Everywhere you look, Iowans are uniting like never before. While times may be tough right now, we’re seeing it won’t stop the great people in the state from supporting one another. Many have taken to social media to help those in their communities, share helpful resources or to simply highlight something positive to bring joy to others. The Week in Social will round up the best of #IowansUnite and share these uplifting stories.
This is what I want people to see about Iowa. I wasn't home, but my neighbors immediately started helping each other after the storm. This is still happening today. We are all walking through helping where we can. And there is still SO much to do. #IowaStrong #derecho #iawx pic.twitter.com/TblTZ26xpK
— Rebecca Kopelman (@KopelmanWX) August 13, 2020
Last Monday, a derecho storm swept across the Midwest, leaving more than 240,000 Iowans without power and as many as 14 million acres of farmland destroyed, according to the New York Times. While 2020 has certainly been a tumultuous year, it has been evident that in tough times, Iowans unite to help each other in their community. Whether it’s neighbors helping clear debris, line workers operating around the clock to restore power or donating food or supplies, people in Iowa know that it takes everyone pulling together to overcome difficult times. The coming weeks will be challenging for many, but Iowans are already answering the calls for help not only in their communities, but from around the state.
On Friday, August 28, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is hosting a native plants tour from 5:30–6:30 p.m., featuring plants that are indigenous to Iowa. The engaging in-person tour will have identification tips and interesting facts about the plants discussed throughout the hour-long session. Masks are required, and the tour will take place outdoors with social distancing in place. Members will pay $5, while non-members can get tickets for $10. Can’t make the event but still looking to check out the Botanical Garden? You can visit daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the staff has implemented numerous policies and procedures in accordance with current health guidelines and best practices. You can read about them here.
Explore Iowa’s native plants at the Botanical Garden during our Native Plants Tour on Aug. 28! ?? You’ll learn identification tips and interesting facts about the plants along the way. Masks are required, and the tour will be socially distanced outdoors: https://t.co/hrlb2EpN4f pic.twitter.com/T9JIKy0m1G
— DM Botanical Garden (@dm_garden) August 15, 2020
Spread the word: ALL Iowa Nonprofits regardless of whether meeting initial funding criteria are encouraged to apply to The Iowa Nonprofit Recovery Fund through @VolunteerIowa & @BusinessIOWA to help capture full picture of COVID-19 nonprofit recovery needs https://t.co/22P0rABZVW
— Delta Dental of Iowa (@DeltaDentalIA) August 13, 2020
Funding from the federal CARES act is here to assist nonprofits who have experienced economic struggles due to COVID-19. The Volunteer Iowa and Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Nonprofit Recovery Fund will provide short-term relief to nonprofit organizations that have seen reduced revenue and increased costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applications are still being accepted and eligibility criteria has been expanded. More information can be found here.
Three Iowa companies were chosen for the Region 7 Pollution Prevention Award out of four total winners. The award, coming from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, focuses on pollution prevention (P2). P2 is source reduction, the prevention of generating waste and environmental releases at the source. Clow Valve in Oskaloosa, Iowa City Veterans Administration Health Care System and JBS Swift Pork in Ottumwa took home the awards from Region 7, comprised of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
“We’d like to congratulate these companies on the significant efforts they’ve made to reduce waste, energy and water using proven pollution prevention strategies,” said Kayla Lyon, DNR director. “Making improvements in their facilities not only reduces pollution today, it contributes toward a more sustainable future.”
Three Iowa companies win regional pollution prevention award: https://t.co/ArRlqreWJl
— Iowa DNR (@iowadnr) August 14, 2020
