Watershed Innovation Farm

Established in 2026, the Watershed Innovation Farm (WIF) at Iowa State University integrates cutting-edge water quality practices—six bioreactors, a saturated riparian forest buffer, a planned saturated grassed waterway, and planned gravity-fed nutrient reducing wetland—with sustainable woodland management. Drone-based monitoring, hyperspectral imaging, and automated drainage structures will track water quality and woodland health in real time. With trails, signage, and guided tours, the WIF will engage industry, farmers, conservation leaders, teachers, and students—building awareness, workforce capacity, and momentum for scaling nature-based solutions. Featuring multiple stacked conservation practices within a 2.5-mile radius, this living lab demonstrates how integrated watershed management can synergistically improve water quality, restore habitat, and drive economic opportunity.

Press

Iowa State developing Watershed Innovation Farm to demonstrate conservation practices - 9/4/2026
New ISU demonstration site to put public spotlight on water-quality best practices - 9/2/2026
ISU gets federal funding to support Watershed Innovation Farm in Ames - 8/28/2026

Funders

United States Environmental Protection Agency
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship