Climate Action Community Meeting set for November 2

All are invited to a community meeting to give input and discuss Iowa City’s Climate Action Plan. 

The meeting will happen at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, in Meeting Room A of the Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St.

People are encouraged to share their perspectives, ideas and feedback during interactive exercises. Members of the Climate Action Steering Committee will be present and available to share a brief report and explain the work they are doing.   

Widespread community input is vital for this effort to succeed. We encourage all members of the community to attend in person. Committee members will also be engaging with local organizations, groups and neighborhoods throughout the fall. 

More specifics about the community input meeting will be released in the coming weeks.  

To learn more, visit www.icgov.org/climateaction. 

Leaf vacuum begins Oct. 16

Iowa City residents will soon be reacquainted with the hum of the leaf vacuum.  The City's Leaf Vacuum Pickup Program will resume on Monday, Oct. 16 and will end Wednesday, Nov. 22.  To learn when the leaf vacuum will be in your neighborhood, visit www.icgov.org/leafvacuum.

2017 Farmers Market season coming to a close

The Iowa City Farmers Market will wrap up for the season on Saturday, Oct. 28.  The indoor market season is quickly approaching, with two winter markets set for Nov. 11 and Dec. 9. Both will be held at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center.  To learn more about the Iowa City Farmers Market, visit www.icgov.org/farmersmarket.

Volunteer to help clean up Ralston Creek!

A volunteer works on the banks of Ralston Creek. 

Volunteers are needed to help clean up Ralston Creek. 

The cleanup will take place from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. Tasks include removing trash, invasive species and woody debris. These efforts help reduce flooding and erosion, while also improving water quality. 

People interested in helping should RSVP in advance to the event posted on the Iowa City Stormwater Volunteer Opportunities Facebook page, or call 319-541-2385.

Two additional cleanups are scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 22 and Sunday, Oct. 29. Additional information, including the location, will be posted to the volunteer Facebook page.

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Upcoming [Halloween themed] Events

Trick or Treat Night

Iowa City's official Trick or Treat Night is on Halloween, Monday, Oct. 31, from dusk to 8 p.m. 

Have fun, but be safe. Tips from the Iowa City Police and Fire Departments are available on the City website.

Halloween Parade and Carnival

Tricksters of all ages are invited to meet at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27 at the Mercer Park Aquatic Center, 2701 Bradford Dr.. Come dressed in your Halloween attire and parade through the park and into the Mercer Park Aquatic Center for the carnival, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Activities include carnival-style games, crafts, face painting, treats, prizes, a haunted art gallery, inflatables, magicians and jugglers, a fortune teller, and more!

Tot Monster Mash

This annual Halloween adventure, designed for kids ages 2-6 is Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Come in costume to the Mercer Park Aquatic Center, 2701 Bradford Dr., to enjoy inflatables, games, crafts, and more. 

Sustainability Spotlight

This month’s Sustainability Spotlight features Ingrid Anderson, the Co-chair of the City's Climate Action Steering Committee.  

Ingrid's work as an Environmental Compliance Specialist with Facilities Management at the University of Iowa makes her the perfect fit to Co-chair the committee.

Learn more at www.icgov.org/sustainability.

4-STAR: In March 2016, Iowa City was awarded a 4-STAR Community Rating for sustainability excellence, by being formally certified in the STAR Community Rating System. STAR offers the nation's leading certification program in evaluating local sustainability, encompassing social, economic and environmental performance measures. Learn more, www.STARcommunities.org.