Hello CALS colleagues,
I hope you had a good weekend, kept cool, and I know we are all looking forward to some much-needed rain to replenish crops, pastures and running taps. The variability in weather and the change in climate are compelling issues everywhere, and surely here in our home state. It is reassuring to think of the excellent work our college is doing in these regards, as we teach, study and share ways to enhance the sustainability, quality and utility of the systems that link our societies and communities to the air, land and water resources on which we depend.
This past week I had the opportunity to visit with our partners at the Iowa Pork Producers Association, the Iowa Turkey Federation, West Liberty Foods, Hughes Nursery and Landscaping, the ISU Research Park, and our college’s Brayton Memorial Forest in Delaware County (with assistant professor Billy Beck and agricultural specialist Troy Heeren in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management). In conversations at each of those locations, a wide variety of issues related to sustainability came forward, as well as a deep commitment to continue working together to address those. It is reassuring and forward-looking to be part of this college and the work you all do!
This past weekend we also had the first opportunity to recognize, celebrate and contemplate the newest federal holiday, Juneteenth National Independence Day. Please think on that as a further call to always sustain and add vitality to our commitments, as I think is succinctly expressed as a vision in the pledge to our flag. (And we just celebrated Flag Day on June 14.)
In addition to the staff changes I shared last week, Haley Cook, CALS assistant director of alumni relations, will be transitioning next month to the Office of the President, serving as the strategic engagement coordinator. Many thanks to Haley for her eight years of service in our alumni relations unit. We’re looking forward to working with her in her new role.
I hope you all have a great week. Enjoy the nature photos below, and thanks for switching with me from a Friday message to this one on Mondays. Please let me know what you’re thinking.
My best - Dan
Nature in focus
Wondering what the deal is with the butterfly "outbreak" in Ames this past week or so? Greg Courtney, professor in the entomology department, said the primary "culprit" is the Hackberry Emperor, Asterocampa celtis. He shared two images - one of the adult butterfly, taken in Ames, and one of the larva/caterpillar, taken at Backbone State Park during the first week of June. Donald Lewis, professor in the entomology department, said there have been Hackberry Emperor outbreaks all over the eastern part of Iowa.
And after a year-long hiatus due to COVID-19, students are back at Iowa State University's Rod and Connie French Conservation Education Camp in Montana. Jennifer Schieltz, assistant teaching professor in the natural resource ecology and management department and French Camp director, shared this photo of students gathered at the camp, where they are taking part in many hands-on learning opportunities this summer.
Please keep sharing your photos with me via email!
