Wetland and Prairie Field Day to be held near Haverhill June 12

Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Middle Iowa Watershed Management Authority and Marshall County Natural Resource Conservation Service, will host a wetland and prairie field day from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday, June 12 at Tony and Roberta Brink’s farm, 2551 Marsh Ave., near Haverhill. The no cost event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal.

Wetlands and prairie once dominated the Iowa landscape and today they continue to provide important benefits to water quality and wildlife habitat. Strategically placed wetlands can also help reduce with downstream flooding. This field day will explore the wetland system developed on the property and aims to assist farmers and landowners with establishing and maintaining perennial vegetation. These areas offer many benefits including pollinator habitat, reducing soil erosion from sensitive areas, building soil health, and providing beauty to the landscape.

The field day will begin with landowner Tony Brink highlighting the work he has done since purchasing the property in 1990 to increase wildlife habitat through the creation of wetlands and prairie. Kay Stefanik, Iowa Nutrient Research Center Assistant Director, will discuss the benefits of wetlands on the landscape and Kevin Andersen, Iowa DNR State Private Lands Biologist, will share best management practices for establishing and maintaining prairie. Doug Roupp, Marshall NRCS District Conservationist, will share updates on cost share programs for implementing wetlands and prairie on the land. Emily Herring, Director of Marshall County Conservation Board, will be available after lunch for prairie plant identification.

The driveway to enter the site is located north of the homestead on the west side of the road and will be marked with field day signs. Insect repellent will be provided and attendees are encouraged to wear long pants and closed toe shoes.

The event is offered at no cost and open to farmers and landowners, though we require reservations to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu by June 5. 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. For more information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit www.iowalearningfarms.org.