Circle Our Cities
The Circle Our Cities campaign helps protect small family farms near cities in Iowa, so they can keep growing fresh food for their communities.
As cities expand, farmland is often used for development. Protecting these farms gives new and beginning farmers a chance to start their own businesses and helps ensure more people have access to fresh, local food.
Right now, we are focusing on areas near Des Moines, Iowa City, Fairfield, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, and Waterloo.
With your support, we can protect more farmland and keep farms in business for future generations. Together, we can make sure our cities are surrounded by productive farms that provide food and strengthen local communities.
Working Buffers
The Working Buffers campaign helps Dubuque County farmers protect and improve their land by planting natural buffers along waterways and fields.
These buffers—made up of trees and shrubs—reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and support local wildlife. Some plants, like pecan, walnut, and elderberry, also produce food, making the land even more productive.
SILT is partnering with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to cover planting costs and the first three years of maintenance. Right now, this program is only available in Dubuque County, with the goal of restoring and protecting the land while creating a healthier, more resilient environment.