Iowa Nature Series Provides Fresh Look at Iowa's Outdoors
Explore Iowa's natural world through a series of new publications by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Explore Iowa's natural world through a series of new publications by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Many rural residents in Iowa rely on private wells as their source of water for drinking, cooking, washing clothes, and watering livestock. Even if your well and the area around it have remained unchanged, it is important to test water annually for indicators of contamination, including nitrate and bacteria, to ensure the water is safe to drink.
Water sustains life in the garden and often becomes the center of attraction when added to a yard or garden. Starting a water garden — even one as simple as a large container of water — also expands the gardener’s choice of possible plants to be enjoyed.
Spring is a great time to plant new trees on an acreage. Do you know the differences between planting bare-root trees and container-grown trees? When should each be planted and what applications work well for each type?
Home and business owners have way to cut their cooling costs in the summer.
For small farms that grow a diversity of fruit and vegetables, pollinators can be essential for crop production. Even though much of Iowa is committed to producing corn and soybeans, a remarkably diverse community of bees persists in the landscape. We describe several approaches to conserving bees so that small farms can get the most out of the service they provide.
If you moved to the country and own a well for the first time, or you've relied upon a well most your life, chances are good that you don't have an owner's manual that goes with your well. Thousands of people across the U.S. utilize private wells for drinking water for themselves or their livestock. Maintenance of these wells is critical to keeping wells functioning properly.
summary text