The Graduate Program in Sustainable Agriculture invites you to join us for:

"Climate Action Through Working Lands, Conservation, and Restoration"

with 

Dr. Mary Damm and Sarah Hunt

ZOOM LINK:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82866959236

Agriculture is both a climate problem and a climate solution, and Midwestern farmland owners can play a significant leadership role in mitigating climate change through working lands conservation. Botanist, plant ecologist and Climate Land Leader Mary Damm will share the in-progress case study of her farm as a working ecosystem, the conservation and restoration projects she’s been implementing, and the significance of grassland birds as an indicator of health on the land.

Mary holds a PhD in Biology from Indiana University for research comparing plant diversity and soil carbon and nutrients in native and reconstructed tallgrass prairies in Iowa. She is a farmland owner of Prairie Quest Farm, a 120-acre grass-based livestock farm near McGregor, Iowa. Mary researches plant diversity and productivity and soil carbon, nutrients and biology in her rotationally grazed pastures as part of a larger study on managed cattle grazing and grassland bird (Bobolink) nesting success.

Sarah has Midwestern roots, a music background and a limitless love for making and sharing food. She spent the first part of her career working for a member-owned financial services organization in roles including operations, organizational effectiveness and new business development. She worked for an organic vegetable farm for 2 years before joining Climate Land Leaders, where she builds infrastructure, supports strategy, fundraising and partnerships, and connects with cohort members to tell their stories.

Climate Action Through Working Lands Conservation and Restoration Video (Echo360)