Location
Conard Environmental Research Area
11203 S 12th Ave E
Kellogg, IA 50135
RSVP: 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu
Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Pathfinders RC&D, and Grinnell College, will host a prairie and pollinator habitat field day Tuesday, June 24 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Conard Environmental Research Area (CERA) near Kellogg. The no cost event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal.
This field day aims to assist farmers and landowners with establishing and maintaining perennial vegetation, including trees and shrubs. These areas offer many benefits including pollinator habitat, reducing soil erosion from sensitive areas, building soil health, improving wildlife, and providing beauty to the landscape.
The field day will begin with Emily Klein, CERA Manager and Center for Prairie Studies Outreach Coordinator, and Jacob Hill, CERA Horticulturalist, highlighting the background of the area and ongoing experimental and demonstration sites across the nearly 365-acre field station. Jason Gritsch, Iowa DNR Private Lands Biologist, will discuss cost share opportunities for pollinator habitat establishment and maintenance. Weather permitting, the field day will continue with Kevin Andersen, Iowa DNR State Private Lands Biologist, touring the oak savanna, prairie and experimental burn timing plots.
The field day be held at the Conard Environmental Research Area, 11203 S 12th Ave E, Kellogg, IA 50135. From Grinnell, take exit 179 off I-80 toward Lynnville/Oakland Acres. Turn left onto Hwy T 38 N for 0.6 miles. Turn right onto S 12th Ave E for 4 miles. The site is located on the south side of the road and will be marked with field day signs. Insect repellent will be provided and attendees are encouraged to wear long pants and closed toe shoes.
The event is offered at no cost and open to farmers and landowners, though we require reservations to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP please contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu by June 17. Attendees will be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey.
This field day is supported by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Iowa Learning Farms field days and workshops are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. For more information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit www.iowalearningfarms.org.