March 29, 2024

Eastern Iowa Airport to launch conservation efforts

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Eastern Iowa Airport has announced the implementation of two conservation initiatives developed by the University of Iowa and Iowa State University at its 2,000-acre farm. Officials said Monday that the project at the Cedar Rapids airport is aimed at stemming nutrient loss that results from farming and improving environmental sustainability. The airport seeks to incorporate an ISU initiative involving the conversion of farmland into prairie strips to reduce nutrient runoff. It also plans to plant a perennial grass called miscanthus to produce an energy crop that will benefit UI research.

Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett says the project aids Iowa’s waterways.

The airport’s farm, which is the largest in Linn County and tended to by five local farmers, yields corn and soybeans.