Conservation Connection

How I Spent My Summer Glaciation

How I Spent My Summer Glaciation

This summer I went to Alberta and walked on a glacier. It was fun. It reminded me of Iowa’s icy past and our warming future. I learned a lot. If you read this, you’ll learn something too!

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Progress Tracking: Why It’s Lacking

Progress Tracking: Why It’s Lacking

If the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy had one of those United Way progress tracking thermometers, this is what it would look like. I knew we had a long way to go but I didn’t realize how much of our progress to date has been offset by increased fertilizer use.

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(Don’t) Blame it on the Rain

(Don’t) Blame it on the Rain

In an interview with KCCI, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds blamed the weather for high nitrate levels in the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers that have led to an unprecedented outdoor watering ban for the Des Moines metro. Weather does have an influence on nitrate levels in rivers, but if we look at all the evidence, it’s clear that this spring is not a fluke.

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