Local Talk for Friday, February 11, 2022 started with recap of the news for this week from the Ames Tribune by Dennis Hart.
River Otters have discovered Lake LaVerne on the ISU Campus. Dawn Snyder, Naturalist for Woodbury County Conservation Board talked about “They Otter Be in Iowa” program with the ISU Fisheries and Wildlife Biology Club. Jamie Beyer represented the Iowa Trappers Association that worked with the Fisheries and Wildlife Club in bringing otters to Iowa. It is an amazing development to have otters in an urban environment at Lake LaVerne.
Merry Rankin, Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Ames included Don Kom, City of Ames utilities Director highlighted the new milestone phase the Climate Action Plan is now in and new education, engagement and feedback opportunities, including a new public survey coming out next week, new informational pieces added to the Climate Action Plan website, the Eco-chat public presentation coming up on February 24 at the Ames Public Library and the opportunity for community organizations to request a presentation by the project team at a monthly meeting or one of their events.
There is an upcoming Symposium on Sustainability at Iowa State University, February 21-22 – kicked-off by a virtual keynote speaker on February 21 at 6pm. Chris Jordan – photographic artist, filmmaker, cultural activist and art educator, will speak on “Facing the Realities of our World and Surviving to Tell About It”. Some of Chris’ most memorable images include a dead albatross whose stomach contents are misc plastic. Chris Jordan photographic arts (beautyemerging.com).
Doug Harr, President of Iowa Audubon, discussed the Iowa Water and Lands Legacy (IWLL)legislation. Doug was on the committee to determine the best means of funding conservation in Iowa. He encouraged everyone to contact their Senator to weigh in on this important legislation concerning a 3/8% sales tax devoted to funding IWLL.
Music featured The Temptations, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg and Just My Imagination” in honoring Black History Month.
CityofAmes\Sustainability.org.
