Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Floyd and Mitchell County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, will host a wetland field day on Thursday, April 10, from 12-2 p.m. at the New Haven Mennonite Community Center near Osage. The event is offered at no cost to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal.
Water quality enhancement wetlands are constructed to reduce nitrogen loads from croplands to streams and rivers while also providing wildlife habitat and increased recreational opportunities. To accelerate the installation of wetlands across the state to help meet the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy goals, the Iowa Water Quality Initiative offers flexible, cost-share funding to help install wetlands in areas that do not meet other program requirements. To date, more than 138 water quality enhancement wetlands have been completed and 88 additional wetlands are set to begin construction in the next two or three years.
Field day attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Mitchell County landowner Myrna Hoisington about the recently completed water quality enhancement wetland constructed on her land near Orchard. Kurt Hoeft, Iowa Drainage District Association wetland field specialist, will discuss how wetlands improve water quality and wildlife habitat. Brandon Dittman, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship wetlands project manager, will share how to get involved with the Water Quality Initiative and the water quality enhancement wetland program, as well as share details on the construction of the wetland featured in this field day. A walking tour of the newly completed wetland will conclude the field day, weather permitting.
The field day will begin at the New Haven Mennonite Community Center, 3000 360th St., Osage, and will be held rain or shine. From Osage, head east on IA-9 for 8 miles. At the curve, turn right on 360th Street for about 1 mile. The Community Center is located on the south side of the road.
The event is offered at no cost and is open to farmers and landowners, though reservations are required to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP please contact Will Kopp by April 3 at 641-426-4215 or William.Kopp@ia.nacdnet.net. Attendees will be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey.
Iowa Learning Farms field days and workshops are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
PHOTO: Pair of pintail ducks in the sky on a frosty morning over the wetlands. (Adobe Stock │ #288828658 – Cliff)
