Iowa’s most successful natural resources program is Resource Enhancement and Protection or REAP program established in 1989. The reason for success is that REAP has so much ordinary Iowan involvement. From the citizen committee in every county to the biennial REAP assemblies to the statewide REAP Congress, ordinary folks are involved throughout the process.

The next opportunity for citizen participation from Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Grundy and Chickasaw counties is the regional REAP Assembly on Tuesday October 27th from 6-8:00 p.m. at Hartman Reserve Nature Center, 657 Reserve Drive, Cedar Falls. There will be displays demonstrating recent REAP projects, general information about the program, an opportunity for attendees to give input about the future of REAP and election of delegates and alternates to represent this region at the REAP Congress in January.

In the Cedar Valley, REAP projects benefitted from $6.7 million in grants. State funds are leveraged 2 or 3 times through private funds and outside grants to have maximum impact for local communities.

If you have an interest in parks, trails & open spaces; wildlife; soil & water conservation; recreation; historical preservation; conservation education and roadside beautification, join us on Tuesday, October 27 at Hartman Reserve.