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New ‘Marsh Madness’ trailer will deliver sights, sounds and science of wetlands to audiences across Iowa

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A new trailer named “Marsh Madness” combines sight, sound and science to engage Iowa audiences about the values of the state’s wetland ecosystems. The artfully designed trailer features scenes of wetlands and their plant and animal communities and recorded sounds of wetland fauna. Adding to the immersive educational experience are three-dimensional interactive models demonstraing the unique landscape placement and hydrology of three wetland types typical in the state. The trailer was developed by Iowa Learning Farms team and the Iowa Nutrient Research Center.

Conservation on Tap

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Iowa Nutrient Research Center Director Matt Helmers will be one of the hosts at the upcoming Conservation on Tap event, sponsored by Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Des Moines Water Works and Conservation Learning Group, Thursday, Oct. 19, from 6-7 p.m. at Big Grove Brewery & Taproom in Des Moines. Staff from Big Grove Brewery will join in the conversations as to why water quality matters for brewing, along with Ted Corrigan, CEO and General Manager of Des Moines Water Works, and Mark Licht, associate professor and extension cropping systems specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

ANR Extension & Outreach Staff Spotlight: Matt Helmers

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Matt Helmers has been making a difference on Iowa’s landscape for more than two decades. His passion for agriculture and conservation have led to a career working with Iowa’s farmers and communities as they adopt new practices to improve water quality and manage nutrients.

Decoding Iowa Farmers’ Understanding of Edge-of-Field Practices

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A study published by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development at Iowa State University presents findings from INRC-supported research on the views of landowners and farmers regarding edge-of-field conservation practices and the barriers to scaling up these practices to significantly reduce nutrient loss. Using two rounds of survey responses among over 1,000 landowners and farmers residing in five watersheds in Iowa, conducted in summer 2022 and 2023, this study provides informative updates for EOF practices on current adoption rates and adoption willingness, perceived environmental benefits, and barriers to adoption and puts forward suggestions on effective education strategies embraced by landowners and farmers.