Homegrown: February 2011 calendar

Following are gardening and eco-events coming to Eastern Iowa in February 2011:

Tues., Feb. 1, 1-2:30 p.m., The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture is sponsoring a webinar on business challenges to increase local food commerce in Iowa. The online seminar provides an overview of four Rural Business Enterprise Grant funded consultants, including their suggestions to develop profitable local food businesses in Iowa. In November 2010, the Leopold Center (through a grant from USDA Rural Development's Rural Business Enterprise Program) brought in four highly experienced food system consultants to work with farmers and food entrepreneurs across the state. Each consultant visited with 3 or 4 communities in the state; local arrangements were made by the local leaders of the Leopold Center's Regional Food Systems working Group.   This webinar will provide an overview of the experiences of these consultants, including their suggestions to effectively develop  profitable local food businesses  in Iowa.

Wed., Feb. 2, 10 a.m., the Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids hosts a REAL walk for people 50 and older on eagle watching. Dress warmly to watch bald eagles through ICNC's spotting scope. Relax and warm up inside later with hot coffee to discuss the recovery of these amazing birds. M: $3, NM: $4.

Fri., Feb. 4, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Learn about bio-intensive agriculture at a free presentation by Justin Cutter at the Iowa City Public Library, hosted by Backyard Abundance. Biointensive farming nourishes life in a variety of ways, starting at that pivotal intersection of sun, soil, water and air. We learn to double dig our garden beds in order to encourage root growth, aerate the soil and enable greater water retention. One maintains soil fertility through proper composting and the growing of your own compost crops, allowing microbial life to flourish around your plants roots, maximizing your yields. These microorganisms are protected by the close plant spacing which creates a "living mulch" and a unique micro-climate in your mini-farm beds. Workshop participants will learn the eight elements of Bio-Intensive, a complete system of farming that can feed the farmer and the soil and create a closed circuit of sustainability that can eventually give back more than it takes.

Sun., Feb. 6, Chickens in the Backyard, Indian Creek Nature Center. Acclaimed author and backyard food expert Patricia Foreman will present a program on backyard chickens and chicken management. Learn how to integrate chickens with gardening. It will be followed by a short presentation on coops and fencing. This meeting will also include a joint chick order. M: $7, NM: $10.

Wed., Feb. 9, 6 p.m., Free Garden Classes presented by Linn County. Master Gardeners, Hiawatha Public Library, 150 West Willman Street. For more information call 319.393.1414.  Daylilies: The Perfect Perennial presented by Zora Ronan. This class covers the basic information needed to grow perfect daylilies.  LCMG and American Hemerocallis Garden Judge Zora Ronan will talk about selection, planting, and maintenance.  This class is for those who are just beginning to take an interest in daylilies.

Thurs. Feb. 10-Fri. Feb. 11, Overall Women Conference. Women involved in or affected by agriculture are invited to attend the seventh annual Overall Women Conference. The conference, coordinated by Iowa State University Extension, will be held at the Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf. Workshop sessions will be offered covering such topics as farm business, value-added agriculture, tax help, ag safety and family communication.  In making time for the “overall” woman, attendees will benefit themselves, their families, farms and communities.  The conference provides opportunities for women to connect and interact with speakers and fellow attendees. There will be many opportunities for networking. The programs are geared to those who work in agribusiness as well as farm partners working on farms.  To view the entire program, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/scott/news/overallwomen or contact your local county extension office for information.  Early bird registration will be offered through January 28, 2011. Register by mail, online or by calling 563-359-7577.

Sat., Feb. 12, 1 p.m., Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center near Toddville is hosting its first Snow Snake Family Fun Day. Come and make your own snow snake and then challenge your friends or family members by throwing your “snake” down the snow chute.  The winter game of Snow Snake was played by many North American Indian tribes.  The “snow-snake” is a long slender, polished wooden stick that ranges from 3-9 feet in length. It is an ancient game modified from the atlatl. The head of the snow snake is shaped like a bird or snake head. The goal is to out distance your competitors with your throw of the stick. The snow snake track is laid out by dragging a log, creating a small ditch up to a quarter mile.  When the snow-snake is thrown and glides down the snow trough, it shimmies and gives the appearance of a snake movement. Cost is $5 per snow snake. The preregistration required by February 10.  Call 892-6485 to preregister or for more information.

Sat., Feb. 12, 1 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center, 6665 Otis Rd. SE, Willow Tower Workshop. Build your own Willow Garden Tower! Willow weaver Mary Kopecky will teach you how to create a strong, attractive garden tower. Fee includes $65 worth of materials. Call 362-0664 to register; limited to first 15 registrants. M: $80, NM: $90.

Sun., Feb. 13, 2-5 p.m., Garden Forum sponsored by Project GREEN and the Iowa City Public Library in Room A of the Library.  Water and Stone in the Garden

by Master Gardener Jamie Beyer. Spring is just around the corner, inviting gardeners to dream of gardens to come in 2011. As we plan for the spring and summer ahead, water, with its relaxing sound and sparkling reflections, just might be the perfect addition to the garden. For those who have visions of water in their landscape, whether large pond or small water feature, the first garden forum on Sunday, February 13 is a must. Jamie Beyer, Master Gardener and popular speaker, will present his power point presentation. Mr. Beyer, who is the founder of the Central Iowa Water Garden Association, will combine his experience with his Master's Degree in Fish and Wildlife Biology to become a uniquely qualified presenter.  Jamie's other passion in stone. He will teach us how to incorporate stone into the home landscape, discuss the proper way to place stone, and share his secrets on moving the “big ones”. All are welcome, free of charge. Refreshments will be served. Mr. Beyer will gladly discuss your water project or pond. As always, the Iowa City Public Library will broadcast this presentation on the Cable Library Channel 10 and record the forum for check out from the library's non-fiction DVD section. The recording will be available a few weeks after the presentation.

Wed., Feb. 16, 6 p.m., Free Garden Class presented by: Linn Co. Master Gardeners, Hiawatha Public Library, 150 West Willman Street. For more information call 319.393.1414.  Gardening in Small Yards & Containers by Judy Stevens. Not having an acreage or a large yard is not an excuse for not raising some of your own vegetables and fruits.  In fact a small yard and several containers may be the more efficient way to garden for the busy gardener.  Learn techniques and share ideas with other classmates for an informative and fun class.  Bring your experiences to share.

Thurs., Feb. 17, 6-8 p.m., The Linn County Conservation Department is holding a Full Moon Owl Hike at Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center near Toddville. Participants will build an owl call and then hike under the full moon to try to call in an owl or two. We may even read an owl book or two as we warm up. People frequently are surprised to learn that owls begin nesting about this time of year. Please register by Feb. 14th. Cost is $5.00 per call or $2.50/adult, $1/child16 and under, or $5/ for just the program.

Fri., Feb. 18, 7 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center, Owl Moon Walk. Join us for a walk on woodland trails to call and listen for Indian Creek's barred and great horned owls. The winter woods making spotting owls easier as they begin to mate and nest in late February. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate after our walk. M: $4, NM: $5, Child: $1.

Fri. Feb. 18, 1-5 p.m., Come to the Table: Local Food Summit for Producers & Purchasers brought to you by: Iowa Corridor Food & Agriculture Coalition www.iacorridor-localfood.org Coralville Public Library Schwab Auditorium, 1401 5 “Consumers are demanding local foods wherever food is served- at their grocery stores, restaurants, and even at catered events,” said Jason Grimm, Food System Planner from Iowa Valley RC&D. “This event strives to make it easy for food buyers to connect with local food producers in order to meet that strong and growing demand.”  The event will feature an update of the recently released “Iowa Food and Farm Plan,” a report commissioned by the Iowa Legislature to provide actionable recommendations on how to grow Iowa's local food market.  In addition, a panel of food business's owners and representatives will showcase the many different ways to find, sell and buy local food in the area. Panelists include: Johnice Cross - GROWN Locally Producer Cooperative; Phil Danowsky - General Manager Local Harvest Supply; Jesse Singerman - Co-Organizer Iowa Valley Food Coop; Mike Krogh - Local Grower Program Manager New Pioneer Food Coop; James Nisly- Organic Greens, LLC. Following the panel, participants will be invited to choose breakout sessions that meet their specific interest, whether it is understanding how producer cooperatives work, selling to retail grocery stores or buying wholesale directly from the farm. Register online at www.iacorridor-localfood.org/localfoodsummit.htm

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St. Coralville. Free. 

Sat., Feb. 19, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Winter Gardening Fair, presented by Iowa State University Extension Linn County Master Gardeners. Cedar Hall and Iowa Hall, Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids. $49 tuition covers four workshops, keynote speaker Kelly Norris and box lunch. Register in advance at: http://bit.ly/WGF2011 or by phone: (319) 398-1022 or 1-800-332-8833. On the Net: www.extension.iastate.edu/linn For more information on Kelly Norris, see: http://kellydnorris.com

Sat., Feb. 19, 2 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center, Basic Backyard Chickens Workshop. This workshop details the basic information needed to keep hens legally in Cedar Rapids. Participants will receive a certification of completion that enables them to get a chicken permit. Call by 4 PM on Friday, Feb. 18 to register. COOP TOUR coming this spring. M: $7, NM: $10.

Sun., Feb. 20, 2 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center, Creekside Concert: Deep Dish Divas. The Deep Dish Divas dish up an eclectic blend of time-tested tunes, sweet songs, tasty licks,and wholesome harmonies! Deb Hunemuller plays fiddle and really knows how to shake an egg. Carrie Kriz adds bass and flute to the mix, and Karen Pierce holds it all together on the guitar and hammered dulcimer. Bring your favorite snack and beverage. Adult: $5, Child: $1.

Wed., Feb. 23, 6 p.m., Free Garden Class presented by: Linn Co. Master Gardeners, Hiawatha Public Library, 150 West Willman Street. For more information call 319.393.1414.  Edible Mushroom Orientation by Marty Augustine. Learn about edible mushrooms other than the morel.  Marty is a member of the Prairie States Mushroom Club.

Thurs. Feb. 24, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. History Center Viewing of “Food, Inc.” followed by panel discussion. Hosted by Kirkwood Community College in the Lecture Hall of the Horticulture Building (visit http://www.kirkwood.edu/maincampus for map) The film “Food, Inc.” has received both criticism and praise. One segment of the film focuses on how corn is grown, used to make food products, and linked to large-scale feedlots. The panel will discuss the issues raised by “Food, Inc.”

Thurs., Feb. 24, 6-8 p.m., Green Cleaning Party, Prairiewoods, 120 E. Boyson Road, Hiawatha. Did you know that many household cleaners contain toxic chemicals? You can wipe out unsafe chemicals and clean your house by mixing your own cleaning products. A Green Cleaning party is a fun event where you and your friends learn about chemicals in household cleaners and how they might affect you and your family's health. Plus, you'll learn how to make non-toxic cleaners from common ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda and essential oils. You will leave the party with two samples and many recipes. Pre-register by Monday, Feb. 21. Fee: $15

Fri., Feb. 25, 7:30-8:30 a.m., Iowa City Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee breakfast series, at the Hills Bank & Trust, Coralville.   “Recycling-We Aren't Just Talkin' Trash!”  Jennifer Jordan, City of Iowa City, Mark Patton, Habitat for Humanity ReStore,  Andy Ockenfels, City Carton Recycling, Jennifer Ryan Fencl, East Central Iowa Council of Governments.  Cost: $10 Chamber  members, $12 Future Members (includes breakfast).  RSVP to iowacityarea.com

Sat., Feb. 26, 1 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center, Winter Bug Academy. Joe Zito and his son Christopher invite you to an outdoor winter insect foray to look for overwintering insects, snow fleas, active winter stoneflies and craneflies! Come dressed to go outdoors. Included will be an indoor presentation on how insects survive the winter and deal with cold.

Advance

registration recommended by

phone: 319-362-0664.

M Adult: $5, NM Adult: $8,

Child: $4.