Homegrown: November 2012 Calendar

Following are gardening and eco-events happening in Eastern Iowa during November 2012:

Thurs., Nov. 1, 5 p.m., Local Foods Banquet and Fundraiser; Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, 120 E Boyson Rd., Hiawatha. This annual event features a banquet of locally raised food, live music from the Too Many Strings Band of Grinnell and a silent auction. All proceeds from this event go to support the programs of the IVRCD, a nonprofit based in Amana and serving residents of Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Linn, Poweshiek and Tama Counties and the Meskwaki Nation. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 per couple, and may be purchased online at www.ivrcd.org or by calling (319) 622-3264.

Thurs., Nov. 1, 7 p.m., Green and Simple: Finding more joy and less stuff in your holiday; Indian Creek Nature Center, 6665 Otis Rd. SE. Feeling harried by holiday havoc? Join a group discussion on how to go from feeling overwhelmed to overjoyed by the upcoming holiday season. Suggestions from authors and others will be discussed. Share ideas on how to feel less stressed during this celebratory time of year. Co-sponsored with Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, the program will be held at Indian Creek Nature Center.  Cost is $4 for members; $5 for non-members.  Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or register online at www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org

Mon., Nov. 5, 7 p.m., Equatorial: Images from the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest and the Galapagos Island, Wickiup Hill near Toddvill. Linda & Robert Scarth from Cedar Rapids were part of a group of natural history enthusiasts who visited two fascinating parts of Ecuador along the Equator in March 2012. The Scarth's and several others from the group (including Wickiup naturalist, Gail Barels) enjoyed several days in the cloud forest about two hours northwest of Quito, the capital. Here they saw and photographed hummingbirds and trogons and other cloud forest residents. The group gathered in Quito and flew to Baltras Island for an 8-day trip on the ‘Daphne' (a 16 passenger yacht) cruising among the northern and western Galapagos Islands. Frigate birds, boobies (red-footed, blue-footed and Nazca), and flamingos were among the birds seen. Marine and land iguanas, tortoises and Sally Lightfoot crabs decorated these ever changing islands of lava. In his journal, Charles Darwin referred to the black marine iguanas as ‘imps of darkness'. The group did not find them as sinister as did Mr. Darwin – come find out why!  Advanced Registration: Not required/show up.  Cost: $2.50/adult, $1/child (16 and under) or $5/family.

Mon., Nov. 5, 6:00-7:00pm, Cedar Rapids Public Library, 2600 Edgewood Road SW, Houseplants – Linn County Master Gardener Deb Walser will talk about proper care and maintenance of popular houseplants.

Wed., Nov. 7, 3:00p.m. at Wickiup Hill; Snack time with the Animals! This is your chance to see predator prey relationships in action.  Come watch a naturalist feed the animals at Wickiup Hill. Learn more about what turtles, snakes and amphibians eat.  Also, learn other interesting tid-bits about the animals we use for our programs and how we got them.  At the end of the feeding program, you will get the chance to touch some of our program animals. Feeding typically lasts 20 - 30 minutes. Advanced Registration: Not required/show up. Cost: Free.

Thurs., Nov. 8, 7 p.m., How Did They Do That? Wickiup Hill. Chérie E. Haury-Artz, Office of the State Archaeologist, will discuss aspects of how archaeologists research how ancient people made everyday items.  There were no stores.  Everything that people used was made from what was available from the environment. People not only survived, but made functional tools, beautifully decorated items, rock art, and toys and games. Technologies such as stone tool making, bone and shell carving, cordage production, pigment making, and pottery making were crucial to ancient societies.  Because prehistoric people did not leave written descriptions of how they made their tools, archaeologists must use other means to learn about ancient technologies.  Experimental archaeology and the study of use wear patterns are two such methods.  This presentation will discuss some aspects of this research. Visitors will get to handle and examine some replica items and even try their hand at some prehistoric technologies themselves.  Advanced Registration: Not required/show up. Cost: $2.50/adult, $1/child (16 and under) or $5/family.

Fri., Nov. 9, 7 p.m., Blackfoot Indian Singer Jack Gladstone to Perform at Wickiup Hill Learning Center. Native American Music Award (NAMA) winner singer Jack Gladstone returns to Wickiup Hill Learning Center to perform Jack's award winning album “Native Anthropology,” is a landmark recording achievement in a career that has spanned almost three decades.  His video “The Bear Who Stole the Chinook” is nominated for a Short Film Video the 2012 NAMA awards.  The NAMA were formerly called the Native American Grammy Awards. Ticket prices for this multi-media extravaganza performance are $10 for adults, $5 per child or $20 per family. A limited number of tickets are available.  For details about purchasing tickets, please visit LinnCountyParks.com or call (319) 892-6485. Jack Gladstone is a Storysmith/Troubadour from the Blackfeet Nation of Montana. Regarded as a cultural bridge builder, he produces programs on indigenous history and tradition. Jack has released fifteen critically acclaimed CDs and most recently garnered the prestigious Best Historical Recording from the Native American Music Association.  A former college instructor and Smithsonian scholar, Jack co-founded Native America Speaks, Glacier Nat'l Park's highly regarded lecture series.  In addition, Gladstone was a featured tribal voice for Montana's Centennial, the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial and the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. He has also been featured at Wolf Trap Nat'l Park for the Performing Arts. Jack's studio recordings have been produced by Lloyd Maines (Dixie Chicks), David Griffith (Vassar Clements), and Phil Aaberg (Peter Gabriel). Jack has opened shows for Rita Coolidge, Garrison Keillor, and Bonnie Raitt.

Sat., Nov. 10, 10 a.m., REAL WALK: PERSISTENT FRUITS AND SEEDS; adults of all ages are invited to Indian Creek Nature Center to walk with Naturalist David Brenzel on Saturday, November 10th to find plants that cling to their fruit long after everyone else has hunkered down for the winter. Why do they wait and what, if any, are the advantages of hanging on?  Fee is $4 for ICNC members, $5 for non-members. REAL Walks are designed for adults 18 years of age or older and are held on the second Saturday of each month. Advance registration requested. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or register online at indiancreeknaturecenter.org.

Sat., Nov. 10, 10:30 a.m., Wandering Adventure Club - Pro Explorer Wander at Wickiup Hill. Families with children ages 3 to 7 come join our club adventuring through the changing Iowa environments at Wickiup Hill!  Adults and children explore together on these fun, themed wanders that are designed to encourage the discovery of nature in a casual and engaging setting.  Sign up to receive at home adventure missions and advanced information about each wander by emailing adventureclubiowa@gmail.com.  Please join the Wandering Adventure Club on Facebook to stay informed and share!  With all wanders, dress for the weather, bring a snack and water, and a camera if you'd like.  Let's be professional explorers!  Bring your professional explorer supplies and prepare to take notes and photos of the things you discover just like a real scientific nature researcher.  Afterwards we can report our findings over a snack. Advanced Registrations: Not required/show up. Cost: Free. Special Notes: Materials needed include a notebook (Adventure Journal works!), camera, backpack, and any other fun supplies like a compass, binoculars, or walking stick to make the little hiking scientist feel professional!

Sat., Nov. 10, Environmental Film Festival  at Mount Mercy University. The Eco Film Fest's mission is to provide screenings of feature length and short films on environmental topics for the Cedar Rapids public. The festival uses the power of films to educate, inspire and motivate its audience to act on environmental issues. The goal is to present thought-provoking films and dialogue on a wide variety of interconnected ecological, social and economic themes. Each film is coupled with a discussion or activity and promotes learning and community networking. The audience is invited to be more than a passive viewer – they will leave entertained, motivated and transformed.  This year's event will feature two full length films, Bag It and Mother Nature's Child. A variety of short films will also be shown – themes such as water quality, local economies and individual action will all be included. Folks who come to this event will be able to see free films, enjoy free popcorn, visit with community members and interact with local environmental organizations. There will also be recycling of household batteries, plastic bags and old cell phones- all for free.  Organizations involved include the following agencies: Mount Mercy University, Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Indian Creek Nature Center, Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center, Linn County Chapter United Nations,Trees Forever, Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste Agency, City of Cedar Rapids Stormwater Program, Coe College, and the Cedar-Wapsie Sierra Club Find more information on facebook at CR Eco Film Festival or visit http://CRecofilmfest.com/ for further film details and a schedule of events.

Film Schedule

2:oopm Bag It!

3:oopm Water Quality Series • Story of Bottles Water • The Scoop onPoop • Gimme Green

3:30pm Human Impact Series • 300 Years of Fossil Fuels in 300 Seconds • TED – Climate Change

4:00pm Individual Action Series • For the Price of a Cup of Coffee • Bellingham • Daily Acts

4:30pm Mother Nature's Child

Mon., Nov. 12, 6:00-7:00pm, Cedar Rapids Public Library, 2600 Edgewood Road SW, The Monet Garden –Claude Monet's garden in Giverny, France is one of the most visited gardens in the world.  This is a tour through the garden from April to October.  Linn County Master Gardener Zora Ronan will give you ideas on color and plant selection to replicate Monet's garden in Iowa.

Thurs. Nov. 15, 6:30–8 p.m., Generate a Jewel from Junk at Prairiewoods. If the winter season calls for jewel tones, perhaps it also calls for jewelry boxes! In this class at Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha), instructor Pam Hyberger will teach you how to make a unique jewel case by repurposing everyday objects. You will learn to take ordinary items and create a beautiful gift for yourself or someone you love. Pam is manager of Happenstance on 7th, a boutique in Marion featuring beautiful one-of-a-kind art and apparel by local artists. Pam has been creating as a visual and graphic artist for 25 years. The cost is $10. For more information, contact Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700 or www.Prairiewoods.org.

Sat., Nov. 17, 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Prairiewoods Holiday Bazaar. As we pass candy to trick-or-treaters and rake up fall leaves, it's hard to imagine that Christmas is right around the corner. To help kick off the holiday season, come to the annual Holiday Bazaar at Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha). It will be a great opportunity to cross items off your shopping list and get into the holiday spirit! Prairiewoods will offer special items from its Gift Shop and kitchen. Other vendors will offer an array of goods prepared by local artisans. You will have your choice of freshly baked breads and pies, Trappistine caramels, scarves, handcrafted aprons, denim wear, bags, baby blankets, mittens, jewelry and much more. You also can enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee or cider and a cinnamon roll at our Coffee Corner. Admittance is free and gift prices are unbeatable! For more information, contact Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700 or www.Prairiewoods.org.

Sunday, Nov. 18 to Monday, November 19; Iowa Organic Conference, UI Memorial Union, Iowa City. The conference will open with a reception on the evening of Sunday, November 18 at the UI Memorial Union, which will include a screening of the documentary Symphony of the Soil with filmmaker Deborah Koons Garcia on hand to answer questions. The conference continues with a full-day program of speakers, workshops and exhibits on Monday. The conference includes an all-organic lunch. Sponsors include Iowa State University, the Leopold Center, University of Iowa Office of Sustainability and New Pioneer Food Cooperative. Will Allen, of Growing Power, LLC and Fred Kirschenmann, Leopold Center Distinguished Fellow, will give keynote talks.

Discounted rates and scholarships are available for students. Register online at http://iowaorganicconference.eventbrite.com

Conference brochure [PDF]

Conference poster - keynote speakers [PDF]

Learn more about Symphony of the Soil

Learn more about ISU Organic Agriculture.

Leopold Center news release with photos of speakers for download

Leopold Center news release - Oct. 23 2012

Mon., Nov. 19, 6:00-7:00pm, Cedar Rapids Public Library, 2600 Edgewood Road SW, Iowa's Great Gardens - More Than Pretty Places - Linn County Master Gardener Jean Murray gives a tour of some great Iowa gardens, and discover more than you thought possible. She'll discuss how to take a garden walk, and what to look for along the way to make your garden walk experience even more enriching.

Mon., Nov. 19, 6:30 - 8:00pm; Make a Garden Art Gift workshop. Join Linn County Master Gardeners in the Greenhouse at Lowe Park, 4500 North 10th Street

Marion. Make a garden art object as a gift for your gardening friends or yourself. Free. Please register in advance for the workshops by calling Iowa State Extension 319-377-9839 or emailing Connie at benesh1@iastate.edu  to guarantee a spot as space is limited.

Mon. Nov. 26, 6:00-7:00pm, Cedar Rapids Public Library, 2600 Edgewood Road SW, Decorating Winter Containers – Do you have that pot by the front door that had geraniums or petunias in it? Don't put it away – decorate it for the winter. Linn County Master Gardener Deb Walser will share how to use spruce tips, dogwood, and willow among things find in our own back yard. She will show how to do it yourself using cones, berries and balls to add sparkle to your winter.

Thurs., Nov. 29, 6-8 p.m., T-Shirt Refashioning Class at Prairiewoods. Do you have a drawer full of old T-shirts that you rarely wear but are reluctant to get rid of? Bring in those old T-shirts and have fun repurposing them into new shirts, scarves, dresses and more! (No sewing needed.) This fun workshop will be facilitated by Emy Sautter at Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha). Please bring scissors and at least four T-shirts of various sizes-or bring more to share! The cost is $5, and registration is requested by November 26. For more information or to register, contact Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700 or www.Prairiewoods.org.

November 29- sign up deadline for Snowshoe Building Class. Classes will be Dec. 4, 11, & 18, Tuesdays, 7:00-10:00p.m. at Wickiup Hill. This winter Linn County Conservation will offer the opportunity to build a pair of traditional snowshoes. Conservation Education Specialist Chuck Ungs will guide participants through the snowshoe-building process. Those who have taken the class in the past have been very pleased with the finished shoes and have enjoyed the class. These sets make a unique gift, functional tools or can be used as decoration. Participants should attend the evening sessions on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 11, & 18.  These evening classes will run from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Wickiup Hill Learning Center near Toddville. With some time invested at home, kits can be completed around New Year's.  Additional evenings will be needed the week following construction (between Christmas and New Year's) to varnish the shoes. This will be completed in the evenings at the Conservation Department workshop on County Home Rd (near the Abbe Center).  For best results, two or three of these evenings will be required to varnish the shoes properly. Advanced Registration: Participants must pre-register and pay by November 29, so kits can be ordered.  To pre-register or for more details and options, call 319-892-6485.  Class size is limited to 15. Cost: The $175 class fee includes the cost of a snowshoe kit, a binding set and varnish for each participant. Special Notes: Attendance at all three lacing sessions is highly recommended. Kit building typically requires the manual dexterity of someone high school age or older.