7/18/97

Contacts:
Susan Anderson, Agriculture Information, 515/294-0705
Anne Larson, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, 515/294-0626

IOWA'S YEAR OF WATER CELEBRATED AT ISU STATE FAIR EXHIBIT

AMES, Iowa -- Visitors to the Iowa State Fair Aug. 7-17 can learn about efforts to protect and enhance Iowa's water quality at the Iowa State University College of Agriculture exhibit.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Iowa's Groundwater Protection Act, and has been declared the "Year of Water." The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, which was formed by the act's passage, is housed at ISU and is co-sponsoring the exhibit.

A stream table developed by the ISU forestry department will operate continuously to show the erosive impact of flowing water. The table also will demonstrate the benefits of streambank stabilization work. Farm toys on the table will help demonstrate the impact of water erosion on land, animals and people.

Besides the farm toys, children visiting the exhibit will enjoy a computer program about the water cycle. Take-home activity sheets will feature a water experiment and games.

Water quality research and demonstration projects, plus the key people at ISU who are leading these projects, will be featured. The exhibit will include a large state map showing Iowa's rivers, lakes and streams, plus a smaller map to demonstrate the relationship between surface water and groundwater.

Information about the wide variety of careers open to graduates of ISU's College of Agriculture will be another part of the exhibit. There will be daily prize drawings for "Year of Water" rain gauges and gift certificates from water-related Iowa businesses and attractions.

The ISU display is on the second floor of the Agriculture Building. It will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

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