Conservation Connection

How a Pollinator Plan can Enrich Life in Ames

How a Pollinator Plan can Enrich Life in Ames

Ames is currently buzzing with pollinators – both in nature and in city government!
Mayor John Haila recently proclaimed National Pollinator Week in Ames for the week of June 19th through the 25th. During this proclamation, he also mentioned the release of the City of Ames Pollinator-Friendly 10-Year Community Plan. Why proclaim a national pollinator week, and why should we have a plan concerning pollinators for Ames? Because supporting pollinators is supporting the Ames community!

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The Good, the Bad, and the Alternatives to No Mow May

The Good, the Bad, and the Alternatives to No Mow May

The idea is that leaving your mower parked for a month in spring will allow dandelions and other lawn-associated flowers to grow, providing food for emerging pollinators at a time when there aren’t many flowers blooming yet. This sounds easy and beneficial, but is it really? Are there better options, or is this the answer to pollinator-friendly yarding? Let’s mow through the jargon, discuss different viewpoints, and offer simple alternatives.

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Mayflies Should Be Normal

Mayflies Should Be Normal

I’d like to introduce you to some friends that I met hiding under a rock in the creek. It’s perfectly normal for me to be doing this, and Baetis here is telling me this is normal creek.

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Jerry Radke Leaves a Legacy

Jerry Radke Leaves a Legacy

Jerry Radke of Nevada, Iowa was a conservationist known for his hard work and a “yes I can” attitude with a passion for improving soil and water quality.

His love for the outdoors and the environment started on the family farm where at a young age Jerry helped work dairy and beef cattle, hogs, chickens, ducks, and geese. Jerry would tell the story about how at the age of three his father put him on a tractor where he had to stand and brace his head against the seat so his feet could reach the petals.

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Iowa Lands Prominent North American Prairie Conference

Iowa Lands Prominent North American Prairie Conference

Once in a while something big and potentially impactful happens! Something that brings together people from around North America to address the issues of biodiversity, climate change, soil and water quality and more. Something that lays out information from researchers, educators, allied professionals, students, conservation specialists, landowners and organizations who will share their latest findings while raising important questions during dozens of informative sessions and exciting, hands-on field trips.

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Think Outside the HUCs

Think Outside the HUCs

Tracking progress of conservation projects with water monitoring is tricky, but we have some good news to share! You just need to think outside the box…

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