AMES, Iowa – The Conservation Learning Group, a think tank based at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and dedicated to addressing conservation and environmental challenges, has opened nominations for the New Voices in Water Quality in Iowa awards program. The New Voices awards will be conferred on top nominees that have taken up the mantle of water quality improvement in Iowa since 2012.
“There has been tremendous growth in action and interest in the area of water quality over the past 10 years, and CLG is looking to encourage those new voices in the conversations to continue — or increase — their efforts through this recognition,” said Jacqueline Comito, CLG program director and director of Iowa Learning Farms at Iowa State University. “Iowans from many backgrounds and age groups have entered the water quality conversation and invested time and effort in making a difference across Iowa. We want to hear about those individuals and encourage them to continue reaching Iowans and impacting the improvement of our shared natural resources.”
Nominees must be Iowa residents who will be at least 18 years old by April 15, 2022, and been actively working (paid or volunteer) in the water quality field between 2012 and 2022 (with the earliest actions no later than 2019). They should also have participated in outreach and education during this period. Nominations close Friday, April 15, at 5 p.m. CST.
Nominations should indicate how the nominee has furthered water quality advocacy in one of the following broad categories:
- Water Quality Research.
- Water Quality in Public Policy and Government.
- Youth and/or Community Water Education.
- Water Quality and Wildlife.
- Urban Water Conservation.
Nominations will be submitted in the form of letters from two individuals detailing the impact a nominee has made on water quality improvement. Nomination letters should highlight the nominee’s creativity, innovation, demonstrated knowledge, sense of community and future potential in advancing water quality initiatives.
“In addition to recognizing some new voices and new leaders in the fight to improve water quality, we are also eager to share the abundant content and resources available from CLG that can help inform and fortify outreach and education across the state,” said Comito. “We are very eager to feature a host of new conservation voices in Iowa through this program.”
About Conservation Learning Group
Conservation Learning Group is a collaborative team established to advance training, outreach and research across land uses and production systems to increase overall sustainability of agricultural and natural systems for multiple generations to come. CLG draws on experts in various disciplines to deliver engaging science-based outreach to farmers, agricultural advisers, landowners, decision makers, youth and communities. To learn more about Conservation Learning Group visit www.ConservationLearningGroup.org.