AMES, Iowa – The award-winning Conservation Station educational trailers provided by Water Rocks! and Iowa Learning Farms are now available for request.
Both programs are part of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and are committed to conservation and educating Iowans about water quality. Organizations looking to schedule a visit for their events should make requests online at https://www.waterrocks.org/request-the-conservation-station.
“The Conservation Stations remain in high demand at county fairs, farmers markets and other community events because we help make the latest in science and research accessible and fun for visitors of any age, and we do it for free,” said Jacqueline Comito, Water Rocks! executive director. “Thanks to our generous sponsors, we are able to offer resources and information to Iowans about water quality, natural resources, conservation and agricultural practices. And, meeting and interacting with our fellow Iowans is always great fun for our staff and summer interns.”
The Conservation Station fleet is comprised of four customized trailers equipped with hands-on demonstrations and activities that delve into the impacts of land management choices, both urban and agricultural, on water quality and the connections between our state’s water, soil and wildlife.
In addition to the core science-based resources, each trailer has a different theme to provide a deeper dive into particular areas of interest. Conservation Station on the Edge has working bioreactor and saturated buffer demonstrations, and Conservation Station Marsh Madness includes working models of different wetlands to show how water moves over and through these landscapes.
Each single-day visit from a Conservation Station trailer includes staff made up of Iowa State University faculty, staff or student interns who are eager to engage with the public and share what they know about Iowa and its natural resources.
Event organizers and fair boards are encouraged to submit requests for Conservation Station visits online. Submit requests by Wednesday March 15 for priority consideration.
(contributed press release and photos, ISUANR)
