Public and private partnerships can work together to establish wetlands to reduce flooding and improve water quality in Iowa. You can learn about it at an upcoming virtual webinar hosted by Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Iowa Nutrient Research Center and Conservation Learning Group. This free wetland virtual field day will be 1 p.m. Dec. 10.

The field day will highlight how public and private partnerships are working together to implement wetlands to reduce flooding and improve water quality in the Middle Cedar Watershed and beyond. You can tune in for a live conversation with Adam Rodenberg, project coordinator for the Middle Cedar Watershed, and Matt Lechtenberg, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship water quality coordinator.

Water quality goals

Wetlands provide a wide variety of benefits on the landscape and are an important tool in reaching Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy goals. Not only do these wetlands filter out sediment, but they also reduce nitrate concentrations through the natural denitrification process. Additionally, wetlands can store water, and the newly constructed sites in the Middle Cedar play a key role in reducing flooding within the watershed and downstream. These areas also provide critical wildlife habitat and add beauty to the landscape.

“Using wetland design standards similar to the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, the wetland featured during the live event is helping accomplish our project goals of flood reduction downstream,” Rodenberg says. “The project also offered a unique opportunity to work with the landowner to safely meet their livestock grazing goals and expand on their previous efforts to more effectively manage water on the site.”

“These virtual field days are an opportunity for attendees to participate in a live discussion with the featured speakers. We invite all attendees online to unmute and to ask questions during the event,” says Liz Ripley, of Iowa Learning Farms.  “We are excited to offer this opportunity that will include video footage from the field, as well as the opportunity to ask questions live.” 

Get answers to questions

To participate in the live virtual field day at 1 p.m. Dec. 10, 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 presentation will be archived on the ILF website so it can be watched at any time.

Participants may be eligible for a certified crop adviser board-approved continuing education unit. Information about how to apply to receive the credit (if approved) will be provided at the end of the live field day.

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