Jessica Nelson, graduate research assistant in sustainable agriculture at Iowa State University, told us about the STRIPS (“Science-based Trials of Rowcrops Integrated with Prairie Strips” which is an experimental program conducted through ISU Extension to work with farmers to determine the results of retaining and enriching soil in fields with strategically placed strips of prairie plants intermixed with corn and soybeans.
Going from fields to rivers, we talked to Nate Hoogeveen director of river programs forthe Iowa DNR. His role is to oversee diverse efforts, including river science, survey, construction, grant administration, data and mapping services, and program planning. Much of our discussion concerned Nate's guide "Paddling Iowa," the 4th edition of which is coming out this month(warning no online description is available for the 2021 edition).
Katherine Herrington, president & CEO of the West Des Moines Chamber, told us about the Black and Brown Business Summit, Thursday Apr 22, 2021 Friday Apr 23, 2021. Go to the website to find out how to get virtual tickets to see local minority owned businesses displays. The impressive list of sponsors indicates the effort established Iowa businesses are making to provide opportunities for diversity and to grow the share of minority owned businesses.
