The benefits of restoring oxbow wetlands is the topic of an Iowa Learning Farms webinar at noon Wednesday (Aug. 5). This is a free presentation, and anyone who is interested is encouraged to tune in.

“You will learn more about this promising edge-of-field soil and water conservation practice,” says Hilary Pierce, an Iowa State University Extension specialist working with the ILF program. “It has many benefits for water quality improvement, and we will explain the potential funding pools and other up-to-date news on this practice, which is gaining momentum and enthusiasm around oxbows.”

NATURAL FILTER: Restoring and maintaining oxbow wetlands provides a natural solution to water resource management challenges.

An oxbow wetland is a meandering of a stream, river or creek that has become separated from the flow of water. Oxbow wetlands store excess water that might otherwise lead to flooding. They can be used to filter water to improve water quality and provide habitat for a variety of wildlife. Over time, some oxbows fill in with sediment due to erosion of soil in surrounding areas. Restoring and maintaining oxbow wetlands provides a natural solution to water resource management challenges.

Water quality, wildlife and people 

Karen Wilke, Iowa freshwater specialist and director of the Boone River Project for The Nature Conservancy, will explain the multiple benefits that oxbow wetland restorations bring for water quality, wildlife and people by sharing recent research findings and restoration experiences from the field.

Wilke has worked for The Nature Conservancy for the past seven years to research, promote and restore oxbow wetlands for improved water quality, floodwater storage and wildlife habitat across Iowa. Webinar attendees will leave with a sense of hope for the future, and excitement for the possibilities and  sense of purpose for moving forward. “If you’re interested in learning more about oxbow wetlands and the many benefits they can provide, join us at noon on Aug. 5 for this webinar,” Pierce adds.

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon on Wednesday (Aug. 5), go to iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID 364 284 172. Or, join from a dial-in phone line by dialing 312-626-6799 or 646-876- 9923. The meeting ID is 364 284 172.  

Webinar archived for later viewing 

The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website, so it can be watched at any time. Archived webinars are available at iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.

A certified crop adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) has been applied for, for people 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 webinar.

Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a culture of conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of ILF include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (USEPA section 319) and Growmark Inc.

Learn more about the Boone River Watershed.

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.