State Sen. Rob Hogg is making it easy for anyone who wants to help make a difference with climate advocacy. Hogg sent the following seven climate actions that Iowans – and in some cases, anyone – can take this spring. Note that comments for the first item are due soon, on Feb. 25, 2014, with […]
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Category: Environment
DNR: Frost hindering groundwater recharg...
With all of the snow this winter, it would seem that Iowa’s drought worries should be long-gone. That’s not necessarily true, as a new report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources shows. The 2013 Water Summary Review notes that the state did improve substantially in the last year. In January 2013, the entire state […]
Report digs into sand mining for the fra...
I was glad to see David Osterberg at Saturday’s Mount Vernon Farmers Market, as he mentioned a recent report from the Iowa Policy Project, where he is a researcher and founding director. “Digging Deeper on Frac Sand Mining” offers insight into the environmental impacts and other concerns related to mining Iowa bluffs for sand used […]
Glass containers accepted for recycling ...
Citing a decline in the market price, Coralville is no longer collecting glass in its curbside recycling and drop-off programs, but another option is available for residents who prefer not to throw bottles in the trash. City Carton Recycling notes that it will continue to provide labeled drop site containers for brown, green and clear […]
Emerald ash borer found in Waterloo; sta...
Another discovery of the invasive emerald ash borer is leading to a statewide quarantine on ash wood products. This time – the sixth confirmed infestation in Iowa since 2010 – the destructive beetle was found by city employees trimming trees in Waterloo. Emerald Ash Borer, a beetle that kills all types of ash trees, has […]
Ground Hog Gala celebrates first program...
CEDAR RAPIDS – The 40-year program history of the Indian Creek Nature Center will be celebrated with a free “Ground Hog Gala” this coming Saturday, Feb. 1. Known for its trails, children’s programs, educational workshops, Maple Syrup Festival, HoneyFest, Nature’s Noel and more, the Nature Center was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1973, but a […]
Derelict Building program helps rural Io...
Small towns in need of help improving their building stock in an environmentally responsible way can apply to Iowa’s Derelict Building Grant program. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 28. Towns such as the Eastern Iowa community of Olin have benefited through building renovations and asbestos abatement, with an emphasis on recycling and reusing building […]
Clearing snow and other perfectly legiti...
“Farmer Dave” Miller describes the “proper” use of a flamethrower in various seasons… My wife, Mickey, has indicated that she often cringes when I include her in my farmers’ market email misadventures and tales of woe.Â
Share your ideas for Homegrown Iowan
A feature on The Authentic Storytelling Project today about Homegrown Iowan offered an opportunity for me to reflect on the future of the website as we approach our anniversary. Homegrown Iowan is an extension of what I’ve been doing for years as a journalist: spreading the word about local foods, farmers markets, gardening and events […]
Homegrown Holidays: scenes of the season
No holiday can be picture-perfect, but even with Iowa’s bone-chilling weather, we can find reasons to be grateful. From the last few weeks, here are scenes of the season that make me appreciate being a homegrown Iowan. During the holidays and into the New Year, may you find joy in all of the little things […]