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5-23-07
LEOPOLD CENTER CELEBRATES 20 YEARS WITH JULY 10-11 EVENTS
AMES, Iowa – The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture marks two decades of
innovative research and creative solutions during its 20th Anniversary
Celebration July 10-11 at Iowa State University. The festivities highlight the
Center's many partners and successes and, more importantly, explore future
challenges and obstacles to the sustainability of Iowa's agricultural landscape.
“Don’t expect typical presentations and the usual conference fare," said Leopold
Center Director Jerry DeWitt. "We are looking at a variety of approaches to
better engage everyone who attends these events. The Leopold Center’s work over
the past 20 years has been anything but business as usual; likewise with the
celebration.”
Holding true to that promise, the extensive event schedule begins July 10 with
optional tours leaving from the Iowa State Center. July 11 activities in the ISU
Scheman Building include interactive displays and demonstrations,
thought-provoking breakout sessions, posters that highlight Leopold
Center-funded research, and networking opportunities with Leopold Center
partners and professionals from across the country.
Keynote speaker for the July 11 gathering will be Mark Ritchie, newly elected
Minnesota Secretary of State and founder of the Minneapolis-based Institute for
Agriculture and Trade Policy. A 1972 ISU graduate, Ritchie grew up in Nevada,
Iowa, and is an active proponent of long-term sustainability for agriculture and
rural communities.
The day-long conference offers more than 20 breakout sessions on four hot topic
issue tracks: Natural Resources, Food and Health, People on the Land, and the
Bioeconomy. Experts in agriculture, including farmers, researchers and industry
professionals, will share their experiences and lead discussions related to each
topic. In addition to these sessions, the Center will host an outdoor festival
with several interactive demonstrations, a live band and locally-grown meal.
The July 10 tours will provide an opportunity to see, hear, feel and even taste
what is happening in Iowa’s sustainable agriculture community. Five tours, both
full- and half-day, focus on some of the Center’s most engaging work throughout
Iowa. Space is limited, so registrations will be taken on a first-come,
first-served basis. Tours include:
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“Homemade Pie, Dairy-Fresh Ice Cream … Heaven in Iowa!” to
locations in northeast Iowa that feature locally raised food;
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"A Look at the Culture in Agri-culture," a tour of the Whiterock Conservancy
near Coon Rapids and The Homestead near Des Moines;
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“Water Quality is Everybody’s Job," a visit to the Bear Creek Watershed and an
urban rain garden;
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“Biomass for Biofutures," traveling to the BECON Energy Center near Nevada;
and
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“Black Soil and Purple Lips," a look at a local winery and grape research
plots.
The Leopold Center's 20th Anniversary Celebration promises to inform, entertain
as well as challenge participants. Cost for the conference is $35 before June
11, or $50 after that date. Tour charges are $20 for half-day tours and $35 for
the full-day tours (which includes lunch).
To register or for more information, visit the conference web site at
www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/leopold/home.html.
For more information,
contact:
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