White Fox Creek site will host Practical Farmers field day Saturday
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WEBSTER CITY -- Selden Spencer of Webster City will be hosting a Practical Farmers of Iowa field day on Saturday. The workshop will begin at 9 a.m. and last until 11 a.m.
This will be an on-site tour of the oxbow that has been re-established on White Fox Creek at 1949 185th St., near Webster City.
Speakers for the event will include Karen Wilke of The Nature Conservancy and Ray Fry, White Fox property farm manager.
The event is free to attend and open to the public.
In 2018, Selden Spencer purchased farmland along White Fox Creek in Hamilton County. The 100-acre property, previously owned by Ray Fry, is a mixture of cropland, woodland, ravines and riparian corridors. Fry still manages the property today. Before he sold the land, Fry worked diligently alongside The Nature Conservancy to restore an oxbow along the creek. These U-shaped former stream bends remain one of the most effective ways to improve water quality on agricultural land.
Selden and Ray recognize the importance of oxbows and work together to maintain it. They also have plans for future conservation projects. At this field day, be prepared to walk on uneven ground as Selden shares how oxbows help Iowa’s water quality and habitat. Bring a lawn chair for opening introductions as seating will be limited.
During the event, participants will learn the critical role of oxbows for Iowa's water quality. Other discussion areas will include
Restoring oxbows for wildlife habitat, including the endangered Topeka shiner.
Wooded, non-farmed riparian areas as wildlife corridors.
Oxbows as natural and historical features of Iowa’s landscape.
Attendees can RSVP by visiting the website at www.https://practicalfarmers.org/events/ or by calling PFI at (515)-232-5661.
Light refreshments will be served at the end of the workshop.