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practical farmers of iowa

CLIMATE CHALLENGE: Hydrological changes

GRANT AWARD: $250,000; YEAR AWARDED: 2020

The Driftless Area of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin is a fragmented, agricultural landscape increasingly lacking the habitat quality, quantity, and connectivity that pollinators and other wildlife need to withstand climate-driven temperature increases and volatile precipitation patterns. These climate impacts have also led to flooding and drought. The Practical Farmers of Iowa will implement a multi-pronged strategy to adaptation, including diverse prairie plantings of climate-adapted species and timber stand improvements to enhance habitat. This restoration of pollinator habitat will also increase carbon sequestration, increase water infiltration, and reduce run-off to help maintain spring-fed cold water stream temperatures that support local fish species.

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TOOLS AND RESOURCES:

Pollinators & Climate Change: Making an Impact on the Farm

In this “Farminar,” hosted by Practical Farmers of Iowa, Xerces Society climate change lead Angela Laws and Xerces Society farm bill pollinator conservation planner and NRCS partner biologist, Sarah Nizzi share how climate change impacts pollinators and the cost-share and technical assistance programs that can help you sustain pollinators on your farm.

 
 

Designing Diversity: Climate-Smart Habitat Management for Pollinators - Live From the Farm

Learn about strategies and approaches for habitat management to maximize diversity from Erik Sessions, a PFI member, farmer and landowner from Decorah, Iowa, who is currently working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Department of Agriculture to increase the diversity of several acres of grassland enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program. Gregg Pattison of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will also discuss the importance of diverse and connected habitats for wildlife in the Driftless Region.

 

 

The WCS Climate Adaptation Fund: proudly supporting innovative actions to address the impacts of climate change since 2011

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In this season of extreme temps and #wildfire, check out our blog on three adaptation strategies that work: @mongabay https://news.mongabay.com/2019/11/in-a-season-of-wildfire-three-strategies-that-work-commentary/
The Chickasaw Nation’s tribal territory has high #biodiversity and resilience, making it a strategic #conservation location. To ensure this landscape remains resilient in the face of climate change, TNC OK will use prescribed fire and promote c
With climate change driving hotter temps across the US, many areas are looking at an increased risk of drought and fires. For real, tested solutions to these threats, check out our project map and explore projects across different ecosystems/geograph
Did you see our summer newsletter? A lot has happened with the Fund so far this year! https://mailchi.mp/wcs/caf-summer-newsletter For updates like this, be sure to subscribe to our email list and continue following us at @WCSAdapts.
In the US, pine rockland ecosystems are found only in the southernmost part of FL, and 80% of these ecosystems are vulnerable to climate-driven sea-level rise. Our 2020 grant partner, @nababutterfly is restoring connectivity between pine rockland p
Our 2020 grant partner Borderlands Restoration Network is working in one of the remaining migratory wildlife corridors between the U.S. and Mexico. They are installing erosion control structures and revegetating native plant communities, to recharge
Southwest CO's Mancos River supports riparian ecosystems, and the livelihoods and Indigenous lands of over 4,000 people. However, this river is vulnerable to climate-driven drought. @mountainstudiesinstitute along w/ the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe is wor
Bringing climate adaptation to scale requires a well-developed strategic communications plan. Don't know where to start? Our website has a guide to help you out! https://www.wcsclimateadaptationfund.org/strategic-communications
Have you read our recent 5Ws paper? It introduces a framework to make #conservation and nature-based solutions more resilient to #climatechange, drawing on lessons learned from a decade of funding over 100 projects. Read it here: #nbs https://conbio.
California islands are scarce, have high endemism, and serve as a refuge for 17 species of seabirds. However, #climatechange and high temperatures are threatening their survival. @oikonos_org is providing 185 durable, climate-resilient nests for seab
As #drought impacts the West, we hope lessons can be drawn from projects that have dealt with this climate impact. Our project with @WWF improved water retention in the Big Bend region of TX by reconnecting the Rio Grande with its floodplain. Learn