Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, will host a wetland field day Wednesday, November 13 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at David Gretemen’s farm near Bayard. The free event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal.
Water quality enhancement wetlands are constructed to reduce nitrogen loads from croplands to streams and rivers, while also providing wildlife habitat and increased recreational opportunities. To accelerate the installation of wetlands across the state to help meet the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy goals, the Iowa Water Quality Initiative offers flexible, cost-share funding to help install wetlands in areas that do not meet other program requirements. To date, more than 138 water quality enhancement wetlands have been completed and 88 additional wetlands are set to begin construction in the next two or three years.
Field day attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Guthrie County landowner David Greteman about the newly completed water quality enhancement wetland constructed on his farm. Kay Stefanik, Iowa Nutrient Research Center Assistant Director, will discuss the importance of wetlands from both a water quality and ecological perspective. Brandon Dittman, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship wetlands project manager, will share how to get involved with the Water Quality Initiative and details about the water quality enhancement wetland program. A walking tour of the newly completed wetland will conclude the field day, weather permitting.
The field day will be held in a heated shop at David Greteman’s Farm, 1431 Highway 25, Bayard, IA 50029 and will be held rain or shine. From Bayard, head east on IA-141 for 3.3 miles. Turn right to head south on IA-25 for 3.3 miles. The farm and wetland are located on the west side of the road. Field day signs will mark the driveway entrance.
The event is free and open to farmers and landowners, though we require reservations to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP please contact Liz Ripley by November 6th at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu. Attendees will be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey.
Iowa Learning Farms field days and workshops are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. For more information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit www.iowalearningfarms.org.
