A virtual soil and water conservation field day on urban stream and riparian area management will be at 1 p.m. July 23. Hosted by Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Iowa Nutrient Research Center and the Conservation Learning Group, the webinar will be led by Jan Thompson, Iowa State University Morrill professor of natural resource ecology and management, and Aaron Gwinnup, water resources engineer with Emmons & Olivier Resources Inc. 

Rivers and streams reflect the activity of the watershed that drains into them. This is especially true in urban areas, where these waterbodies are tasked with not only providing habitat and recreation, but also capturing and transporting stormwater away from homes and businesses in areas dominated by impervious surfaces that continue to increase.  

Improving water quality 

“Our research indicates that restoration activities and practices to protect urban streams can significantly improve water quality and ecological integrity of the streams themselves, as well as providing place-based opportunities for urban residents to better connect with these natural features in their neighborhoods and communities,” Thompson says. “We are excited to offer this opportunity that will include video footage from the field, as well as the opportunity to ask questions live.” 

Make plans to join the live field day. Shortly before 1 p.m. July 23, go to ISU’s Zoom page, or visit iowalearningfarms.org/page/events and click “Join Live Virtual Field Day.” Or call 312-626-6799 or 646-876-9923. The meeting ID is 914 1198 4892.

The field day will be archived on the ILF website. A certified crop adviser board-approved continuing education unit has been applied for, for those who are able to participate in the live webinar. Information about how to apply to receive the credit (if approved) will be provided at the end of the live field day.  

Source: ILF, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.