Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Des Moines Water Works and Conservation Learning Group, will host the first of three “Conservation On Tap” events, Thursday, May 18, from 6-7 p.m. at Firetrucker Brewery in Ankeny.

The event will provide local farmers, landowners and urban residents with a chance to discuss and ask questions. There will be an opportunity for networking following the event. To ensure adequate space and food, please RSVP by May 15th by calling 515-294-5429 or email ilf@iastate.edu.

“Our intent with this event is to help build community through encouraging farmers, landowners, and urban residents to talk about topics important within the community, what keeps them up at night, what challenges they see with conservation practices, and what they want to learn more about,” said Liz Ripley, Iowa Learning Farms conservation and cover crop outreach specialist. “There will be no formal presentations or agenda, just a chance to talk, ask questions, listen and learn while enjoying a beverage and provided food. We are looking forward to learning alongside everyone else who attends.”

Hosts at the event will include Ted Corrigan, CEO and General Manager of Des Moines Water Works, Dr. Mark Licht, associate professor and extension cropping systems specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and Liz Ripley. Staff from Firetrucker Brewery will also join in the conversations as to why water quality matters for brewing.

“This is another opportunity for us to partner with like-minded organizations who truly want to see improvements in water quality in our watersheds and want to be part of the solution,” Corrigan said. “We look forward to this series of discussions and engaging with attendees about where their water comes from and the water quality challenges we face in our state. We need interested landowners and citizens involved in not only discussing these challenges, but being part of the solution for improved water quality.”

Dr. Licht’s extension, research and teaching program is focused on how to holistically manage Iowa cropping systems to achieve productivity, profitability and environmental goals. His research is centered around varied aspects of soybean, corn and cover crop management as well as agronomic implications of precision technologies.

Growing up on a farm in Butler County, Liz Ripley learned the importance of soil conservation and water quality and propelled her decision to pursue a career in agriculture and conservation. With the Iowa Learning Farms, Ripley works with farmers and landowners to explore which practice options will align with their farming operation and provide best management recommendations for successful implementation of those practices.