Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is pleased to announce the next session of Windbreak School, an in-field program dedicated to equipping farmers, rural landowners, and natural resource professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively plan, implement, maintain, and renovate windbreak resources.

Event Details:
• Date: Friday, September 6th
• Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Location: On the corner of Tucker Ave. & 180th St., Muscatine, Iowa

“Windbreaks and shelterbelts act as critical farm infrastructure – providing energy savings, livestock growth gains, timber and non-timber forest products, wildlife habitat, odor and dust control, aesthetics, privacy, and mental health benefits,” according to Billy Beck, Extension Forestry Specialist and assistant professor at Iowa State. “However, Iowa’s aging windbreaks are simply not functioning as they should be due to general decline, storm damage, and insect and disease issues.”

Windbreak School participants will engage in four main topic areas:
1. Design and Mechanics
2. Establishment and Maintenance
3. Renovation and Recovery
4. Planning, Programs, and Cost Share

The event will feature speakers from:
• ISU Extension faculty and staff
• ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic staff
• IDNR District Foresters
• Muscatine Natural Resources Conservation Service staff

Registration: This event is free to attend but registration is required. Participants are encouraged to register early due to limited space. To register or for more information, visit https://go.iastate.edu/VGB7N2 or contact Lauren Nerad at 563-263-5701 or lnerad@iastate.edu.