SILT's First Working Buffer Planted! We are delighted to announce the successful completion of our inaugural Working Buffers initiative in Dubuque County. The Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT) has achieved a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to sustainable land use and environmental conservation. This transformative project took place along the picturesque banks of Catfish Creek on an 8-acre former crop-field owned by Jeff Reuter. The restoration involved planting 5,800 seedling trees, strategically allocating 25% to food-producing varieties such as northern pecan, walnut, shellbark hickory, hazelnut, elderberry, and wild plum. Jeff Reuter has committed to a 15-year Conservation Reserve Program [...]