Conservation Connection
Highlights From the 2022 Monitoring Season
Our 2022 Annual Report for the Story County 10-Year Water Monitoring Plan shares findings from the third year of a locally-led effort to monitor water quality in streams and lakes across Story County, Iowa.
The Good, the Bad, and the Alternatives to No Mow May
The idea is that leaving your mower parked for a month in spring will allow dandelions and other lawn-associated flowers to grow, providing food for emerging pollinators at a time when there aren’t many flowers blooming yet. This sounds easy and beneficial, but is it really? Are there better options, or is this the answer to pollinator-friendly yarding? Let’s mow through the jargon, discuss different viewpoints, and offer simple alternatives.
Mayflies Should Be Normal
I’d like to introduce you to some friends that I met hiding under a rock in the creek. It’s perfectly normal for me to be doing this, and Baetis here is telling me this is normal creek.
Story County Conservation – Prairie Rivers of Iowa Featured Partner
Story County Conservation maintains over 3,500 acres of parks and natural areas preserving native environments, stopping the spread of invasive species, and water quality.
Jerry Radke Leaves a Legacy
Jerry Radke of Nevada, Iowa was a conservationist known for his hard work and a “yes I can” attitude with a passion for improving soil and water quality.
His love for the outdoors and the environment started on the family farm where at a young age Jerry helped work dairy and beef cattle, hogs, chickens, ducks, and geese. Jerry would tell the story about how at the age of three his father put him on a tractor where he had to stand and brace his head against the seat so his feet could reach the petals.
Iowa Lands Prominent North American Prairie Conference
Once in a while something big and potentially impactful happens! Something that brings together people from around North America to address the issues of biodiversity, climate change, soil and water quality and more. Something that lays out information from researchers, educators, allied professionals, students, conservation specialists, landowners and organizations who will share their latest findings while raising important questions during dozens of informative sessions and exciting, hands-on field trips.
Think Outside the HUCs
Tracking progress of conservation projects with water monitoring is tricky, but we have some good news to share! You just need to think outside the box…
Trees for the Bees: How to Support Wildlife this Arbor Day!
Planting a tree can be an investment not only of money but of time as well. When thinking about the long-term goals for your property, it’s important to think about the legacy you may leave behind, as the tree will probably outlive you. Planting the right trees can not only increase your property’s appeal; it can also provide habitat for songbirds and pollinators for decades to come! So which trees attract pollinators, are native to Iowa, and look great in our yards?
Clover Lawns: Is the Trend Lucky for Pollinators?
The idea of creating a pollinator-friendly yard is finally taking root, and the idea of a perfect lawn, along with its expense, is being weeded out. Clover lawns are one of the latest trends yard-owners are trying out in an effort to be more environmentally conscious. This new kind of lawn is often touted to support pollinators, require less maintenance, and lower pollution. But do they live up to the hype?