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Prairie STRIP Presentation

September 8th, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Valley Stewardship Network is hosting a Prairie STRIP (Science-Based Trials of Rowcrops Integrated with Prairie Strips) presentation with Dave van Dyke who has planted several prairie STRIPS on his property over 5 years.  He will take the group on a tour of a few of his STRIPS at various locations on his farm, which will demonstrate different stages of growth.  Dave will also discuss the seed mixes he used, the planting of the STRIPS, and what it takes to maintain them over time.  Valley Stewardship Network has helped Dave design and install his prairie STRIPS, as well as those of many others around the area, and will have representatives on hand to answer questions as well as talk about other native planting techniques.  There will be light refreshments.  

Prairie STRIPS are a farmland conservation practice developed at Iowa State University.  By converting 10% of a row-cropped field to native tall-grass prairie plants, sediment export is reduced 95%, phosphorus export is reduced 90%, and nitrogen export is reduced nearly 85%.  The plant diversity also increases native pollinators and birds and increases soil organic matter, which helps hold water.  Using native plants also builds sustainability, restores ecosystem services, and increases the area’s biodiversity.  This practice contributes to productive farming and conserving our natural resources. Planting prairie STRIPS dovetails with Valley Stewardship Network’s Plant Natives for Biodiversity Initiative.

DIRECTIONS:

Dave van Dyke’s address is S5385 Hansen Lane, Viroqua.  From Viroqua, go west on Hwy. 56 about 10 miles.  Turn left on County Rd. N.  After 8/10^th of a mile, turn left onto a gravel road – Hansen Lane (it will look like a driveway, but is really a road).  Follow the road to the end and park.

 

For additional information, please call Valley Stewardship Network at 608-637-3615 or email us at  info@valleystewardshipnetwork.org.

 

Connect to Protect Your Watershed!

These shirts make ideal gifts!  They were designed by local artists and depict local watersheds.  They are 100% organic cotton!

Visit our online shop to take a look at all five of our Valley Stewardship Network Watershed T-shirts!

We’re encouraging everyone to get to know their own watershed and all the people, plants and animals that are a part of it.

We have T-shirts for the Kickapoo, Bad Axe, Tainter Creek, Coon Creek, and West Fork of the Kickapoo watersheds.

Don’t know which watershed you’re in?  Try finding yourself on this map, or contact us at info@valleystewardshipnetwork.org.