Johnson County Historic Poor Farm Field Day and Open House
Hosted by Iowa Valley RC&D, Johnson County, & Global Food Project
Saturday August 2 from 4:00 - 7:30pm
4811 Melrose Ave, Iowa City
Join us at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm for an open house and field day event highlighting local food production. Explore innovative sustainable farming practices, connect with your community, get a bite to eat, and learn about the many community projects and partnerships at the farm. Enjoy a day of hands-on learning and discovery. Whether you're a farmer, gardener, food system advocate, or simply curious about table food farming in Iowa, this is a fantastic opportunity to engage with the land and learn from local experts. We look forward to seeing you there! This is a family-friendly event.
Pre-event
2-4pm Food Safety Workshop
Schedule for the Night
4:00 pm: Welcome to the Farm!
Introduction of JCHPF partners and Welcome from the Board of Supervisors
4:15 pm: Global Food Project Market & Garden Tour
Experience vegetables from around the world and see different home garden techniques! Bring cash for the market. The cooler will be open all night to store your produce while you enjoy the night! The market closes at 5:00pm.
5:00 pm :Option 1: Iowa Valley RC&D Field Night
"To Till or Not to Till - Lessons Learned from 3 Years of Vegetable No-Till Vegetable Production."
Join IVRCD Staff and learn about no-till methods, watch a transplanter demonstration, and we'll share our first year outcomes for controlling Canadian thistle organically.
5:00 pm: Option 2: Historic Farm Tour
Join the Johnson County Historical Society to tour the buildings and fields.
6:00 pm: Land Access Program Producer Panel & Commercial Kitchen Viewing
"Land Access in Action: Meet JCPF Farmers" - moderated by Ilsa DeWald
7:00 pm: Natural Areas Tour - End the night with a hike or wagon tour of the fields, woodlands, and prairie
Throughout the Event:
• Kids area, multicultural story time with the Iowa City Public Library Bookmobile
• Food trucks
• Tabling from partner organizations
• Hands-on cover crop and equipment exploration
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