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 […]
Update to manure blow-out: large-scale h...
Back in November came news that several thousands of gallons of manure had blown out of a clean-out port on a southeast Iowa hog confinement facility, making its way to a creek that runs to a major river. Today, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced that Maschhoffs LLC has agreed to pay a $10,000 […]
Indian Creek Nature Center plans move ah...
CEDAR RAPIDS – The Indian Creek Nature Center released images today that show what the center’s new building will look like. Executive Director John Myers noted that the new “Amazing Space” campus will be Iowa’s only sustainable, netzero energy project and the only Nature Center worldwide to pursue the Living Building Challenge certification. The new […]
Fascinating footage seen through lens of...
Ever wonder what happens in the woods when people are not around? You can find out, through a new exhibit of trail camera shots at the Indian Creek Nature Center. A bit of a warning might be warranted for some of the “behind the scenes” photos taken by the Nature Center’s trail cams. Not all […]
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 […]
Local foods movement grows in Johnson Co...
Johnson County is really becoming a hot spot for the local foods movement. Michelle Kenyon Brown, chairwoman of the county’s Food Policy Council – newly created in 2011 – expects a great turnout at the council’s upcoming public forum. If you have anything to share or just want to hear from a great lineup of […]
Applications accepted for Iowa Century a...
Iowa farms that reach a milestone of 100 or 150 years under the same family can qualify for a special honor. The Century (100-year) and Heritage (150-year) Farm Program recognizes those achievements during an award ceremony at the Iowa State Fair. Our family farm in rural Chelsea received the honor a few years ago, making […]
Edible forest being planned for Wetherby...
Iowa City is fortunate to have such a progressive-thinking group in Backyard Abundance. The nonprofit, led by director Fred Meyer, is looking into creating an edible forest with fruit trees and more in Wetherby Park. The idea is for the orchard to serve as a gathering site for neighbors and to provide free nutritional food. […]