April Calendar

Maybe because of Earth Day on April 22 or just because it's finally spring, but there are lots and lots of eco-events coming in April to Eastern Iowa. Here are the ones that have come across my desk:

Thurs., April 1, 7 p.m., Improving Water Quality-Starting With Your Property, Iowa City Public Library. Discover what you can do to improve water quality in your home by capturing the rain that falls on your property. Learn about best management practices including rain barrels, rain gardens and more to improve water quality and reduce the quantity of water that runs off your property. Speaker: Amy Bouska, Urban Conservationist with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardships-Division of Soil Conservation.

 Fri., April 2, 7-9 p.m., ECO Iowa City Film: The Great Squeeze - Surviving the Human Project. Iowa City Public Library. This documentary takes a look at the ecological and economical problems associated with our reliance on energy that was once cheap and abundant. For a more sustainable future, the filmmakers argue that we must take action to save the planet as well as human civilization. Popcorn will be provided. For more information, contact 356-5200, opt. 5.

 Sat., April 3, 2-3 p.m., Iowa City Public Library. Connie Mutel will read from her new anthology, “A Watershed Year: Anatomy of the Iowa Floods of 2008,” published by the University of Iowa Press. Other readers include Witold Krajewski, Wayne Petersen, and John Castle. Co-sponsored by Prairie Lights Bookstore, University of Iowa Press, and ECO Iowa City. For more information, contact: 356-5200, opt. 5.

 The following program has been postponed: Sat., April 3, 9 a.m., Indian Creek Nature Center, 6665 Otis Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids, Rain Barrel Building Workshop. Turn a recycled 55-gallon barrel into a rain barrel to collect roof runoff. Capture free water for gardening and other uses and keep runoff out of local creeks. Register by 4 PM on Monday, Mar. 22. M: $30, NM: $40. Cost includes a materials fee. Call to see when the class will be rescheduled.

 Sat. April 3, noon- 4 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center, Rain Gardens: Landscaping to Retain Precious Water. Landscape Designer Sue Kramer will explain how to design and install a rain garden. She will also discuss various other means to keep storm water on your property, including rain barrels, swales, improving soils and decreasing compaction. Register by 4 PM on Thursday, Apr. 1. M: $10, NM: $15.

 Sat., April 3 and Sunday, April 4, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Noelridge Greenhouse, 4900 Council St. NE, Cedar Rapids, free Easter Show and open house. The first 500 children ages 12 and under receive a free marigold plant. See spring bulbs, tropical and desert areas and annuals that will soon be placed outside. Also, exhibits by the Eastern Iowa Aquarium Association, Iowa Honey Producers Association and Eastern Iowa Beekeepers. Tropical plants will be sold for $2 each while supplies last. Pressed flower card and bookmark making will be available early both Saturday and Sunday and the Easter bunny will visit in the afternoon.

 Mon., April 5, 6:30-8 p.m., Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Hall Room 234, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids. Hosta Highlights, Linn County Master Gardeners Creative Gardening Series, presented by Mark Zilis, president and owner of Q & Z Nursery located in Rochelle, IL.  He is the author of the authoritative "The Hostapedia", an encyclopedia of hosta and the most definitive work on hostas currently in print.  Mark has a Bachelor of Science degree in ornamental horticulture and a Master's in horticulture with a specialty in tissue culture.  Over the years, Mark has introduced a number of significant hostas as a result of hybridization and tissue culture mutation selection. See: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/linn 

 Tues., April 6, 7 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center, Green Your Spring Cleaning Routine. Join for a brief video, “Toxic Brew,” and discussion. Share green cleaning ideas that are safe for your family, pets and the environment. M: $4, NM:$5.

 Wed., April 7, 9:30 a.m., Indian Creek Nature Center, REAL Walks: Discover the Midden. A new program: REAL (Retired Engaged Adult Learners) Walks. Join on the first Wednesday of each month for a casual talk and walk followed by coffee. This class is for those individuals who are 50 years and better! Each spring, reminders surface from the soil of the original American Indian inhabitants of the Nature Center. Examine clues left behind to discover who lived here and how they used the land. M: $3, NM: $4.

 Thurs., April 8, 7 p.m., Iowa City Public Library, Make a Rain Barrel and Capture Water for Your Garden. Join ECO Iowa City to learn how to make a simple rain barrel to improve water quality and reduce the amount of runoff at your home. Speaker: Chant Eicke, environmental scientist and wetland delineator with EarthView Environmental, LLC.

 Fri., April 9 through Sun., April 11, Forever Green Garden Center, 125 Forevergreen Rd. Coralville, (Two miles North of Coralridge Mall East on Forevergreen Rd.) Spring open house , Friday 9-5:30, Sat. 9-5, Sun 12:00-4:00. Free open house - free seminars, and activities for adults and kids all weekend long as well as sales throughout the store and door prizes. SEMINARS: Container gardens 101 – April 10This seminar is for anyone who wants to learn how to plant and grow fabulous container gardens.  You will learn how to choose plants, containers, soils and fertilizer for beautiful gardens.  See how design techniques are used to create unique and interesting containers.  Look at some new introductions and discover new uses for your old favorites.   Lucy Hershberger will lead this seminar. Season long containers – April 10If you love having containers to dress up your home and garden but wish they could look great all year long this class is for you.  Learn the secrets to keeping your container gardens looking fresh all season long and what you can use for winter interest when the season ends.  Ted Knights will lead this seminar. Vegetable gardening 101 – April 11If you want to have garden fresh vegetables you're not alone, interest in gardening and growing fruits and vegetables is rising.  If you want to plant your own garden but don't know where to start or are ready to expand your choices this is the event for you.  You will learn what crops to plant, when and where to plant them, and tips to make your garden successful. We will have baby calves, chicks and other farm animals for kids of all ages to see and pet.  Free planting project and coloring contest.

^th

10:00 AM.

^th

1:00 PM.

^th

1:00 PM.

 Sat., April 10, 1 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center at Lynch Wetland, Green Gems Hike: Explore Bena Brook. The Bena Brook valley is one of ICNC's unique native areas. Look for skunk cabbage, shining club moss, liverworts, blue beech trees, and maybe even spot a pileated woodpecker. Wear boots and be prepared for an off-trail trek. Meet at the Lynch Wetland's east parking lot. M: $3, NM: $5.

 Sat., April 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Photo Pro and Linn Area Photo Club will be hosting an animal behavior/field techniques class at Linn County Conservation's Wickiup Hill Education Center, 10260 Morris Hills Road, near Toddville (go to www.linnareaphotocluborg for directions.) National award winning photographer, Jim Messina, will conduct a wildlife photography workshop relating to animal behavior and field techniques.  Photography students, experienced photographers, naturalists, outdoor enthusiasts, and teachers interested in improving their photographic skills will benefit.  Students interested in embarking on photography as a career or second income will particularly benefit. Key concepts in animal behavior will include understanding animal displays, recognizing and utilizing animal territories, maintenance behaviors, animal defense strategies, understanding an animal's comfort zone and avoiding an aggressive reaction by an animal.  Key concepts in the field techniques presentation will include various techniques for gaining proximity to natural subjects as well as the ethical responsibilities of the photographer.  The use of blinds, methods of approach and their selection criteria, and a brief discussion of ethics will be included.  The cost of the class will be $50 per person and $75 per couple.  Pay in advance.  Sign up at Photo Pro; 153 Collins Rd. NE; Cedar Rapids, IA or by calling (866) 395-9121.

 Sat., April 10, 10 a.m. to noon. Linn County Extension Large Conference Room, 3279 7

^th

Avenue, Suite 140, Marion. Master Gardener Jay McWherter will present information on planting and care of hostas, soil, fertilization and watering.  The growth cycle, sizes, root and leaf types and types of variegation will be discussed.  Also covered will be the division and propagation of hostas, including hybridizing of these shade loving plants. Cost:  Free. Register by calling: 319-377-9839.

 Sat., April 10, 1-4 p.m., Local Foods Connection Fair. Meet local farmers and learn how you can enjoy fresh produce throughout Iowa's growing season.  Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center, Iowa City.

 Sun., April 11, 2-4 p.m., Iowa City Public Library, Second Sunday Project GREEN Garden Forum: Great Plants for the Great Plains. Robert Henrickson is the Assistant Director of Horticulture Programs for the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. He will present plants that are often overlooked, but which are easy to grow and don't require additional water, fertilizers, or pesticides to thrive. Bob's visit is co-sponsored by ECO Iowa City and The Second Sunday Garden Forums are sponsored by the Iowa City Public Library and Project GREEN. For more information, contact 356-5200, opt. 4.

 Mon., April 12, 7 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center Connections Program: Redefining Environment. Location: Chapel of Mercy, Busse Center, Mount Mercy College. John Francis,  author of Planetwalker: 22 Years of Walking, will speak about his life, his unique perspective on environment, and making a difference. He was compelled to stop using motorized vehicles after witnessing an oil spill in 1971. He has walked the length of South America and sailed and walked through the Caribbean. Free.

 Tues., April 13; 7 p.m., Iowa City Public Library, Waste Reduction and Recycling in Iowa City.  Where does your garbage go after it leaves your curb or dumpster? How long does it take for materials in a landfill to decompose? Is recycling really that important? What are the City and the University doing to reduce waste and increase recycling? Join Iowa City Recycling Coordinator Jen Jordan and Liz Christiansen, Director of Office of Sustainability at the University of Iowa, to learn about waste reduction and recycling in Iowa City and at the University of Iowa.

Wed., April 14, 12:15 pm, Bridge Facility at Westdale Mall, Cedar Rapids. Brown Bag Briefing - Culver's Garden Center and Greenhouse will teach about raised bed gardening. Bring your lunch and we'll have light refreshments to share.

Wed., April 14, 6:30 PM–8:00 PM, Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Hall Room 234, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids. Container Plantings: A Look from the Simple to the Sublime, presented by Betty Earl, a self-professed "plant-aholic", she offers practical yet humorous information on the thrill of the plant hunt: how to select them and where to buy them in the Midwest.  Betty is a garden scout for Better Homes & Gardens, a regional representative for The Garden Conservancy, a garden writer whose numerous articles have appeared in various national magazines, a photographer, lecturer and author of “In Search of Great Plants:  The Insider's Guide to the Best Plants in the Midwest." Part of the Linn County Master Gardeners Creative Gardening Series.

Sat., April 17, Czech Village/New Bohemia Main Street Eco-Arts Fest in New Bohemia. The festival will feature educational workshops, a juried recycled art show, a trash fashion show, a public environmental art installation, art bikes, the Earth Day Ball and much more.  Artist entry forms and fest info are available on-line at www.newbohemia.org The artist and vendor application deadline has been extended to April 2nd. Call 319-573-2537 or email new.bohemia@gmail.com for more information.  

Sat., April 17, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., (1 hour each; limit of 20 people each). Sign up at Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center Tour.

Sun., April 18, 2 p.m., Film screening of “No Impact Man.” University of Iowa Museum of Natural History, 14 Macbride Hall. Clinton St. and Jefferson St., Iowa City.

Tues., April 20, 10 am-2:30 pm, Indian Creek Nature Center., Street and Shade Tree Workshop with Linn County Extension. Speakers and topics include Dr. Jeff Iles, “Tree Selection for the Sustainable Landscape.” Mark Vitosh, “Invasive Species in the Landscape.” Jesse Randall, “Tree Pruning: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.” Free program.  Lunch is provided, so  make reservations before 4 pm on Friday, April 16 at Linn County Extension, (319) 377-9839 or REGISTER online.

Thurs., April 22, 10:30-11 a.m., Iowa City Public Library, Preschool Storytime: “The Garbage Monster" with Debbie Dunn and Jennifer Jordan. “The Garbage Monster” giant puppet, along with Iowa City's Recycling Coordinator Jenn Jordan, will teach us how to make a dreaded chore more fun, followed by activities and a recycling relay. This is a preschool-age oriented program recommended for children who are 3, 4, or 5 years old. For more information, contact 356-5200, opt. 6.

Thurs., April 22, 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m., Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center, near Toddville, is hosting a series of hikes to celebrate Earth Day.  Join AmeriCorps naturalist Tara Cook at  the kiosk near the parking area for a guided nature hike that will last about 45 minutes.  Hikes will leave on the hour.  The last hike of the day will leave at 5:00pm.  There is no fee and no preregistration for these hikes.

 Thurs., April 22, 4-5:30 p.m., Iowa City Public Library, Ecopalooza: Sponsored by the Iowa City Sierra Club and ECO Iowa City. Earth Day: Celebrating 40 Years! Featuring three local speakers to discuss past, present and future environmental initiatives.

Thurs., April 22, 6-7 p.m., Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center, 4500 N. 10

^th

Street, Marion, Linn County Master Gardener Class: Raised Bed, Container Gardens and Vertical Gardening using cultural techniques to save the home gardener dollars, taught by Master Gardener Ellen Skripsky. Gardeners will learn how to grow vegetables with companions, controlling insects and money saving gardening tips. We can all benefit by learning and applying these techniques to our gardens. The class is free.

Thurs., April 22, 7 p.m.,  Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Area near Toddville. The Linn County Conservation Department will celebrate the 40

^th

anniversary of  Earth Day with a Native American Pipe Ceremony. Learn some of the timeless traditions of understanding and experiencing the natural world.  This program will take place outdoors, unless the weather is bad. Please dress for the occasion.  Cost is $2.50/adult, $1/child 16 and under or $5/family.  There is no need to preregister.

Thurs., April 22, 6 p.m., Spring Landscape Hike at Brucemore, 2160 Linden Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids. Welcome the changing of the seasons by joining the Brucemore gardeners for the Spring Landscape Hike. Brucemore gardeners take participants off the beaten path into the natural areas of the 26-acre estate.  The 90-minute hike will emphasize the renewal of spring through the sights and sounds found on the Brucemore estate. Experience a sea of bluebells budding, wildflowers sprouting, and the pond awakening after winter's slumber.  The tour will explore current issues of preservation, public use, and seasonal chores. Listen to stories of the Brucemore families' spring activities like picking wildflowers for May Day baskets and pony cart rides around the estate. Participants will have ample opportunity to ask questions and seek advice about their own gardens. The Spring Landscape Hike is part of a yearlong series of garden programs celebrating the 100Growing Appreciation programs.  Admission is $10 per person and $7 per Brucemore member. Space is limited, call (319) 362-7375 to reserve your spot or register online at www.brucemore.org.

^th

anniversary of the Brucemore formal gardens.  Special package pricing is available for all four seasonal landscape hikes or the anniversary celebration

Saturday, April 24www.corridorearthproject.com This is a free event and will be held at 5000 J Street SW, Cedar Rapids.

^th

, 10am-4pm, Corridor Earth Day Celebration. Join many other local organizations in celebration of Earth Day and its 40

^th

anniversary!!  The celebration will include live music, demonstrations, presentations, door prizes and lots of fun.  Local organizations will be on hand with fun, hands-on activities for the whole family.  Check us out on the web at

Sat., April 24, 10:00 AM–11:30 AM., Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Hall Room 234, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids. Landscaping Herbs for the Large and Small Garden, presented by Barbara Collins, college horticultural instructor who has written six books on a variety of gardening topics, including three on the use of herbs.  She is knowledgeable in using, cooking, and preserving herbs.  Her lecture will focus on how to incorporate herbs into the mixed border. Part of the Linn County Master Gardeners Creative Gardening Series.

Sat., April 24, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Iowa City Public Library, Family Special: Earth Day School's Out Special. Kids can help Mother Earth by learning how to protect the environment and recycle through crafts and activities. Roxane Mitten will demonstrate how to worm wrangle and make garden compost. Other activities include crafts, refreshments (worm dirt cake), and a recycling relay. For more information, contact 356-5200, opt. 6.

Sat., April 24, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center,  17th Annual Women's Walking Workshop: “Pursue Your Own Path.” This day of invigorating walks, motivational speakers, healthy lifestyle ideas, and congenial companions will inspire you to boost your walking program to a new level. Request a brochure or visit www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org  for details.

Sat., April 24, 6-8 pm,  Recycle In Style II - Earth Week Fashion Show, MOvNT Dance Center, 2nd Floor, 709 2nd Ave. SE,  downtown Cedar Rapids. Modeling and mixing 50's inspired design with an urban edge using New, Used and Fused fashions in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.  "New - keen sustainable fabrics; Used - ginchiest thrifty threads; Fused - crazy plastic bag creations." Hosted by Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency: www.solidwasteagency.org 

Sat., April 24, 10 a.m., Gateway Park Arboretum in Marengo, rose bush care workshop by the Iowa County Master Gardeners. Free to the public & no registration necessary.  In conjunction with the workshop is the annual Spring Clean Up at the Arboretum.  All are welcome.  

Sat., April 24, 8 p.m., Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center near Mt Vernon. The Cedar Amateur Astronomer and the Linn County Conservation Department are hosting an astronomy program entitled, A Brief History of Predicted Astronomical Calamities and the Truth Behind 2010, on Saturday, April 24. In addition to hundreds of websites, dozens of books are devoted to the year 2012 and its supposed connection to the Mayan calendar and other global changes. Brent Studer from Kirkwood Community College will describe previous astronomically-related doomsday predictions.  The truth will be separated from fiction and hype regarding December 21, 2012.  The observatory is located at 1365 Ivanhoe Road, two miles west of Highway 1, south of Mt Vernon.  Donations are welcome. 

Sun., April 25, 2 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center, Fossils Under Your Feet: Ancient Creatures from the Devonian Period. Learn about fossilized creatures found in Eastern Iowa's Devonian bedrock with “Fossil Guy” Don Johnson. The 375-million-year-old remains of ancient invertebrate life include corals, brachiopods, trilobites, crinoids and more. Touch fossils of extinct animals. Learn about nearby places where you can find fossils. Bring fossils for identification. M Adult: $3, NM Adult: $4, Child: $1.

Wed., April 28, 6 p.m., Brucemore, 2160 Linden Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids, Growing Appreciation Program: Seed Savers Exchange. The co-founder of Seed Savers Exchange, Diane Ott Whealy, will be presenting at Brucemore. Celebrating the 35th anniversary of Seed Savers Exchange, Whealy will discuss Seed Saver Exchange's past history, current projects, and future goals. This presentation is part of a yearlong series of garden programs celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Brucemore formal gardens. Special package pricing is available for the anniversary celebration Growing Appreciation programs.  Admission is $10 per person and $7 per Brucemore member. Space is limited, call (319) 362-7375 to make reservations.

Fri., April 30, 1-2 p.m., Iowa City Public Library, School's Out Special: “Pizza Garden” with Scott Koepke. Tomatoes, broccoli, and spinach ... oh my! There's no school, so what better time for kids to plant their own pizza garden with seedlings provided by Scott Koepke of New Pioneer Food Co-op. Limit of 50 participants. For more information, contact 356-5200, opt. 6.

Fri., April 30 and Sat., May 1,  Gateway Park Arboretum in Marengo, Spring Plant Sale by the Iowa County Master Gardeners. Friday will be 3-7 pm and Sat. will be 8 am - noon.  Featuring perennials, annuals, specialty hostas, and gardening accessories.  Proceeds will go toward Master Gardener scholarship funds.