johnsoncountyiowa.gov/department-of-conservation

Sunday, April 26, 1:30-3 p.m.

EARLIEST FLOWERS OF SPRING WALK. Ryerson’s Woods State Preserve, 2961 Old Hwy. 218 S., Iowa City. Do you know the time in spring when the woodland ground has thawed, but the trees have not  yet leafed? This is the magic time of the blossoming of the hardy native  flowers known as spring ephemerals. Learn the names of each flower, and how this bit of hilly ground became a preserve. Join us for snacks and conversation at the conclusion of our walk. Everyone is welcome. Details and RSVP here.

Tuesday, April 28, 6:30-8 p.m.

IOWA’S WATER: IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY. Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A, 123 S. Linn St., Iowa City. Iowa’s water quality is among the worst in the nation. Water quality challenges affect the health and well-being of Iowans, who require safe drinking water and clean lakes, rivers and streams for recreation. David Cwiertny, Ph.D., William D. Ashton Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and a professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Iowa, will overview the state of Iowa’s water resources, focusing on challenges at the intersection of water quality, public health, and quality of life in Iowa. Exploring ways to improve water quality in Iowa, Cwiertny’s talk will examine how neighboring states address source-water protection and consumer risks from unsafe drinking water through policy and related programs. There are things we can do today to improve Iowa’s water quality and improve the quality of life and public health of Iowans. Details and RSVP here.