Conservation Station

Iowa Learning Farms partners with Water Rocks! to bring audiences the Conservation Station—a fleet of mobile learning centers that educate audiences of all ages on different conservation aspects. Each trailer houses a unique combination of highly visual and interactive Iowa-centric demonstrations that delve into the impacts of land management choices, both urban and agricultural, on water quality and the connections between our state’s water, soil, and wildlife. Visiting fairs, festivals, farmers markets, and other public events, the Conservation Station trailer provides a range of demonstrations, games, learning opportunities and hands-on activities for all ages.

Scheduling/Availability

The Conservation Station’s online request/lottery system for Summer 2025 is open through March 31.
NOTE: Requests are managed through the Water Rocks! program.

Key Details for 2025

  • The Conservation Station’s season opens June 2, 2025.
    We do not have capacity to accommodate Conservation Station requests for the months of April and May. Thank you for your understanding!

  • June and July: We welcome requests for Monday - Saturday events

  • August: We welcome requests for Monday - Friday events (we are unable to fulfill Saturday requests in the month of August)

  • September and beyond: Stay tuned, as fall requests will open at a later date

  • We are only able to attend single-day events (or ONE day of a multiple day event)

  • Trailer will be onsite and ‘open for visitors' for a 3-4 hour block of time

  • We are currently accepting requests for the following event categories for Summer 2025: Community events/festivals, fairs, and farmers markets

  • We are unable to participate in summer schools, summer reading programs, and youth camps in Summer 2025 due to budgetary and capacity constraints

Space Requirements

Please provide a flat open space of at least 35’ x 60’, and a clear driving path in and out.

How to Request

The Conservation Station’s online request/lottery system for Summer 2025 is open through March 31.
NOTE: Requests are managed through the Water Rocks! program.

Cost

Conservation Station trailer outreach events are available free of charge. Many thanks to our partners for making this possible!

I have other questions about the Conservation Station trailers. Who can I talk to?

Liz Ripley
ejuchems@iastate.edu
515.294.5429


The Conservation Station "Marsh Madness" trailer was unveiled in May 2021.


Dr. Matt Helmers, Iowa Nutrient Research Center Director, demonstrates the Conservation Station On The Edge. The mobile education trailer features models of a saturated buffer and bioreactor. These edge of field practices are key tools in reducing nitrogen loss and meeting Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy Goals.


Dr. Matt Helmers, Iowa Nutrient Research Center Director, demonstrating the relationships between land management practices, surface runoff, subsurface drainage, and sediment/nutrient transport with the Conservation Station's Rainfall Simulator.