If you have ever wanted to learn more about Iowa's native trees, grasses and wildflowers, you'll have a chance to do so in a series of classes being offered in the area this spring and summer. Trees Forever will be offering its popular Stewards of the Beautiful Land program in Scott County this year.

Trees Forever's Stewards of the Beautiful Land program is designed to educate participants about the role and use of native trees, grasses and wildflowers in community, rural and home landscaping projects. Trees Forever staff will lead four different, monthly class sessions from June through September. Other participating partners include the Scott County Conservation Board, Scott County Extension & Outreach, the Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Nahant Marsh. The first class starts June 11.

The Stewards of the Beautiful Land program will cover topics such as:
• Native plant identification
• Benefits and use of native plant species
• Design principles
• Planting practices
• Establishment and maintenance techniques
• Project Funding

In addition, class members will also help plan and plant a small local project using native plants.

The four-part series of classes begins on Tuesday, June 11, at the Nahant Marsh, 4220 Wapello Avenue. Subsequent classes will be held at other locations around Scott County. Participants should plan to travel to all four classes for the entire educational experience. Classes will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., and include classroom-style instruction as well as outdoor field study.

There is no cost to participate in the Stewards of the Beautiful Land program, but space is limited. No prior experience with or knowledge of native trees and plants is necessary, only a commitment to actively participate in the class series and the planting project.

To register for Trees Forever's 2013 Stewards of the Beautiful Land program, or to get more information, visit the events calendar at www.treesforever.org. You can also contact Dustin Hinrichs at dhinrichs@treesforever.org or 319-373-0650 ext. 124, or Mark Pingenot at mpingenot@treesforever.org or 319-560-9079, for more information. The deadline for registration is May 31.

Trees Forever is an Iowa-based nonprofit environmental organization focused on community tree planting, water quality initiatives, and roadway and trail enhancements. The Stewards of the Beautiful Land program is funded by the Iowa Living Roadway Trust Fund (www.iowalivingroadway.com).

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Join us this summer at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Scott County as weexplore the amazing world of insects in "Insectaganza!" our 4-H Clover Kids summer program.Youth ages five through nine will closely investigate insects such as crickets, butterflies and ladybugs to learn how they communicate, eat, grow, and survive in their natural habitats. Please note that 5 year olds must have completed kindergarten during the 2012-2013 school year.

Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Families can chose from a Monday group or a Wednesday group. Both groups will meet from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. for eight weeks beginning the week of June 10, 2013. The program costs $10.00 for new 4-H Clover Kids. For more information and to print the registration forms visit http://www.extension.iastate.edu/scott orcontact Jodi at (563) 359-7577 or jmbecker@iastate.edu.

AMES, Iowa -- Understanding and using some simple tools can help cattle producers make the right selection for new herd bulls during upcoming bull sales. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef program specialist Denise Schwab said that's why a bull selection clinic is scheduled prior to the Friday, May 3, bull sale held by Iowa Cattlemen's Association (ICA) at the Tama Livestock Auction, Tama. There's no cost to attend and no preregistration is necessary.

"Sorting through performance measures and expected progeny differences doesn't have to be a chore or a mystery," Schwab said. "Staff from the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State have scheduled the clinic so attendees can make use of the information they receive at the bull sale immediately following the clinic." The clinic will start at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 3.

The sale will feature bulls that have been through ICA's Bull Evaluation Program, according to ICA seedstock manager Kellie Carolan. She said bulls that go through this 112-day test are evaluated for growth, carcass traits, yearling weight, disposition and scrotal circumference, and are some of the breed's best pedigrees for calving ease, performance and carcass merit. The Tama sale will also include a group of replacement heifers for sale starting at 6 pm.

Schwab said Iowa Beef Center staff will break down the process of bull selection into simple steps and assist those attending with interpreting the EPD numbers in the catalog. Dr. Patrick Gunn, the newest addition to the ISU Extension beef team and statewide cow-calf specialist, will also present at this clinic.

"We can help you evaluate your cow herd and determine the economically relevant traits that you want to emphasize," she said. "With that information, you can use the index EPDs and visually appraise the bulls to identify some options that will help you get the most benefit from your cow herd."

To learn more about ICA's Bull & Heifer Program, including a listing of bulls that will be offered at the May 3 sale, go to http://www.iacattlemen.org/bullheifer.aspx

For more information on the bull clinics, contact your Iowa State beef specialist at www.extension.iastate.edu/ag/beef

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