KALONA – Evan Gingerich counted 58 pairs of purple martins in a colony at his home last year. “They’re just neat to have around,” he said, citing the birds’ “cheerful chatter” and appetite for insects. Gingerich is one of the founders of an annual Purple Martin Workshop, now in its eighth year. The event is […]
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Year: 2013
Orchid meeting in Iowa City cancelled; g...
If you had hoped to get your springtime fix of flowers tonight at the Eastern Iowa Orchid Society meeting, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait until next month. Nile Dusdieker said due to the snowstorm, the meeting scheduled for tonight has been cancelled. The group’s guest, David Bird of Kansas City, will come to the […]
Open house scheduled for Linn County Rur...
What are your concerns about where you live? Having diverse transportation options? Protecting natural resources and agricultural lands? Sources for alternative and renewable energy? Jobs? If you live in Linn County, you have a say in whatever cause you choose. The county is updating its Rural Land Use plan, with an open house scheduled for […]
Weekend photo gallery: Maple Syrup Festi...
The first weekend in March felt like winter, but spring is definitely within reach as residents of the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids Corridor began planting seeds indoors, visited farmers markets and celebrated locally made maple syrup. If you have photos from this weekend or others you’d like to share, post them on the Homegrown Facebook page.
“Speak for the trees” with TreeKeepers p
“I repeat,” cried the Lorax, “I speak for the trees!” – The Lorax, Dr. Seuss A recent initiative by Marion-based Trees Forever will help bring out your inner Lorax. Heath Hupke, special projects coordinator for Trees Forever, said spots are still open in the group’s TreeKeepers program, which begins this month. The first meeting […]
Greene Square Park renovation plans prog...
CEDAR RAPIDS — Some of the mature trees in Greene Square Park will likely be removed under renovation plans, but Cedar Rapids Parks Superintendent Daniel Gibbons promised all would not be lost.
Mount Vernon, Iowa City and Anamosa grou...
Local foods and gardening have come into their own across the nation and in our own backyard. Besides area farmers markets (see tab, above) the upcoming weekend offers learning opportunities, as well. Mount Vernon, Iowa City and Anamosa all have workshops scheduled for Saturday, March 2, 2013. Here is information about each event:
Greene Square Park Public Forum set for ...
(Feb. 28, 2013) This week’s snow has led to numerous cancellations and school delays, but one event that is still on-schedule is tonight’s public forum on Greene Square Park. Changes are in store for the park, a longtime mainstay for events and a central gathering spot in downtown Cedar Rapids.
Iowa orchid winners in Chicago
Congratulations to the Eastern Iowa Orchid Society, winners of the prestigious American Orchid Society Show Trophy for the best Orchid Exhibit Display at the Batavia Orchid Show in Chicago! Look for information on the group’s next meeting March 5 in Iowa City, on the events calendar, above, plus more activities in the coming year, including […]
My favorite Downton Abbey quote
Season 3 of “Downton Abbey” was rather, well, grim at times, but this exchange between Lady Edith and her grandmother made me laugh. Some gardeners may take offense, but I found it quite hilarious.