Iowa Learning Farms to Host 'Conservation on Tap' in Davenport

Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Soil and Water Conservation Society and Conservation Learning Group, will host “Conservation On Tap,” Jan. 26 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Stompbox Brewing in Davenport. The event will provide local farmers, landowners and urban residents with a chance to discuss and ask questions about conservation practices

The course aims to improve water quality, reduce flooding impacts and manage risk from weather variability and climate change. There will be an opportunity for networking following the event, with experts present from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. To ensure adequate space and food, RSVP by calling 515-294-5429 or email ilf@iastate.edu.

“Our intent with this event is to help build community through encouraging farmers, landowners and urban residents to talk about topics important within the community, what keeps them up at night, what challenges they see with conservation practices, and what they want to learn more about,” said Liz Ripley, Iowa Learning Farms conservation and cover crop outreach specialist. “There will be no formal presentations or agenda, just a chance to talk, ask questions, listen and learn while enjoying a beverage and provided food.”

Hosts will include Clare Lindahl, chief executive officer of the Soil and Water Conservation Society, Sara McMillan, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering at Iowa State University, and Liz Ripley. Matt Erickson, with Stompbox Brewing, will also join in the conversations as to why water quality matters for brewing.

Quad City native Clare Lindahl started her career working with communities and farmers to implement conservation practices in the Quad City area and now serves as the first female chief executive officer of the Soil and Water Conservation Society. In this role, Lindahl supports local conservation by advocating for national policy, bridging science and practice and uniting diverse stakeholders to achieve conservation goals.

Sara McMillan has worked with rural and urban communities across the Midwest for over 20 years to develop plans and projects that promote water quality, support access to healthy foods, and create green spaces for recreation and well-being. She is a professor at Iowa State in agricultural and biosystems engineering where her extension activities connect stakeholders with data-driven research to support local to national conservation goals.

Growing up on a farm in Butler County, Ripley learned the importance of soil conservation and water quality and propelled her decision to pursue a career in agriculture and conservation. With Iowa Learning Farms, Ripley works with farmers and landowners to explore which practice options will align with their farming operation and provide best management recommendations for successful implementation of those practices.

To learn more about planned field days, virtual field days, webinars and other conservation events, visit Iowa Learning Farms online.