Black Hawk County Extension & Outreach

🔥Another heat wave is coming this weekend, so here are a few tips for gardening in extreme heat.

🔥Another heat wave is coming this weekend, so here are a few tips for gardening in extreme heat:

-Check soil’s moisture before watering, even when you see plants wilting. Some plants wilt to conserve moisture and will perk back up in the evening.

-Move container plants to shadier areas, or create shade for plants you can’t move.

-Don’t fertilize. Adding fertilizer promotes growth that plants can’t support in extreme heat, stressing them even more.

-Add mulch. It will help hold water in the soil by reducing evaporation and shade the soil to keep the root zone cooler.

-ALWAYS take care of yourself. Make sure to take breaks, drink water, and wear sunscreen when gardening.

More details and tips here: https://go.iastate.edu/HPRSAT

Iowa Master Gardeners Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

More library programming fun!

More library fun from Hawkins Memorial Library! Join us on July 22nd from 1:00-2:30 for Mistake to Masterpieces! 📚

This Farmland Leasing & Management Workshop is offered to address questions that landowners, tenants, or other interested individuals have about leasing farmland. Read more about the event: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/farmland-leasing-and-management-workshops-planned

Please pre-register at least 2 days before the event. You can register by calling the office at (319)234-6811 or email [email protected].

Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸 🎆

Our office will be closed on July 4th and 5th in observance of the holiday.

Our office will be closed on July 4th & 5th to observe Independence Day! 🇺🇸🎇

we've been building a for 162 years!

Master Conservationist Program Planned for Aug 2024! 🌿
Read more below!

Master Conservationist Program Planned for Aug 2024

The Master Conservationist Program is a collaborative program offered by ISU Extension and Outreach, County Conservation Boards, and local conservation leaders and professionals. The intensive blended online and in-person curriculum is developed to equip Iowans interested in natural resource conservation with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about natural resources and to become local leaders and educators. Master Conservationists are individuals that share an interest in the sustainability of Iowa's natural resources and in becoming better stewards of those resources.

The curriculum is structured into four modules that combine technical information presented and curated by Iowa State University researchers and educators with in-person sessions led by local conservation leaders, practitioners, and experts. Module 1 'sets the stage' for the course, exploring the history and current structure of conservation in Iowa and also exploring the landforms and waterways that make up the state's land area. Module 2 digs deep into the structure, function, and challenges facing Iowa's natural prairie, forest, and aquatic ecosystems. Module 3 explores the wide range of conservation practices developed and implemented to address conservation challenges in Iowa. The final and fourth module then examines the human elements of conservation and explores how to communicate the importance of conservation to Iowa and Iowans. Cost is $110 per person.
Course graduates are awarded a certificate and encouraged to get engaged locally to apply the information they learn and continue to build their local connections to conservation professionals and other passionate conservationists. Please contact Ron Lenth in Bremer Co or Steven in Black Hawk or surrounding counties to register.

Ready for your kids to stop bugging you?🪲 Are they spending too much time on the web? 🕸 Utilize these awesome resources from the ISU Extension Store to help your kids become the ultimate bug catchers!

Want to get your kids outside more this summer? Our bug catcher guide helps kids learn about collecting, identifying, and preserving insects!

Inspire your kids to get outside and learn today! ➡️ go.iastate.edu/1C0B5W

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Iowa State University Integrated Pest Management Program
Iowa 4-H

This Farmland Leasing & Management Workshop is offered to address questions that landowners, tenants, or other interested individuals have about leasing farmland. Topics will include land values and cash rent trends, cost of production, methods for determining a fair rental rate, legislative updates regarding leases, and communication with tenants or landlords.

Please pre-register at least 2 days before the event. You can register by calling the office at (319)234-6811 or email [email protected].

What should you do after a flood on your farm? ISU Extension and Outreach has Disaster Recovery information and resources to help you make decisions and take action for your farm’s future. https://bit.ly/4cc8WLD

Managing Flood Damaged Perennials and Annuals When flooding occurs, it can be devastating to many things, including the landscape.  Below is advice on recovering from flood damage in perennial gardens and annual beds. Plants can often recover if submerged for only a short time.  Those that have been underwater for more than a week or so, are ...

Don't get fenced in by confusion! Attend this informative session and learn about the basics of Iowa fence law, difficult terrain, and fence vs boundary. This webinar is free to attend!
https://www.calt.iastate.edu/seminar/2024-07-11/good-fences-make-good-neighbors-guide-iowa-fence-laws

More Library Programming fun! Check out our summer schedule that has fun for everyone! 🥳
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/blackhawk/Summer_Events

If you missed it, you can still tune in using the link below!

In the podcast, The Spokesman Speaks by the Iowa Farm Bureau, Jason Henderson, ISU Vice President for Extension and Outreach, shares crucial insights for future economic success. Tune in to learn more:
https://bit.ly/3z7bBrk

Floods are a common and costly natural disaster. ISU Extension and Outreach has information and educational resources to help you navigate these challenging situations.
Iowa Concern: 800-447-1985 | https://bit.ly/47AEBmX
Disaster and Crisis Recovery: https://bit.ly/45Gaifc
AnswerLine: 800-262-3804 | https://bit.ly/3VeQ9te
Finding Answers Now: https://bit.ly/4cDo4l7

Who thought learning about chemical reactions could be so fun!🔬🧪

Black Hawk County Master Gardeners do some excellent work across the community! Thank you to all the Master Gardeners for all that you do!

We're Hiring & we have two positions available! Join our team, and apply below!

Youth Outreach Coordinator
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/blackhawk/jobs
Applications are due June 26th!

Extension Program Assistant II – Nutrition Educator
https://isu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/IowaStateJobs/job/Waterloo-IA/Extension-Program-Assistant-II---Nutrition-Educator_R14899
Applications are due July 7th!

🚨 Attention Parents! Limited Spots Available for Our Summer Camps! 🚨

We have just a few spots left for our amazing summer camps! Don't let your kids miss out on these unforgettable experiences:
🌟 The Wizarding World Of Camp 🌟
🗓️ July 9th
🧙‍♂️ Let your kids dive into a magical adventure where they'll craft magical treats, weave enchanting crafts, and concoct bewitching potions! There are only a couple of spots left, so act fast!
🍬 Candy Company Camp 🍬
🗓️ July 23rd
🍭 Perfect for little ones with a sweet tooth! They'll master the art of candy crafting and bring home some delicious creations. Hurry, just a few spots remaining!
🎨 Art Around the World Camp 🎨
🗓️ August 1st
🌍 A creative journey through various art techniques and styles while exploring ecosystems like rainforests, taiga, deserts, tundra, grasslands, and oceans. Secure one of the last spots today!

🌞 Register Now Before It's Too Late! 🌞
📧 Email [email protected] or [email protected]
🔗 Or sign up online!

These spots are filling up quickly! Make this summer unforgettable for your kids!

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/blackhawk/summer-programs

It’s Pollinator Week! Read more about honey bees! 🐝

It’s Pollinator Week!

1 out of every 3 bites of food we eat was pollinated by bees? We have much more to thank honey bees for than just honey! Learn about honey bee jobs, food and more here!

➡️ bit.ly/2U747gF

Iowa State University Integrated Pest Management Program
ISU Extension and Outreach - Agriculture and Natural Resources

Looking for a fun activity to enjoy with the kids? Why not try canning? It can be a great way to have fun with the whole family! 🥫

Summertime is often a good time to introduce children to hands-on experiences that use skills learned in school. Food Preservation is one such activity that uses reading, math, and science principles. It is also a great way to teach new or life skills, pass on family activities, and enjoy produce all year long. Check out the blog for resources that are appropriate for helping children learn about food preservation. go.iastate.edu/KRPEUI

Learn how to make safe, edible cookie dough! 🍪

Edible cookie dough is a popular, quick and easy snack food for kids! Choose recipes wisely as edible cookie dough made with raw ingredients (flour and eggs) can be a food safety risk. Learn how to make safe edible cookie dough on the blog today. go.iastate.edu/EIW1DD

ISU Extension and Outreach is home to Iowa 4-H , the largest youth development organization in the state and the nation! Join us in honoring the importance of our young people who help build a today and every day!

Such an awesome learning experience!