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March 2023 | Visit us online at www.icgov.org/climateaction. 

Precipitation changes

Weather observations for Iowa have documented an increase of 2.2 inches in average springtime precipitation over the past 30 years.

While it may seem small, that is 2.2 extra inches of rainfall for every square inch of Iowa, enough additional water to fill Coralville Lake and Lake MacBride, combined, 13.5 times.

Native plants, with their deep roots, offer a strategy for adaptation. A typical lawn absorbs only 10 percent of the amount of stormwater a natural landscape can absorb.

Climate action grant application window opens March 6

The City offers Community Climate Action Grants in order to inspire and promote public involvement in the implementation of the Iowa City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan with projects that:

• Increase energy efficiency
• Encourage low or no-emissions transportation
• Minimize waste and/or consumption of valuable resources
• Support and promote sustainable activities and connections
• Promote preparedness and resilience

Awards of up to $10,000 are available for eligible applicants:

• non-profit and community based organizations and for-profit businesses serving Iowa City

Applications will be accepted March 6 to April 12. For more information, visit ICgov.org/ClimateActionGrants or contact Daniel Bissell at DBissell@iowa-city.org or 319-887-6161.

Electrification benefits new homeowners

Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity embraces green initiatives in every home they build, since energy-efficient homes are more affordable homes. For the recently-completed Jane Hagedorn Women Build project, they were able to go even further with support from an Iowa City Climate Action Grant. The grant helped pay for a heat pump water heater and a heat pump HVAC system. These electrification measures reduce reliance on fossil gas and maximize efficiency, ensuring a healthier future for both the home-owning family and also everyone who shares this planet.

Community garden plot reservations open soon

Garden plot registration will open to the public for the 2023 season on Monday, April 3. Registrations will be taken in-person only at the Mercer Park Aquatic Center beginning at 7 a.m.  Online and phone registrations will be accepted beginning on Tuesday, April 4. Only one plot registration is permitted per person. For more information, call 319-887-6081 or visit ICgov.org/GardenPlots.

Climate action at the tap

You love local foods. How about local water? Like local foods, tap water comes with some impressive climate credentials. It has lower transportation costs, less packaging and waste, and higher accountability. The people who produce it live right here in our community and are available to address concerns 24/7.

With bottled water, oil is used to make the plastic, diesel fuel is used to truck it, and both electricity and fuel are used to recycle the bottle. Imagine the bottom quarter of a bottle of water filled with oil. When you add up the energy costs, that’s about how much fossil fuel gets invested in every bottle.

Here in Iowa City, a gallon of tap water costs you less than a penny! A real savings for your wallet and the environment.

Bottom line? Your faucet is a mighty tool for fighting climate change.

Tasty tofu scramble

What better time to liven up the recipe box than the first day of spring, March 20? A tofu scramble is an easy way to get started for anyone who hasn't cooked with tofu before. 

Ingredients:
2 blocks extra firm tofu
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon coriander
1 ½ teaspoons turmeric
1 can of black beans, rinsed & drained
Salt and pepper, to taste
Tortillas
Salsa, avocado, cilantro, scallions, etc. as toppings

Directions:
Place the blocks of tofu on a towel and use a fork or potato masher to break into curds. Set aside. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and peppers and cook 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in cumin and coriander and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in tofu, then turmeric, then beans, stirring often until warmed through, 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with tortillas and toppings.

Let us know if you enjoy it!

Third annual Neighborhood Energy Blitz needs volunteers

Help on Earth Day! On Saturday, April 22, be part of the team that provides household energy-saving kits to an entire Iowa City neighborhood! Sign up online to reserve your volunteer slot, or add yourself to the list of possible volunteers by emailing MHill@iowa-city.org. For questions or more information, contact climate action engagement specialist Megan Hill at 319-887-6164.

Free programs for kids: Iowa Endangered Habitats and Species

Join the Green Iowa AmeriCorps Team for crafts, games, and hands-on learning activities all about Iowa's Endangered Habitats and Species. The featured topics will begin with Prairies on March 3, continue with Our Feathered Friends on March 10, and eventually cover wetlands, reptiles, and amphibians too! These activities are for participants ages 6-10 with a parent or guardian in attendance. No registration required.

• 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Fridays, March 3 and March 10
• Robert A. Lee Recreation Center Craft Room

All are invited to join this month's Eco-Book Discussion at ICPL

Eager to dive into an interesting and complicated topic with other climate-minded community members? Join a discussion of The Grid, hosted by Green Iowa AmeriCorps and Iowa City Public Library. Gretchen Bakke's book on "the fraying wires between Americans and our energy future" offers a fascinating look at how we got to now and where we can go from here.

• 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, March 20
• Room B at Iowa City Public Library

Register now for the Iowa Native Plant Symposium

Plan for your spring and summer gardening season by attending the Native Plant Symposium organized by Iowa City Parks and Recreation! Whether you are new to gardening or you’ve got the greenest thumb in town, there will be something for everyone at this event. Hear from Carol Davit, Executive Director of the Missouri Prairie Foundation, and choose from among multiple breakout session topics, such as rainscaping and bioswales, invasive plant ID, native edibles, and more. A catered lunch will be provided as part of the $25 registration fee. There will also be an opportunity to purchase native plants and seeds.

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 29
• Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, 220 S. Gilbert St.
• Register online

Ken Gatlin

Mass Transit Operator

How does your family take climate action?

We really focus on getting out and moving more, like walking to school as a family, when we can, rather than driving there.

I talk to my family about things like how important it is that the greasy circle in the bottom of a pizza box doesn’t go in the recycling bin. And then the neighbors see us separating it out, and we talk about it, and now they know to separate it too.

We also have been working to buy a lot of our foods fresh from local farms and do things like can our own tomatoes so we can eat local all year. And we are hoping to get a community garden plot this year.

What can others do to take climate action?

Everything we do can have a ripple effect. On my bus route, there was a rider who would pick up litter around his stop while waiting for the bus and throw it in the trash. I noticed this and started giving him a squirt of hand sanitizer after he got on. And then other riders noticed. When he started getting on at a different stop and other riders saw he wasn’t there, they started picking up the litter. It’s just saying, “I’m going to take that extra step.” It affects people in a positive way. You see others wanting to do the same. It’s a great way to live life.

Why is it important to take climate action?

I do it for the future. I have three kids and I want to be part of the solution. I want to show my kids that it’s not difficult to take that extra step. Once you make it part of your routine, it’s easy.

Iowa City’s Climate Action Commission meets monthly

Access upcoming and past meeting packets  at the Climate Action Commission web page.

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This newsletter is published by the City of Iowa City Climate Action and Outreach Division. For more information, contact Sarah Gardner at 319-887-6162 or Sarah-Gardner@Iowa-City.org