While algae are naturally occurring, excessive growth leads to challenges with water quality. Algae reproduce rapidly, or “bloom,” in conditions with warm, slow-moving water rich in nutrients, especially phosphorus. Some algal blooms release harmful toxins that can have significant public health impacts.

Properly functioning ventilation systems are vital to today’s pork production facilities, and following a regular process for maintaining their operation can pay big economic dividends. This publication is a summer ventilation checklist to facilitate maintenance and ensure timely inspection of proper equipment and barn components. Typically, this checklist would be used around April to prepare for summer cooling and ventilation needs.

Properly functioning ventilation systems are vital to today’s pork production facilities, and following a regular process for maintaining their operation can pay big economic dividends. This publication is a winter ventilation checklist to facilitate maintenance and ensure timely inspection of proper equipment and barn components. Typically, this checklist would be used around October to prepare for winter heating and ventilation needs.

This infographic provides information about how on-farm anaerobic digesters work, common feedstocks for digesters, and the main components of anaerobic digestion systems.

One of the best ways to learn about and appreciate the landforms and geology of Iowa is to get outside and visit the rocks, sediments, and landscapes in person. While some of Iowa’s most interesting geological features can’t be seen at the surface, many interesting features can be explored up close in Iowa’s state and county parks, refuges, and recreation areas. This resource is a supplement to WL 17A - Iowa's Landforms and Geology to be used as a guide to some of the best sites around the state where visitors can explore more than a billion years of Iowa’s geological history as told in rocks and landforms.

The Iowa’s Nature series was a collaborative project between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Association of Naturalists, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources with support from the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program. To learn more about the project, visit https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/Iowas-Nature

From ocean-front property to spruce forest to today's rich organic prairie soils, Iowa's geological past is a fascinating story that can be told through careful inspection of the land beneath our feet. This article explores the long-view history of Iowa's landscapes and explains how the hills and valleys we call home were formed over millennia. To learn more about Iowa's Landforms and Geology, download the supplement article WL 17K - Geological Places to Visit.

The Iowa’s Nature series was a collaborative project between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Association of Naturalists, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources with support from the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program. To learn more about the project, visit https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/Iowas-Nature

It is widely accepted that Iowa's soils are some of the richest and most productive in the world. But how and why? This article explores those rich soils, how they form, how scientists describe and classify them, and the conservation challenges they face.

The Iowa’s Nature series was a collaborative project between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Association of Naturalists, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources with support from the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program. To learn more about the project, visit https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/Iowas-Nature

Iowa, like no other state in the U.S., is defined by its tallgrass prairies. This article takes a deep dive into those prairie ecosystems, learning about the cast of plants, animals, and people dependent on them and how people today are working to manage and protect this critical ecosystem.

The Iowa’s Nature series was a collaborative project between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Association of Naturalists, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources with support from the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program. To learn more about the project, visit https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/Iowas-Nature

From the ephemeral pool of a prairie pothole to the giant pools of the mighty Mississippi, Iowa's lands are defined by their diverse, and critically important aquatic ecosystems. This article takes a deep dive into the ecology and intrigue of these systems found across the state and discusses the challenges they face and the promises of conservation actions taken there.

The Iowa’s Nature series was a collaborative project between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Association of Naturalists, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources with support from the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program. To learn more about the project, visit https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/Iowas-Nature

Asked to picture Iowa's wildlife diversity and many people may think first of vertebrates, rather than the invertebrates who comprise the vast majority of diversity found among the living animals of Iowa's lands and waters! This article features the stories of a few of the thousands of insects, spiders, crustaceans, butterflies, moths, worms, snails, mussels, and leeches found in Iowa, everywhere from our border rivers to our homes.

The Iowa’s Nature series was a collaborative project between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Association of Naturalists, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources with support from the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program. To learn more about the project, visit https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/Iowas-Nature

From city sewers to pristine prairies, the reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, fish, and lamprey found within Iowa's borders are as diverse and fascinating as the people found there. Members of these varied groups of wildlife are collectively called vertebrates and this article explores all the diverse life history strategies and behaviors demonstrated by Iowa’s non-human vertebrates.

The Iowa’s Nature series was a collaborative project between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Association of Naturalists, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources with support from the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program. To learn more about the project, visit https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/Iowas-Nature

From the bur oak tree towering over the savanna to the humble bladderwort, floating untethered in the water of wetlands, Iowa's plants and plant-like organisms are fascinatingly diverse. This article explores that diversity, describing the classification Iowa's plants, the varied places they occur, and the remarkable adaptations they have to life in Iowa.

The Iowa’s Nature series was a collaborative project between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Association of Naturalists, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources with support from the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program. To learn more about the project, visit https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/Iowas-Nature

For as long as the tallgrass prairie blooms have blown in the breeze and the muddy Missouri flowed past its western border, the land we call Iowa has been stewarded and cared for by people. From the diversity of Native cultures that have called this land home to the 20th century advocates who fought for its protection and care amid unprecedented exploitation, thousands of influential voices have fought to protect this land and its diversity. This article features a few of those voices that have been influential in the care of Iowa's Nature and who set an example for future generations to follow in protecting the rich natural heritage we all inherit.

The Iowa’s Nature series was a collaborative project between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Association of Naturalists, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources with support from the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program. To learn more about the project, visit https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/Iowas-Nature

Some characteristics of Iowa's Nature are so fundamentally Iowan that they've received special designation as such by the state legislature. This article explores those uniquely Iowan symbols including the state bird, tree, flower, and rock along with a sampling of other natural features that define our state and inspire awe in all the diversity found here.

The Iowa’s Nature series was a collaborative project between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Association of Naturalists, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources with support from the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program. To learn more about the project, visit https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/Iowas-Nature

Mapping 101 is appropriate for individuals interested in understanding how to create maps for decision making and building new skills in QGIS for data and map development. Mapping 101 is offered as a separate certification but is included in the Full and Assessor certifications through Community Food Systems.

Participants in this course will receive access to Module 1: Introduction to Community Food Systems and Design Thinking.

• Introduction to Community Food Systems teaches the Community Food Systems process utilized at Iowa State.
• Design Thinking teaches methods and practices for site observation, considerations for creative techniques for project development and various potentials of design related to food systems.

Individuals will receive a certificate of completion after participation in the modules.

Participants in this course will receive access to Module 1: Introduction to Community Food Systems and Feasibility Analysis.

• Introduction to Community Food Systems teaches the Community Food Systems process utilized at Iowa State.
• Feasibility Analysis introduces concepts and types of feasibility studies. It teaches best practices for identifying existing business data and partnership considerations to keep in mind when starting a feasibility study.

Individuals will receive a certificate of completion after participating in the modules.

Participants in this course will receive access to Module 1: Introduction to Community Food Systems and Economic Impact.

• Introduction to Community Food Systems teaches the Community Food Systems process utilized at Iowa State.
• Economic Impact teaches a practice for conducting economic impact analysis studies which may be used for businesses, organizations or communities. Economic Impact module first reviews a tutorial for conducting an economic impact analysis of a food hub; following, participants will conduct their own study based on a project of interest. Data utilized in this module are updated regularly based on state census information.

Individuals will receive a certificate of completion after participating in the modules.

Local Food Leader (LFL) 101 is an individual, skill-building certification for food systems practitioners or those looking to be more engaged in their local food system. This certification teaches foundational competencies critical for successful food systems development, including common language, equity in food systems, facilitation and leadership, creating plans of work, project and program evaluation, and professional development. Participants complete activities and homework individually and participate in facilitated learning circles with a cohort. Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion in Local Food Leader 101.

Participation Hours:

• Local Food Leader 101: 10 weeks of instruction, approximately 12 hours of participation

Local Food Leader (LFL) 101 is an individual, skill-building certification for food systems practitioners or those looking to be more engaged in their local food system. This certification teaches foundational competencies critical for successful food systems development, including common language, equity in food systems, facilitation and leadership, creating plans of work, project and program evaluation, and professional development. Participants complete activities and homework individually and participate in facilitated learning circles with a cohort. Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion in Local Food Leader 101.

Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Add-On: The Intercultural Development Inventory® (IDI®) assesses individuals' and groups’ mindset towards cultural differences and similarities. The IDI training proves a snapshot of individuals’ or groups; approach to cultural differences and commonalities, and includes an individual assessment, profile report, and one-on-one debrief to develop an individual development plan.

Participation Hours:

• Local Food Leader 101: 10 weeks of instruction, approximately 12 hours of participation
• Intercultural Development Inventory: approximately 3 hours of participation (added to Local Food Leader 101)

Local Food Leader (LFL) 201 is a two-part certification that includes the Local Food Leader 101 workshop and access to online modules for additional learning. The Local Food Leader 101 workshop is an individual, skill-building certification for food systems practitioners or those looking to be more engaged in their local food system. This certification teaches foundational competencies critical for successful food systems development, including common language, equity in food systems, facilitation and leadership, creating plans of work, project and program evaluation, and professional development. Participants complete activities and homework individually and participate in facilitated learning circles with a cohort.

Local Food Leader 201 online modules build on topics taught in the workshop and include lessons on local food leaders in community food systems, intentional methods for inclusive and diverse collaboration, tools for research, implementation and funding, and evaluation practices. Participants complete activities and homework individually. Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion in Local Food Leader 201.

Participation Hours:

• Local Food Leader 101 workshop: 10 weeks of instruction, approximately 12 hours of participation
• Local Food Leader 201 online modules: approximately 40 hours of participation

Local Food Leader (LFL) 201 is a three-part certification that includes the Local Food Leader 101 workshop, Intercultural Development Inventory, and access to online modules for additional learning. The Local Food Leader 101 workshop is an individual, skill-building certification for food systems practitioners or those looking to be more engaged in their local food system. This certification teaches foundational competencies critical for successful food systems development, including common language, equity in food systems, facilitation and leadership, creating plans of work, project and program evaluation, and professional development. Participants complete activities and homework individually and participate in facilitated learning circles with a cohort.

Local Food Leader 201 online modules build on topics taught in the workshop and include lessons on local food leaders in community food systems, intentional methods for inclusive and diverse collaboration, tools for research, implementation and funding, and evaluation practices. Participants complete activities and homework individually. Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion in Local Food Leader 201.

Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Add-On: The Intercultural Development Inventory® (IDI®) assesses individuals' and groups’ mindset towards cultural differences and similarities. The IDI training proves a snapshot of individuals’ or groups; approach to cultural differences and commonalities, and includes an individual assessment, profile report, and one-on-one debrief to develop an individual development plan.

Participation Hours:

• Local Food Leader 101 workshop: 10 weeks of instruction, approximately 12 hours of participation
• Intercultural Development Inventory: approximately 3 hours of participation (added to Local Food Leader 101)
• Local Food Leader 201 online modules: approximately 40 hours of participation

Pre-requisite: Local Food Leader 101 Certification

Local Food Leader 201 online modules build on topics taught in the Local Food Leader 101 workshop and include lessons on local food leaders in community food systems, intentional methods for inclusive and diverse collaboration, tools for research, implementation and funding, and evaluation practices. Participants complete activities and homework individually. Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion in Local Food Leader 201.

Participation Hours:

• Local Food Leader 201 online modules: approximately 40 hours of participation

This publication provides guidelines for drainage improvements installed on Iowa's agricultural land. It provides legal, soil management, and engineering information to farmers, engineers, contractors, farm planners, and others associated with drainage system planning, construction, and management.

Site-specific management and planning for nutrient inputs is needed for optimizing economic return and minimizing effects on environmental quality. This publication includes information about factors that influence soil fertility, fertilization management, and associated relations with environmental quality.

See how prairies can benefit farms and find the steps necessary to establish and manage prairies. Look at various uses for prairies: livestock grazing, hay production, biomass feedstocks, and carbon sequestering.

Tree work should be performed only by a properly trained and equipped arborist. Considerations in choosing an arborist include certification, insurance, references, contracts, etc.

Highlights from the 2009 farm and rural life poll include: the next generation of farmers, farm policy and commodity production, mixed livestock and grain farming, farming and food systems in rural communities, value-added agriculture, targeted conservation, nutrient removal wetlands, and personal and financial well-being.

Good quality fans are essential for proper performance of mechanically ventilated facilities. Learn the basic principles of fan quality, rating, performance, installation, and fans for specialized uses.

Specific recommendations for concrete guidelines for use in your agricultural business.

Find out how targeted conservation practices can have the most impact on environmental quality while causing only a small change in overall agricultural production. Environmental benefits are discussed related to clean air and water, productive soils, diverse wildlife and plant habitat, and biological controls for crop protection.

Animal manure systems that drain building manure pits into separate storage pits should have vented plumbing systems. This publication includes information on vented plumbing and information on other publications for additional help.

Use this system to provide better air quality inside livestock buildings and minimize equipment deterioration.

Biologists are detectives; they observe clues and interpret what they see. Use this guide to practice those skills and learn about the tall-grass prairie.

Living outside the city limits is much different than living in town. What do you need to know to live closer to nature and in harmony with rural neighbors?

If you’re thinking of moving to an acreage or inhabit one now, Living on Acreages will be a valuable instruction manual and reference to everything from building and landscaping in the country to maintaining rural property.

Topics include

• Selecting a rural living site
• Designing a homestead adaptable to lifelong needs
• Establishing or accessing systems for utilities including septic systems
• Understanding effects of seasonal weather and wind
• Minimizing damage by insects and animals
• Developing outdoor living areas
• Planning and managing a pond
• Planning and building driveways and roadways
• Establishing a routine preventive maintenance schedule

Detailed information on organic agriculture including history, legalities and logistics, labeling, marketing, and pest and weed management. Includes two field examples on organic soybean and apple production.

An overview of the farm emissions problem, plus suggested resources discussing current research and information on air quality and animal agriculture.

Large wall map (24" x 36") of the many rivers in Iowa.

Get details on using these four tools for trouble-shooting natural ventilation systems: a hi-low thermometer, a relative humidity sensor, ventilation smoke tubes, and your sensory perceptions.

Learn about water tank location, central water sources with short supply lines, distribution systems for individual paddocks, and more.

Cost-benefit analysis of properly using livestock manure.

The most common cause of well water test failures is bacterial problems caused by well deterioration. This publication addresses how to handle contaminated well issues by looking at coliform and nitrate problems.