The Practical Farmers of Iowa Annual Conference is coming up Jan. 14-15 in
Des Moines. While the entire event should be of interest to Sierra Club
members, a Friday afternoon-long workshop led by Wes Jackson's daughter,
Laura, should be of particular interest. The workshop will draw on her
influential book "The Farm As Natural Habitat" (details below).

Conservation, Ecosystems and Habitat:
On the Farm and in the Mind of the Consumer.

Laura Jackson, Ph.d., University of Northern Iowa,
co-author of The Farm As Natural Habitat.
Jan. 14, 12:30-4:45, Airport Holiday Inn, Des Moines

Environmental work has traditionally involved preserving pristine, wild
landscapes. But in a state with nearly all of its landscape altered from its
native condition and 90 percent devoted to agriculture, the opportunity for
a different way of thinking about conservation and eco-systems presents
itself. Farms don't have to be "ecological sacrifice zones." Alternative
agriculture can produce not only healthful food, but fully functioning
ecosystems and abundant populations of native species. How does the farm
land interact with the flow of energy, nutrients, water and biota across the
landscape? Workshop participants will make habitat maps, discuss ecological
cycles, share stories, and brainstorm about ways to recognize and enrich the
ecological health and diversity on productive landscapes. Then, we will talk
about ways that these values can be understood and supported by the
consumer. Farmers and non-farmers alike will have something to contribute to
this workshop.

Offered in conjunction with the 2005 Practical Farmers of Iowa annual
conference January 14-15 at the Airport Holiday Inn.

Cost of the Friday workshop only is $15 for PFI members and $20 for
non-members (a $5 discount is offered if registration is postmarked by
December 20). Mail-in registrations will be accepted until December 31;
people may register as a walk-in (and a $5 surcharge will apply).

For a registration form or more information, go to www.practicalfarmers.org
(look under PFI annual conference) or contact Sandra Trca-Black at
515-232-5661 ext 101, [log in to unmask]

Todd Kimm
PFI Communications Specialist
Phone: 515-232-5661 ext. 108
Fax: 515-232-5649
Web: www.practicalfarmers.org

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