August events (and a last-minute July addition)

Following are some of the gardening and eco-events in Eastern Iowa during August 2009 (and a last-minute addition for July.) If you know of other events, add a comment below or send an email to: cindy.hadish@gazcomm.com

Fri., July 31, 8:30 p.m. - Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch is offering back-to-back ranger-led nature programs. At 8:30 p.m. take a short walk with a National Park Ranger on the prairie trails after sunset. Explore the prairie at dusk and learn techniques for nature study at night. The walk will last about 45 minutes. At 9:30 p.m. join a National Park Ranger for stargazing. Learn about identifying objects in the night sky. A telescope will be provided, but you may bring your own or bring binoculars. Stargazing will last until 10:30 p.m. Park at the Presidential Library and Museum. You may bring a flashlight, but its use is discouraged on the trails. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking a half-mile on the trail or more. Insect repellent is recommended. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80.

Fri., Aug. 7, 8-9:30 p.m. – Indian Creek Nature Center, 6665 Otis Rd. SE, HIGHPOINT MOON WALK, MEMBER:$3-NONMEMBER:$5-CHILDREN:$1-Enjoy a walk through lush August prairies to an open hilltop overlooking the Nature Center to watch the moon rise. Trails are grass covered. The walk will be approximately two miles. Meet at the barn. CALL 362-0664 TO REGISTER.

Sat., Aug. 8, 3-5 p.m. - Backyard Abundance, Planting Abundance, 1482 Valley View Dr., Coralville. In 2008, Backyard Abundance helped Mary Crooks design and lay groundwork for her environmentally friendly yard. At this event, learn how plants were chosen and see their growth progress. For details: www.backyardabundance.org/events.aspx

Sat. Aug. 8, 9 a.m. - The Organic Tree Fruit Association is sponsoring an event for all tree fruit growers at Fox Ridge Farm in Solon.  This event will provide a breadth and depth of information and discussion on eco-friendly approaches to apple production and direct to consumer marketing never before offered in Iowa.  The event is at the Wilson's Orchard now owned by Paul Rasch of Fox Ridge Farm.  Paul will discuss his rejuvenation of this beautiful orchard, particularly the diseases and insect pests that built up before his ownership.  Mr. Rasch will discuss his direct to consumer retailing via the Orchard's retail store, which includes a bakery and cider mill. The major focus of the field day will be at Mr. Rasch's home farm, Fox Ridge Farm, seven miles from Wilson's Orchard.  New high-density plantings, planted yearly since 2007, will be discussed, particularly the plantings of disease-resistant cultivars.  Trees planted in 2007 are already bearing apples. Guest speakers include Harry Hoch of Hoch Orchards, who organically manages approximately 40 acres of tree fruits.  From Iowa State University, Professor Mark Gleason will discuss the organic management of sooty blotch and flyspeck, while Professor Kathleen Delate will present Extension's new organic apple production bulletin and organic insect pest control.  Mr. Rasch is a 4http://www.mosesorganic.org/treefruit/events.htm For additional questions contact Deirdre at deirdreb@mindspring.com or 608-967-2362.

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generation tree fruit grower from the Fruit Ridge area of Michigan.  He formerly owned and operated an apple juice company in China.  Since selling that company in 2006 Mr. Rasch now owns and operates approximately 50 acres of apples in Iowa with over 150 varieties.  After July 30

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a late registration fee applies of $10 per person.  A lunch will be served to all registered featuring local and organic foods.  The registration form is available at

Sat., Aug. 15, 1-4:30 p.m. - Iowa State University Extension staff will hold a 3 ½ hour workshop dealing with all aspects of the Emerald Ash Borer.  Iowa State University Insect Diagnostic Clinic experts and tree experts will conduct the workshop.  Topics include: Symptoms and signs of infestation, common tree identification, problems with ash trees, Emerald Ash Borer program and regulations/quarantine, effective insecticides, ash tree alternatives, the First Detector Program in Iowa and outreach plans for our area.  The workshop will be held at the Linn County Extension office at 3279 7

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Ave., Marion 52302. The workshop is open to the public.  There are just 50 seats available so call 319-377-9839 to register by August 12.  Cost is $15.00 and is payable when you register.

Wed., Aug. 19, 6-9 p.m., – The Noelridge Gardens in Cedar Rapids will be open for a free guided tour conducted by Noelridge staff and volunteers. Mini sessions on various gardening topics will be offered. Call the Noelridge Greenhouse, (319) 286-5762, for more information.

Wed., Aug. 19, 1 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center, GREEN AND SIMPLE: INVITING NATIVE POLLINATORS TO YOUR GARDEN. MEMBER:$3-NONMEMBER:$5. Discover native pollinators and learn how to participate in the Great Sunflower Project as a citizen scientist. Learn how to make native pollinator habitats for your garden. Observe and identify native pollinators in the Nature Center's sunflower and herb gardens. CALL 362-0664 TO REGISTER.

Sat., Aug. 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. - The Brucemore Garden and Art Show, 2160 Linden Dr., SE.  A  festival of products and information for art enthusiasts and gardeners of all types. Headline presenters, unique products, fine arts, and more. Featuring more than 35 artists - pottery, painting, jewelry, sculpture, glass, textiles, and much more. Admission: $6/adult. Children 10 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets purchased at the gate. For ticket information call (319) 362-7375. Food and beverage service available all day. No on-site parking. Continuous bus shuttle service from Washington High School north parking lot. Handicap parking available on-site, enter the estate through the First Avenue Gate. See: www.brucemore.org

Sat., Aug. 22, 1 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center, BEGINNING BEE CLASS: SESSION I-MEMBER: $55/SERIES-NONMEMBER: $85/SERIES-This eight session series is designed for individuals serious about starting a beekeeping hobby. The series will take the participant through the annual cycle of beekeeping from establishing a hive to harvesting and marketing the honey produced. The class members will be actively involved in learning activities by working with the hives at the Indian Creek Nature Center. Purpose: To show how to process honey and prepare the bees for winter. Learn extracting and processing ways; handling supers after harvest; winterizing the hive. Call 362-0664 to register.

Tues., Aug. 25, 5:30 p.m. - The Linn County Conservation Department will host a hike highlighting the American Indian History of Wickiup Hill.  It isn't widely known that Wickiup Hill contains ancient mounds from the Middle Woodland Culture.  A naturalist will guide you to them and provide some great information along the way. This hike will include a steep climb, so wear sturdy shoes. Meet at the kiosk area at the lower end of the sidewalk.  Wickiup Hill is located near Toddville.  For information, call 892-6485.

Fri., Aug. 28, 7 p.m. - The Linn County Conservation Department is hosting a Monarch Tagging program at Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center near Toddville.  Participants will tag monarchs collected at this site, placing an I.D. tag on the wings and then releasing the butterflies. Unlike most other insects in temperate climates, monarch butterflies cannot survive a long cold winter. Instead, they migrate to winter roosting spots. Cost: $2.50/adult, $1/ child 16 and under or $5/family.

Sat., Aug. 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. -  Cedar Valley Iris and Daylily Plant Sale at Riverside Gardens, 441 East 3rd Street, Monticello. Named daylily and iris cultivars will be available at reasonable prices.  Club members will answer questions and assist with selections.  All plants are grown by members and are hardy, healthy and will survive Iowa winters.