John Lawrence’s message from March 18, 2019
In ISU Extension and Outreach, we have a program area focused on Agriculture and Natural Resources. However, taking care of our natural resources is not reserved for ANR alone; this work belongs to all of us. That’s why we all are invited to Natural Resources Stewardship Professional Development Day on Wednesday, May 1, at the ISU Alumni Center in Ames. This training and networking event will bring together extension professionals from across Iowa and a variety of program areas and disciplines to talk and learn about natural resource issues, educational needs and programming opportunities. Did you know?
- This event is a chance to immerse yourself in natural resource conservation, including water quality, forest stewardship, outdoor recreation, reducing waste and healthy eating, and monarch butterfly conservation.
- The program will feature speakers from Iowa State, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and local water quality experts.
- During hands-on field trips you can explore agriculture water quality and research at Bear Creek, forest and wildlife management at Ledges State Park, or water quality and urban conservation at the new City of Ames Water Treatment Plant and Summerbrook Park in Ankeny.
- Iowa Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) and the Renewable Resources Extension Act are covering all facility, meal and materials costs for this professional development opportunity. Be sure to pre-register before midnight, April 26. If you have questions, please contact one of the organizers: Adam Janke (ajanke@iastate.edu), Ann Staudt (astaudt@iastate.edu) or Jamie Benning (benning@iastate.edu).
To preview some of the programs and topic areas on display at this event, see these examples of ISU Extension and Outreach programming on natural resources issues: Iowa Learning Farms; Monarchs on the Move; Master Conservationist Program; Nature Explore – Connecting Kids with Nature; and Water Rocks!
Goodbye … and welcome
In February, we said goodbye to the following individuals who left ISU Extension and Outreach:
- Kayla Emery, Clayton County K-12 outreach coordinator.
- Robbyn Duchow, Johnson County program manager, Big Brothers Big Sisters.
- John Sjolinder, Cerro Gordo County executive director.
We welcome the following new staff:
- Brenda Fuller, Buchanan County office assistant.
- Alisha Davidson, Lee County office assistant.
- Devan Cress, Jones County youth coordinator.
- Mandi De La Cruz, Buena Vista County program assistant.
- Peggy Schilling, Clayton County K-12 outreach coordinator.
- Diane Wisniewski, program coordinator II, Agriculture and Natural Resources.
- James Wisniewski, program coordinator II, Agriculture and Natural Resources.
- Sean Nelson, program coordinator III, Vice President for Extension and Outreach/Office of Equal Opportunity.
- Judith Dittmar, extension program specialist III, Human Sciences.
More notes
- Applications now are being accepted for our 4-H state program leader position. Please see the job announcement and encourage people to apply. We’re seeking a new leader for 4-H to continue building on the growth and success of our youth development program. We are strengthening our clubs, curriculum and volunteers, and actively recruiting new participants. We are committed to being inclusive and welcoming, and to fulfilling the national 4-H goal of having members, volunteers and staff who reflect Iowa’s population. 4-H connects with almost 1 in 5 Iowa K-12 students. (Want the numbers for your county? Download 4-H Data for Decision Makers.)
- Whether we’re dealing with flooding, drought or other severe weather, remember that disaster recovery resources are always available on the ISU Extension and Outreach website (from the “Learn More About …” tab). As you help Iowans deal with flooding issues this spring, please take care of yourselves, too.
- During our recent trip to Washington, D.C., our CARET delegates shared this 2019 report with Iowa’s congressional delegation to advocate on behalf of Iowa State’s land-grant programs.
- We need judges for the State Science and Technology Fair, March 28-29 in Ames. You can help make this event a great experience for the 700 young research students who are expected to participate.
— John D. Lawrence
Iowa State University Vice President for Extension and Outreach