Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Drone’s-eye View of Wetlands and Wildlife

Event
Wednesday, March 8, 2023 - 12:00pm


Wetland in farmed landscape. Photo by Kay C. Stefanik. 

March 8 presentation features Iowa State University’s Adam Janke and Kay Stefanik showcasing aerial exploration of Iowa wetlands to better understand wetland ecology, function and biodiversity

The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place March 8 at noon CST will feature Adam Janke, extension wildlife specialist and associate professor, Iowa State University (ISU) and Kay Stefanik, assistant director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center housed at Iowa State University. Janke is a trained wildlife biologist who is active in regional and national efforts for wildlife conservation and education. Stefanik’s expertise and research is in water quality, nutrient cycling and aquatic ecosystems.

In the webinar, “Iowa’s Wetlands from the Sky: Educational videos on wetland wildlife and water quality with drones,” Janke and Stefanik will team up to showcase a program designed to fill the knowledge gap in wetland ecology and diversity by leading an educational video campaign to explore wetland ecology and function through the lens of water quality and wildlife habitat using drones and aerial photography throughout Iowa. They will discuss the win-win-win interrelations between wildlife habitat, water quality and people, and will challenge Iowans to build literacy and provide resources for further exploration of the ecology nature and diversity of wetland ecosystems.

“In agricultural settings, wetlands have historically been regarded as obstacles rather than assets,” said Stefanik. “However, they are actually an integral part of Iowa’s landscape that contribute to reduction of nutrient loss from farm fields, provide habitat for local and migrating wildlife, store floodwater, and provide recreational opportunities for people. We are hopeful that this project will spark a greater appreciation of wetlands, along with a desire to improve wetland restoration and creation efforts across the state.”

Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join. The webinar will also be recorded and archived. All archived webinars are available on the ILF website, so that they can be watched at any time.

Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program. 

ILF has applied for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) for attending this webinar. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.

Webinar Access Instructions

  • Or, join from a dial-in phone line:

Dial: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923

Meeting ID: 364 284 172