South Dakota Ag Connection - ILF Webinar to Feature Wetlands, Wildlife Case Study

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ILF Webinar to Feature Wetlands, Wildlife Case Study
South Dakota Ag Connection - 12/06/2021

The Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinar taking place Dec. 8 at noon CST will feature Adam Janke, extension wildlife specialist and assistant professor, Iowa State University, and Kay Stefanik, assistant director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center housed at Iowa State University. The pair will draw on Janke's expertise in the impacts of conservation practices on birds and wildlife, and Stefanik's expertise in wetland ecology and water quality, to introduce a new educational case study and learning guide for students, educators, agriculture professionals, farmers and landowners.

In the webinar, "Wetlands and Wildlife: A Conservation Case Study," Janke and Stefanik will provide an overview of a training kit and educational materials developed for use in high school and college agriculture and environmental science classes. The case study provides educators and students with real-world farming situations, questions requiring critical thinking and problem-solving, and the resources needed to help understand and navigate the complexities of agricultural production and natural resources management. Incorporating snapshots of three types of wetlands, the case study empowers students to gain a better understanding of the cost-benefit trade-offs of conservation practice applications across wetland ecosystems in agricultural settings.

"Conservation practice adoption by today's farmers, and by our next generation of farmers, is essential for reaching the nutrient reduction goals, which are critical to improving and maintaining water quality in Iowa," said Stefanik. "This case study is one tool that can help students, farmers and landowners be better equipped to make informed decisions about the best conservation practices to utilize in their operations."

"Wetlands are 'nature's kidneys,' removing nutrients and other pollutants and performing a critical role in our efforts to improve environmental health and stewardship in Iowa," said Janke. "Wetlands have been disregarded and abused for too long, and efforts to put them back in place in working landscapes are win-win solutions that will improve farm profitability, water quality, and wildlife conservation efforts in Iowa."

Participants in Iowa Learning Farms Conservation Webinars are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CST Dec. 8:

Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172.

Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID 364 284 172.

Or, join from a dial-in phone line. Dial +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 with meeting ID 364 284 172.

The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website, so that it can be watched at any time. Archived webinars are available at https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.

A Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit has been applied for. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the CEU will be provided at the end of the live webinar.

Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA Section 319 Grant Program and GROWMARK Inc.

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