understanding Iowa ecosystems, implementing conservation practices in human dominated landscapes and developing skills to help educate others about conservation practices.
Seven face-to-face meetings will build on the online lessons and be held at locations around Mt. Pleasant from 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26 and Nov. 2, 9 and 16. Each face-to-face meeting will be led by local subject-matter experts to demonstrate how the principles covered in the online curriculum play out locally. A meal will be provided on the evenings of Oct. 5 and 12 and Nov. 16. Snacks will be provided on the other evenings.
Registration for the course is $100 and is due at the time of registration. To register contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Henry County Office at 319-385-8126. The deadline to register is Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m. Courses will be limited to a maximum of 20 people to help foster an intimate learning environment.