Leopold Notes February 2012
Notes from the Leopold Center Archive
PERSEVERANCE
The Leopold Center’s newest annual report celebrates ‘perseverance’ and the many activities that were accomplished during fiscal year 2011. An illustrated timeline commemorates important events in the Center’s 25-year history. To obtain a copy of the annual report, contact the Center office, (515) 294-3711
Or view it here (don't miss the interactive timeline)
TWO SHARE SPENCER AWARD
A research farm superintendent and an organic farmer are sharing this year’s Spencer Award for Sustainable Agriculture. Bernie Havlovic, who manages research on two ISU research and demonstration farms in southwest Iowa, and fifth-generation farmer Michael Natvig of Cresco in northeast Iowa, will receive the honor March 1 in Ames. The Leopold Center has presented this award since 2002 to recognize Iowans for their exemplary efforts to develop sustainable farming practices and enhance the stability of family farms.
Read more about the winners and the award
WINTER NEWSLETTER
Check out the latest issue of The Leopold Letter for commentary from Interim Director Mark Honeyman on Iowa’s Wallace family and from Distinguished Fellow Fred Kirschenmann on how to establish resilience. This issue also offers a look at Leopold Center research for livestock producers and what’s happening with the Local Food and Farm Program in Iowa.
GROWING SOLUTIONS
The Food Access and Health Work Group (FAWG), supported by grants from the Leopold Center and W.K. Kellogg Foundation, will host a two-part webinar on February 9 and March 22. The online program will feature two national leaders in the food gardening movement and outline its many benefits including its impact on self-sufficiency, food security, consumption and health. Registration is required.
2012 SHIVVERS LECTURE
Acclaimed ecologist, author and cancer survivor Sandra Steingraber will present the 2012 Shivvers Lecture on Sunday, March 4, 7 p.m. in the Sun Room of the ISU Memorial Union. Her topic is “Environmental Pollution, Climate Change and Our Health,” which follows her latest book, a personal memoir about the joys of bringing up her son Elijah while searching for ways to shield him – and all children – in a world facing climate change and increased environmental pollution.
LOCAL FOODS SUMMIT
You also will not want to miss the Local Foods Summit on Tuesday, April 3 at the Scheman Building in Ames. Look for an update of the Local Food and Farm Program in Iowa and a discussion about how to build a vibrant local food economy in the state. Keynote speaker will be David Dahlquist, a nationally recognized public artist and teacher from Des Moines who will address creating a sense of place and community around food.
LOCAL FOOD AND FARM PROGRAM ADVISORY COUNCIL
This six-member council met for the first time in January, and will guide work on the state program coordinated by Craig Chase, interim leader of the Leopold Center’s Marketing and Food Systems Initiative.
Find out who’s serving on the new council
IOWA LEARNING FARMS
Look for new connections and new information about Leopold Center work in the next three years, thanks to a strengthened partnership between the Center and Iowa Learning Farms. The Leopold Center will provide support for the Iowa Learning Farms, an outreach and education program that operates the Conservation Station, the program’s mobile learning center, hosts field days and produces multi-media educational resources including DVDs and online videos.
More about this new partnership
WINTER FARMERS MARKETS
Winter markets account for nearly 17 percent of the nation’s 7,222 operating farmers markets and represent an increase of nearly 40 percent from 2010, according to the USDA.
More about winter markets [USDA website]
Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture |
Ames, Iowa 50011 |
(515) 294-3711 |
leocenter@iastate.edu