I’m not only a Homegrown Iowan, I’m also a native of Cedar Rapids, and in living on the west side of the city, Westdale Mall was a major point of pride for a teen growing up in the “mall” years. Once Westdale opened, we didn’t have to go all the way across town to Lindale […]
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Tag: Iowa
Spring greens at Iowa’s winter markets
With our world still in dreary shades of brown and gray, it’s nice to see some green. In fact, thanks to local growers and their hoophouses, “spring” greens have already been sold at some of the area winter farmers markets for at least a month. Lettuce, spinach and more are literally cropping up under the […]
Water worries: Upcoming river discussion...
This seemingly never-ending winter will likely take another toll, this one on Iowa’s fish. A news release today from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources notes that some of Iowa’s lakes have been under ice for three and a half months, which correlates to low oxygen levels that contribute to fish kills. “Can we eat […]
Spring is (almost) here: a look at the w...
Temperatures – finally reaching highs the state hasn’t seen since November – are one indication that spring is on its way. Another is the number of gardening and eco-events cropping up in Eastern Iowa. A look at the Homegrown calendar shows something happening every day this week, with some offering more than one option. If […]
Statistics confirm the big chill in Iowa...
Lots of interesting data out today from State Climatologist Harry Hillaker, but perhaps it’s no surprise that Iowa experienced its coldest winter in 35 years. The past three months – December through February – also ranked as the ninth coldest in 141 years of record-keeping, with March, too, off to a cold start, averaging 20.4 […]
SeedBroadcast coming to the Ely Farmers ...
Ely always seems to be on the cutting edge of the local foods movement and now the town will have SeedBroadcast Iowa at its next indoor farmers market, March 8. The market runs from 9 a.m. to noon at the Ely Public Library, 1595 Dows St.
New Czech Village brewpub opens to crowd...
CEDAR RAPIDS – The long-anticipated opening for Lion Bridge Brewing Company came Wednesday in Czech Village. The brewpub has been creating buzz since owner Quinton McClain first had hopes to move into the historic White Elephant building on the other side of the Cedar River. When those plans didn’t come to fruition, McClain instead set […]
Trees Forever 25th anniversary kicks off...
Trees Forever is marking a milestone this year as the Marion-based nonprofit celebrates its 25th anniversary. Throughout the year, Trees Forever is hosting 25 special events to highlight the accomplishments achieved together with the community in roadside plantings, improving water quality, providing more shade for communities, habitat and so much more. The first anniversary event […]
Iowa moves from third to second in the n...
Iowa is moving up in the agricultural world. Preliminary U.S. Census data shows the state has seen increases in ag production and the value of crops and livestock sold, surpassing Texas, Illinois and California in those three categories. Here is more from Iowa Secretary of State Bill Northey’s office:
Seven climate actions to take this sprin...
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 […]










