Catch that rain last night? My rain barrel did. With forecasts still calling for freezing temperatures in Iowa, I consulted Rich Patterson of the Indian Creek Nature Center to see if it was safe to set up the barrel for the season. Patterson had set up his rain barrels Sunday (April 7,) he said, “so […]
Gallup survey: Concern about global warm...
U.S. worry about global warming is heading back up after several years of expanded public skepticism. Views on the subject are now near the midpoint in Gallup trends, exemplified by the 58% of Americans who say they worry a great deal or fair amount about global warming. This is up from 51% in 2011 but […]
Where are your morels? Iowa mushroom hun...
Last year was somewhat of an anomaly. By mid-March 2012, morel hunters were finding the sponge-like delicacies across Iowa when temperatures climbed unseasonably high in early spring. This year, with the ground still too cold for the mushrooms to grow, morel
Cultivating Change is theme for Iowa agr...
If you know any budding youth artists or adults with artistic talent, point them to the Second Annual Celebration of Iowa Agriculture Art Award and yes, there are cash prizes for the winners. I’m just in awe of last year’s winners. Larry Mendenhall of Altoona and Erika
Cultivate Iowa campaign to launch April ...
A new program launching this month seeks to ensure that all Iowans have regular access to safe and nutritious food. The Cultivate Iowa campaign, which debuts April 19, is an initiative of the Iowa Food Systems Council’s Food Access and Health Work Group, with
Drought outlook improving in some parts ...
Only one small patch of snow along the fence in my yard made it through the 60-degree temperatures in Eastern Iowa and it finally felt like spring! The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports that last month was the coldest in nearly four decades and, on a more positive note, some parts of Iowa have […]
Matthew 25 accepting donations for tool ...
I’m marking my calendar for this upcoming tool sale at Matthew 25 in Cedar Rapids. If you have any tools you don’t need, taking up space in your garage, the non-profit is also looking for donations. Here are the details:
Video: Picking up chicks in Iowa
Which came first? When it comes to backyard chickens, oftentimes it’s not the egg, but chicks from the Murray McMurray Hatchery. Specialty breeds, such as Black Australorps; Silver Laced Wyandottes and Buff Orpingtons can be purchased from the hatchery – established in 1917 in Webster City, Iowa – with a minimum order of 15 to 25 […]
ECO Iowa City events begin with kickoff ...
It’s great to see so many eco-friendly events happening this month in Eastern Iowa. Jennifer Jordan, Recycling Coordinator for the city of Iowa City, sent the following about the kickoff for ECO Iowa City: ECO Iowa City Kick Off! Wednesday, April 3 (7-8 pm) East Side Recycling Center, education center
EcoFest preparations being finalized; Ea...
Our friends at EcoFest note that the Earth Day celebration is coming up this month, on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in and around the NewBo City Market, 1100 Third St. SE. Prairiewoods’ Emy Sautter said a few spots remain for ecologically minded