Volume 7, November 2017
IOWA HEARTLAND RESOURCE
CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT
Grassroots Connection
Welcome! Iowa Heartland RC&D is excited to bring to you our new and informative monthly e-newsletter, Grassroots Connection , for important and engaging events you won't want to miss. We'll feature programs and projects of interest in your area and Central Iowa including snapshots of articles about people making a positive impact. We'll keep you informed so you can stay connected!
Support IHRC&D on Giving Tuesday!
November 28, 2017 is Giving Tuesday! This annual global celebration of charitable giving is just right around the corner.  We continue to do work for you in helping to make your community and area a great place to live, work and play. We focus our programs matching your passions for sustainable environments, arts and culture enrichment opportunities, healthcare programs, economically vibrant communities, increasing and connecting outdoor recreation trails and supporting healthy foods. Join us with your donation on Giving Tuesday or any day! Your support is very important and will enable us to continue making central Iowa a great place to live, work and thrive. Please hit the green button to the right and make your contribution to IHRC&D today! Or visit www.IHRCD.ORG
County-wide Trail Plan In The Works
Iowa Heartland RC&D received two grants from the National Park Service in October of 2014, as well as approval to extend the projects for 2015, 2016 and 2017. The purpose of these grants is to develop trail master plans for Jasper, Madison, Marion and Warren counties, with the end goal of linking to the Central Iowa Trail Network.

BENEFITS OF TRAILS:
Trail and greenways tend to compete better in tight economies.

Walking/jogging and bike trails second from the top of the "important to very important" amenity list-- behind highway access.

Companies that build projects with well planned and executed trail amenities, conservation and open space benefits, stand a better chance of being recognized as environmentally-friendly developers which may help facilitate and reduce public-relations costs of project approvals.

TOURISM creates economic impacts
Trails and greenways create opportunities in construction and maintenance, recreation rentals, historic preservation, restaurants and lodging.  Trails enhance the marketability of the locale (town, city, resort destination)

TRANSPORTATION
2/3 of all trips are for 5 miles or less.

IMPROVING HEALTH THROUGH    ACTIVE LIVING
In short, trail networks create better opportunities for active lifestyles.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Water shed protection
Natural buffer zone
Educational opportunity
Reduce air pollution with safe alternatives

PROTECTING PEOPLE AND PROPERTY FROM FLOOD DAMAGE
Protects natural flood plains along rivers and streams. Areas can be restored to their natural state.  ENHANCING CULTURAL AWARENESS AND COMMUNITY IDENTITY.
Visit our website for a full report. 

 
 




 Join our Vision
Trail Blazing & Waterway Cruising
It's not winter yet! There's plenty of great Fall time left to get out and enjoy Iowa's terrific trails and waterway systems in your area. Biking, hiking, skating, running, walking, even canoeing and kayaking! There's so much to do and see on our many urban and rural community trails and scenic waterways. 

We're proud to say that Iowa Heartland RC&D has been instrumental over the years in helping to connect, promote and expand our wonderful scenic trail system. Connecting communities and people, expanding awareness for good local foods and markets, growing natural heritage appreciation, expanding arts and culture events are just a few key ways our central Iowa trails and waterways bring us all together expanding awareness and appreciation for the great outdoors!

Here is a list of websites to check out for your outdoor activity trail and water fun schedule: www.centraliowatrails.com





 
Arts and Culture On The Trails

"Gorging on a diet of art"-Bob King, Des Moines Register 9/18/17. Stormy weather couldn't keep attendees from arriving at 'Art On the Lake' art festival at Copper Creek Lake Park last month.  Fifty artists displayed their unique talents and wares to an enthusiastic buying public. The Gay Lea Wilson Trail which strolls around the Lake encapsulating it in a user friendly walkway, made the art fair particularly enjoyable and scenic. The Gay Lea Wilson Trail offers year-long enjoyment and opportunity for all outdoor enthusiasts.

For more Arts and Culture activities visit:


Iowa Heartland RC&D is excited to inform our readership about new programs and projects we are currently involved in for planning and implementation. This includes breaking new ground, so to speak, in areas of rural vitality and health, community enhancement, economic development and the resurgence of pre-existing, trail blazing programs.

If you'd like to join our vision and bring your own ideas to our table, we'd like to hear from you. We have opportunities on our Board of Directors, committee assignments, volunteering with event planning and project development.

Be sure to visit websites in our six county region directly for more calendar events and programs. Please see the list below for direct website information and connection.





Education, Learning, Events & More!
The following is a list of professional activities, events, education and learning opportunities supportive of the nonprofit, community outreach and learning sectors.

Ongoing events: eatgreaterdesmoines.org
Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation-school  & classroom programs
Iowa Arts Council-Department of Cultural Affairs
Lunch and Learn series, UI
Support Iowa Heartland RC&D
Governor Reynolds proclaims October as Estate Planning Awareness Month. 'Gov. Reynolds has joined the Mid-Iowa Planned Giving Council and Councils across the state to encourage all Iowans to consider estate gifts that will enable the nonprofit sector to continue to serve and sustain quality of life that makes our state and its communities good places to live, work and raise families'. Consider including Iowa Heartland RC&D in your estate plans this year.

for more donation opportunities.  You shop and Amazon gives! Make a lasting gift to support your passion and what's important to you through IHRCD during this Holiday Giving Season. With your gift we can help make what you care about a reality for future generations and support new and exciting programs that fit our Mission and goals. Visit our donation page on our website for more gift giving details and options. IHRCD.ORG.
"Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa", from Field of Dreams. Consider being a part of Iowa Heartland RC&D by joining our Board, committees or volunteering on many of our Central Iowa projects! For more details on how you can make a difference contact Ann Wolf ann.wolf@IHRCD.ORG 
Iowa Heartland Resource Conservation & Development | 515-321-9070 | ihrcd@ihrcd.org| ihrcd.org