Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: Van Buren County

09/02/2026

🌳 Do you own woodlands, enjoy the outdoors, or want to learn more about Iowa's natural resources?

Mark your calendar for the 48th Annual Shimek State Forest Field Day on October 6, 2026, at Wilson Lake!

Learn from experts with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa DNR, Lee County Conservation, and the Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Center as they share practical information on:

🌿 Tree diseases and woodland health
🌿 Managing ponds and prairie habitats
🌿 Ecological succession and forest stewardship
🌿 Pesticides in woodland ecosystems

📅 October 6, 2026
📍 Wilson Lake
💲 $20 registration fee

To register, call the Lee County Extension Office at 319-835-5116.

08/31/2026

Caring for a family member or friend? Don't forget to care for yourself. ❤️

Join Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a virtual 6-week series that provides practical skills to help caregivers reduce stress, communicate effectively, make difficult decisions, solve problems, and build confidence in their caregiving role.

📅 Thursdays, Oct. 15 - Nov. 19, 2026
🕛 Noon - 1:30 p.m.
💻 Virtual

✅ Residents of all counties are welcome.

💰 Cost: Thanks to sponsorship from the Extension Councils of Davis, Jefferson, Van Buren, and Wapello Counties, the program is free for residents of those counties. Caregivers of Iowa cancer survivors may also attend at no cost, regardless of county of residence, thanks to funding from the Iowa Cancer Consortium. A $60 registration fee applies to participants from other counties who do not qualify for Iowa Cancer Consortium funding.

⏰ Registration deadline: Oct. 6, 2026

For more information or to register:
📞 Jennifer Plowman | 319-293-3039
📧 [email protected]

08/31/2026

Could AI make some of the everyday tasks in your food business a little easier?

Writing a social media post. Brainstorming ideas. Organizing information. Getting started when you’re staring at a blank screen. AI can be a useful tool for tackling tasks like these, but figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming.

Join us tomorrow, September 1, for An Intro to AI in Your Small Food Business, presented by our very own Food Business Specialist, Alex Van Alstyne.

Alex works with food entrepreneurs as they navigate the business side of bringing their products to market. During this Lunch & Learn, he’ll introduce practical, approachable ways small food businesses can begin putting AI to work—without needing advanced technical knowledge.

This isn't about replacing the knowledge and creativity behind your business. It’s about discovering tools that may help you spend less time on certain tasks and more time on the work that needs you.

📅 Tomorrow, September 1
💻 An Intro to AI in Your Small Food Business
🔗 Register today: https://go.iastate.edu/HJK0CI

08/31/2026

Take a break over lunch and invest in yourself this September! Join us for two engaging virtual Lunch & Learn sessions focused on everyday wellness and practical living. No cost to attend these programs, sponsored by the Van Buren County Extension Council

Self Care - Tuesday, September 15th
Join us to explore six simple strategies that can help you reacharge and stay grounded. Pick a few strategies that fit your life best and create a plan to make them part of your routine

More information about Self Care lunch and learn can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BrTaRzEGU/

Good Nutrition on a Budget- Thursday,September 17th
Learn tips and strategies for stretching your grocery dollars while still enjoying healthy, nutritious meals.

More information about Good Nutrition on a Budget Lunch and learn can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/share/19B1wZ3c8r/

Whether you're looking to save money at the grocery store, improve your health, or simply take an hour for yourself, these programs are for you!

08/25/2026

Join us for a Virtual Self-Care Strategies Lunch & Learn
September 15
Noon to 1:00 PM
Self-care doesn't have to be complicated. Discover six practical strategies to help you recharge, reduce stress, and stay grounded. You'll leave with simple ideas you can incorporate into your daily routine right away.
This program is offered at no cost thanks to funding from the Van Buren County Extension Council.
📌 Registration required by September 14
🔗 https://go.iastate.edu/ER93SM

08/20/2026

Here is another opportunity to attend a leasing meeting!

⏰ Just a few days left!

Join us Tuesday, August 25, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. for the Annual Farmland Leasing Meeting at the Henry County Extension Office.

Learn practical strategies for farmland lease agreements, communication between landowners and tenants, current rental trends, estate planning considerations, and fair cash rental rates.

💲 Registration is $25 per person and includes a copy of the latest Farmland Leasing Arrangements publication.

📞 Reserve your spot by calling 319-385-8126. Walk-ins are welcome if space is available. We look forward to seeing you there! 🌾

08/19/2026

🌽 Check out the Fall Field Day at Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm on September 10 to see ISU research in action:
✅ Cropping systems and nitrate loss trends
✅ Miscanthus as an alternative biomass crop
✅ Cover crop mixes for forage and soil health

Open to farmers, ag retailers, crop advisers, conservation professionals, and livestock producers. Continuing Education Units available!

Learn more 👉 https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/fall-field-day-be-held-iowa-state-university-southeast-research-farm-sept-10
Washington County Extension, ISU Extension and Outreach: Jefferson County, ISU SE Research and Demonstration Farm

08/18/2026

Join us for a Virtual Self-Care Strategies Lunch & Learn
September 15
Noon to 1:00 PM

Self-care doesn't have to be complicated. Discover six practical strategies to help you recharge, reduce stress, and stay grounded. You'll leave with simple ideas you can incorporate into your daily routine right away.

This program is offered at no cost thanks to funding from the Van Buren County Extension Council.

📌 Registration required by September 14
🔗 https://go.iastate.edu/ER93SM

08/14/2026

Over 66,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s in Iowa. Become a Dementia Friend by learning about dementia and the small ways you can help. Every action counts.

Attend a one-hour Dementia Friends Information Session to learn about living with dementia and discover simple, practical ways you can support someone who is living with dementia. This session provides valuable insight into the challenges individuals with dementia may face and how small actions can make a meaningful difference in their daily lives.

Date: Thursday, October 1st
Time: Noon to 1 pm
Location: Virtual

Sign up here: https://go.iastate.edu/RBWOK7