Tour participants can gain insight into best practices and even learn from mistakes. Coyle, for example, says he wishes he would have made a taller chicken run, but wanted it to fit in a corner of his backyard.
Note: The Nature Center also offers required classes for owning chickens in Cedar Rapids. Permits for chickens can be obtained at the zoning division of the Public Works Building, 1201 Sixth St. SW.
Wed., Oct. 19, 6:30-8 p.m., Green Living Group at Prairiewoods: Ecospirituality. The Green Living Group meets the third Wednesday of every month at Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha). Facilitators Maggie Anderson, Emmy Ball and Emy Sautter will help participants explore the subject of a sustainable and healthy environment through books, articles, films and speakers. This is an ideal opportunity for education and for an ongoing support system for happy and healthy green living, and participants may join at any time. This month’s focus is ecospirituality. The group will watch and discuss the newly released film Journey of the Universe. Before the meeting, feel free to visit www.journeyoftheuniverse.org to watch a trailer and for more information. A free-will offering will be accepted. For more information, contact Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700 or go to www.prairiewoods.org.
Sat., Oct. 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Annual Solar Tour & Energy Efficiency Open House, Prairiewoods 120 E. Boyson Rd., Hiawatha, and Indian Creek Nature Center, 6665 Otis Rd. SE. You may begin your free tour at either location. At Prairiewoods, pick up an Eco-living Brochure and then check out one of the largest solar PV arrays in Iowa, a trombe wall, solar hot water systems, solar tubes, the I-Renew training facility, eco-friendly architectural designs, straw-bale hermitages and much more. At Indian Creek, pick up a self-guided tour brochure that describes ICNC’s solar panels, passive solar design, sun tunnel, soy-based closed cell insulation, window quilts and efficient windows. For more information, call Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700 or Indian Creek at 319-362-0664.
Jerry L’Estrange, town administrator, explained a chicken tractor is a movable coop without floor. It allows chickens to forage on grass, weeds and bugs, broadening their diet and lowering feed cost.
Wed., October 19, 6-7 p.m., Coral Bells, Hiawatha Public Library, presented by Linn County Master Gardener Wil CarewRing my bells for Coral Bells! If you thought coral bells were just green plants with tiny pink flowers that your grandmother grew, think again. This class will cover what they are, where and how to plant, and the rainbow of colors available.