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, June 13, from 6-7 p.m. at Confluence Brewing Company in Des Moines. 

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 June 10 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. Matt Helmers, Iowa Nutrient Research Center Director, and Liz Ripley. Staff from Confluence Brewing Company 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.”

Save the dates for upcoming Conservation On Tap events in the area:
Thursday, October 17, 6-7pm at Peace Tree Brewing Co., Des Moines
Thursday, December 5, 6-7pm at Fenceline Beer Lab, Huxley

To learn more about planned field days, virtual field days, webinars and other conservation events, please visit https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/events-1