The Master Conservationist Program is coming to Sioux County this \nfall for the first time through a partnership between ISU Extension and \nOutreach, Sioux County Conservation Board, and local conservation experts. This \nfive-week blended online and in-person series will help participants better \nunderstand Iowa’s natural resources, ecosystems, conservation history, and \ncurrent challenges while learning practical ways to become informed stewards \nand community conservation leaders. Sessions will be held at various locations \nthroughout Sioux County, see below for details. Cost for the program is $80 per \nperson and covers meals, activities and Master Conservation Goodie Bag.
\n \n\nSetting the Stage with Charcuterie \nBoard
\n\nMonday, August 31 @ Oak Grove, \nPrairie Woods Nature Center \n
\n\nAs \nparticipants enjoy a delicious charcuterie board, we will explore the history \nand current structure of conservation in Iowa. Oak Grove provides the perfect \nbackdrop for setting the stage as we learn to read the land and uncover the \nstories it tells about its past, while also exploring the diverse ecosystems \nthat make Iowa unique. \n
\n\nAldo \nLeopold and the Prairie \n
\n\nTuesday, \nSeptember 8 @ Dordt Prairie \n
\n\nAldo \nLeopold’s conservation work helped change how we understand and care for our \nnatural landscapes. His efforts to protect Iowa’s remaining prairies helped \npreserve a vital ecosystem that had been nearly lost to development and \nagriculture. His legacy continues to inspire conservation and stewardship for \nfuture generations. Professor Dr. Robert De Haan will walk participants through \nthe process of creating Dordt's prairie and the impact it has on the \ncommunity. \n \n
\n\nNRCS \nBus Tour \n
\n\nMonday, September 14 @ TBD \n
\n\nThe Natural Resource \nConservation Service connect homeowners and landowners to government funding \nopportunity to help reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water \nquality, increase wildlife habitat and improve soil health. This week, local \nNRCS staff will guide our bus tour, highlighting a variety of conservation \npractices and showcasing impactful, hands-on demonstrations along the \nway! \n
\n\nWatershed Health and Fish \nShocking \n
\n\nMonday, September 21 @ Big \nSioux Recreation Area \n
\n\nWatershed \nhealth is an ongoing challenge, with flooding, runoff from surrounding areas, \nand upstream influences among the many factors that impact water quality and \naquatic ecosystems. Andrew Carlson, Iowa DNR Fisheries Management Biologist, \nwill meet us at the 90-acre lake located between the Dry Creek Watershed and \nBig Sioux Watershed. Following a brief presentation about his work, Andrew will \ndemonstrate one of the Iowa DNR’s valuable fisheries management tools—the \nelectrofishing boat. \n
\n\nFresh Air and Fresh Fares \n(Outdoor Meal) and U-pick at Holland Farms
\n\nMonday, September 28 @ Sandy \nHollow Recreation Area
\n\nThe grand finale of our series will be an opportunity for reflection \nand discussion over a delicious outdoor dinner featuring local ingredients. We \nwill celebrate the human element of conservation while exploring how we can \neffectively communicate the topics covered within our local communities. We \nwill end the evening with a special U-pick experience at Holland Farm.
\nSUMMARY:My County Parks - Master Conservationist Program Series PRIORITY:3 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR