Volume 9, February-March 2018
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 will not want to miss. We will 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!
Spring is almost here!
Recently, as temperatures reached into the mid to upper 60s, Iowans were able to get out and enjoy the great weather on our public trails, in our parks, city and rural sidewalks and even waterways. As snow recedes from our backyards and rural farm areas, it will not be long until spring flowers make their way to the surface of the soil adding color once again to the landscape.
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.

TOURISM -creates economic impacts
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. 
  Water, Soil Quality, Regenerative Agriculture and Health- Its Everyone's Business

There has been a lot of discussion recently in the media about Iowa's water, soil quality, rural and urban health, Regenerative Agriculture and environmental sustainability. You can learn more about these important discussion topics, viewpoints and more by visiting the following short list of websites:


For more Arts and Culture activities visit:

Here's More Exciting News from IHRC&D
Over the past winter months, Iowa Heartland RC&D has been busy reaching out to communities, organizations, educational institutions and businesses to learn more about programs and collaborative partnership opportunities that would benefit our area and fulfill our mission and goals to the communities and families we serve.

This year Iowa Heartland RC&D will be celebrating 25 years of service to our six county Central Iowa region. Watch for upcoming activities on our website and in our monthly e-Newsletter to support and participate in this organizational milestone!

Currently, we are collaborating with IDALS (Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship) and their Iowa Farm to School program. This program celebrates Iowa's local foods in schools aiding food service directors in making local procurement, engage more growers in growing and selling produce to schools, expanding Farm to School activities as well as to help growers ramp up sales by working with Summer Food Service programs. For more information on any of these areas please contact tammy.stotts@iowaagriculture.gov and/or ann.wolf@IHRCD.ORG

We are excited to announce we have received a grant from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs for their 2018 ArtsLab project. This is a a peer learning program designed to ensure cultural leaders in Iowa have the skills, ideas, and mindsets of adaptability and resilience needed to thrive in a world of continuous change.

Organizations and projects in our Central Iowa area worth knowing about include:       

We are 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

Join Our Vision!
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 health and vitality, community enhancement, economic development and the resurgence of pre-existing, trail blazing programs.

If you would like to join our vision and bring your own ideas to our table, we would like to hear from you. We have opportunities on our Board of Directors, committee assignments, volunteering with event planning and project development. We can not do it without your help!

Be sure to visit websites in our six county region directly for more calendar events and programs. that you might want to get involved with. Please see the list below for direct website information.


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

Ongoing events:
Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation-school  & classroom programs
Iowa Arts Council-Department of Cultural Affairs
Lunch and Learn series, University of Iowa
Support Iowa Heartland RC&D with your gift today!
Visit http://smile.amazon.com for more donation opportunities.  You shop and Amazon gives! Make a lasting gift to support your passion and what is important to you through IHRCD. 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