Iowa Learning Farms worker speaking to a crowd of people over a three-dimensional wetland model in front of a trailer that reads “The Conservation Station: Marsh Madness.”

Iowa Learning Farms worker demonstrating a rainfall simulator to a group of people out of the back of a trailer.

Crowd of people inspecting the rainfall simulator; a collection of trays with different tilling methods inside them underneath a spray system.

Iowa Learning Farms worker speaking to a crowd of people over a three-dimensional wetland model.

Conservation Station

Iowa Learning Farms partners with Water Rocks! to bring audiences the Conservation Station—a fleet of mobile learning centers that educate audiences of all ages on different conservation aspects. Each trailer houses a unique combination of highly visual and interactive Iowa-centric demonstrations that delve into the impacts of land management choices, both urban and agricultural, on water quality and the connections between our state’s water, soil, and wildlife. Visiting fairs, festivals, farmers markets, and other public events, the Conservation Station trailer provides a range of demonstrations, games, learning opportunities and hands-on activities for all ages.

Scheduling/Availability

Interested in requesting the Conservation Station for 2026?
Please read all of the details below carefully before submitting your request through our online request system!

Start Date for Conservation Station Season:
June 1, 2026

Events happening in June - July:

We welcome requests for Monday - Saturday events
(NOTE: The Conservation Station trailers are not available on Sundays, nor over the Independence Day holiday weekend)
We welcome requests for the following event categories:
community events/festivals, fairs, and farmers markets
We are unable to participate in summer schools, summer reading programs, and youth camps at this time

Events happening in August - September:

We welcome requests for Tuesday - Friday events
(NOTE: The Conservation Station trailers are not available for Saturday – Sunday - Monday events in these months)
We welcome requests for the following event categories:
community events/festivals, fairs, and farmers markets
This online request system is exclusively for community events and does not include schools. Our separate lottery system for fall school visits will open in August 2026—stay tuned!

KEY DATES FOR 2026:

March 2: Conservation Station request system opens
March 20: Conservation Station request system closes
March 23: Iowa Learning Farms and Water Rocks! teams begin reviewing requests (all requests are evaluated together after the request system closes—NOT fulfilled on a first-come, first-serve basis). We often receive many more requests than we are able to fulfill—please be patient as we carefully evaluate all requests received!
April 15: An Iowa Learning Farms/Water Rocks! team member will be in email communication with all event requesters
June 1: Start date for Conservation Station season

How to Request

Our online request system for the season is open through Friday, March 20.
NOTE: The online request system is managed through the Water Rocks! program.

Request the Conservation Station

Space Requirements

Please provide a flat open space of at least 35’ x 60’, and a clear driving path in and out.

Cost

Conservation Station trailer outreach events are available at no cost within the state of Iowa. Many thanks to our partners for making this possible!

I have other questions about the Conservation Station trailers. Who can I talk to?

Liz Ripley
ejuchems@iastate.edu
515.294.5429