IOWA CITY – Scott Koepke lights up when he talks about his work. “Look at those faces,” he said, pointing to a photo of school children fully absorbed in his presentation about composting, his full-time endeavor. Koepke has been helping schools in the Iowa City area start gardens in his role as New Pioneer Food […]
Viticulture: The Curse of the Vineyard
OK, maybe the vineyard isn’t cursed, but the weather seems to be, prompting our viticulture class (or maybe just me) to wonder if we aren’t somehow jinxed. No matter what the weather the day-before or weekend after, all of our class sessions have been plagued with howling winds, frigid temperatures and drenching rain; sometimes all […]
Happy Earth Day!
My hyacinth and daffodils seemed to be biding their time this spring, but finally opened today, in time for Earth Day. The Lenten rose that I thought succumbed to the elements also was found to be in bloom. I’ve felt behind on my planting, but thought it was appropriate to start that on Earth Day, […]
Julia “Butterfly” Hill calls on people t
HIAWATHA – For someone who spent two years living in a tree, Julia “Butterfly” Hill appears quite down-to-earth. “If people want to call me a tree-hugger, that’s great,” said Hill, 39, who was given the nickname “Butterfly” as a child. “I’m a proud tree-hugger.” Best known for the 738 days she lived on a platform […]
Farmers Market season set to begin soon
Given today’s wintry winds, it’s incredible to think that another outdoor farmers market season begins in just one week. One of my favorite markets kicks off its season Sunday, April 28, 2013. The Hiawatha Farmers Market will be held that day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Guthridge Park 10th Avenue parking lot. […]
Garden open house in Iowa City postponed
The UI Student Gardeners Spring Open House scheduled for today – April 21, 2013 – has been postponed. Lisa, one of the University of Iowa gardeners, said predicted high winds and a chance of showers factored in the decision. She said possible rain dates will be either April 28th or May 5th. We’ll keep you […]
Weekend photo gallery: Eco-Fest in Cedar...
Many volunteers and environmental groups joined together Saturday, April 20, for Eco-Fest 2013. Events were held throughout the New Bohemia district in southeast Cedar Rapids, including NewBo City Market, CSPS and the Cherry Building. After a week of rain and cold temperatures, the sun made an appearance, just in time for this early celebration of […]
Wanted: Iowa gardeners
A new program I mentioned earlier this month officially launched today. The Cultivate Iowa campaign encourages gardeners to donate some of their harvest to a local food pantry to help ensure that all Iowans have regular access to safe and nutritious food. The program also wants low-income Iowans to look at gardening as a way […]
Green pledges and home composting part o...
More exciting Earth Week events are being added to the April calendar, with Johnson County’s activities coming up April 23 and April 25, 2013. Here is more from Becky Soglin, Johnson County Sustainability Assistant: Iowa City, Iowa – As part of Earth Week activities, Johnson County will host opportunities for making green pledges and learning […]
No surprise: drought threat diminishes i...
Today’s water summary update from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources may seem a gross understatement to residents of Eastern Iowa with flooded basements this week. The DNR reported this week’s drought monitor continues the improvement trend that began in early March 2013.