09/20/2025
Nutty News Bulletin
News from the IA Nut Growers Association
The Nutty News Bulletin is your chance to stay informed on what is going on in the fascinating world of nut growing in Iowa. The Bulletin is for both members and non-members highlighting news and notes.
Southern Iowa Nut Tour & Field Day
Saturday, October 4th 10:30 am start time
Indian Hills Community College, Centerville IA
The 2025 Southern Iowa Nut Tour & Field Day will take place on Saturday, October 4th in Centerville on the campus of Indian Hills Community College. We’ll meet at 10:30 am for a tour of the Nut Research Planting that has hazelnuts, chestnuts, pecans, black walnuts, hickories, persimmon and more.
Lunch is free courtesy of Indian Hills Community College but registration is required for lunch count, please register here https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/TywVatkW3e by Tuesday, Oct. 1st
Who: Iowa Nut Growers Association and Indian Hills Community College
What: Southern Iowa Nut Tour and Field Day
Where: Indian Hills, 721 N 1st St, Centerville IA & The Nut Farm, 9255 120th St. Ottumwa IA
When: Saturday, Oct. 4th starting at 10:30 a.m.
Why: Tour the research plot, learn about nut production, experience agroforestry
How much: This event is FREE with lunch provided but registration is required at the link below
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/TywVatkW3e
National Nut Month Is Just Around the Corner
October is National Nut Month, Wednesday the 22nd is National Nut Day
Join the INGA for a month of nuttiness!
National Nut Month is just around the corner and the Iowa Nut Growers Association is planning events across the state. Mark your calendars for the below events and stay tuned for additional field days and outreach opportunities.
Saturday, Oct. 4th, INGA 2025 Southern Iowa Nut Tour & Field Day, 10:30 am
Indian Hills Community College, 721 N 1st St. Centerville IA 52544
The Nut Farm, 9255 120th St. Ottumwa IA Register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/TywVatkW3e
For details Contact Mary Ellen Miller at [email protected] 515-783-6390 or Jeff Jensen at [email protected] 515-320-6756
Wednesday, Oct. 22nd, National Nut Day – INGA Nuts in Iowa Webinar, 6:00 pm
Webinar starts at 6:00 p.m., must register here https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/EuS2LVVAtz to receive the Zoom link to join.
We’re celebrating National Nut Day and Jeff Jensen, Secretary of the Iowa Nut Growers Association, will be your guide for an exciting journey through Iowa exploring all the nuts we can grow right here in the state; from chestnuts and hickories to hazelnuts and black walnuts don’t miss this webinar to learn more.
For details Contact Jeff Jensen at [email protected] 515-320-6756
Saturday, Oct. 25th, Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens Trick or Trees Event, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines IA 50309-2897
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden hosts an annual Trick or Trees event that features a costume contest for kids along with interactive and engaging displays from a wide range of local and state organizations. The Iowa Nut Growers Association will be exhibiting again this year handing out nut samples and educating the public on the organization.
4th Annual Shimek State Forest Fall Forestry Field Day
An exceptional learning and networking opportunity
Tuesday, October 7th, 2025, 9:00 am
Join Iowa State University Extension Forestry, IA DNR Forestry, USDA NRCS and local partners for the 4th annual Shimek State Forest Fall Forestry Field Day on Tuesday, October 7th starting at 9:00 am at the white oak campground.
Sessions on grading standing timber, tree coppicing, mushroom identification, sawmill demo, and more will be offered. Lunch is included along with door prizes. Cost is $15 to attend and is payable the day of the event. To register call the Lee County ISU Extension Office at 319-835-5116 or email [email protected] by September 25th. Don’t miss this opportunity to brush up on your forestry skills and learn about what is new and exciting.
For details and other upcoming ISU Extension Forestry events coming up in 2025, visit the events page of the ISU Extension Forestry webpage here https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/events/list?tid=602
Who: ISU Extension Forestry, IA DNR Forestry, USDA NRCS, & local partners
What: 4th Annual Shimek State Forest Fall Forestry Field Day
Where: White Oak Campground at Shimek State Forest
When: Tuesday, October 7th, 9:00 to 3:00
Why: Mushroom identification, grading standing timber, tree coppicing, & sawmill demonstration
Cost: $15 to attend includes lunch and door prizes and is payable the day of the event
IA Nut Growers Association on Facebook and YouTube
https://www.facebook.com/IowaNutGrowers/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAb3IYZc7X3NOh20J900vlw
The IA Nut Growers Association is on Facebook and YouTube. Send information and content to Dean Sorensen at [email protected] for the page and to Jeff Jensen at [email protected] for YouTube content.
Yellow River State Forest Fall Field Day
Managing Forest for the Birds & the Bats
Thursday, October 9th, 2025, 9:00 – 12:30
Join Iowa State University Extension Forestry and IA DNR Forestry for a Fall Field Day at Yellow River State Forest on Thursday, October 9th starting at 9:00 am. This will be a 2 hour walk-n-talk exploring several sites; approximately 1-mile total distance.
This field day is all about habitat for birds and bats. Learn about on-going bird research and some of the findings as well as understanding and enhancing bat habitat. Registration is not required but appreciated by contacting Emma Kerns directly at 515-294-0714 or email [email protected] by October 8th. Don’t miss this opportunity on a great subject with some timely information being shared.
For details and other upcoming ISU Extension Forestry events, visit the events page of the ISU Extension Forestry webpage here https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/events?field_stream_target_id=2269
Click below for PDF Flyer
https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/files/inline-files/YRSF%202025%20Field%20Day%20Flyer_2.pdf
IA Woodland Owners Association Forestry Field Day at Phil McCune’s Woodland
Thursday, Oct. 16th 9:00 – 2:30
223 375th Ave Grinnell IA 50112
The Iowa Woodland Owners Association, Iowa State University Extension Forestry and Iowa DNR Forestry invite you to the Grinnell area and the woodland of Phil McCune located at 223 375th Ave, Grinnell IA 50112 starting at 9:00 am. Cost is $20 and includes food, drink, and door prizes.
Topics include:
• Establishing Trees from Seedlings
• Oak Health Challenges
• Crop Tree Release
• Expiring CRP contracts: Where do we go from here?
2025 Phil McCune Forestry Field Day with ISU and DNR Forestry
Who: IA Woodland Owners Association, ISU Extension Forestry, IA DNR Forestry
What: Phil McCune Forestry Field Day
When: Thursday, Oct. 16th starting at 9:00 am
Where: Phil McCune Woodland, 223 375th Ave Grinnell IA 50112
Cost: $20 for lunch, refreshments, and door prizes, make checks payable to IWOA
Registration Details: Must call Poweshiek ISU Extension at 641-623-5188 or email [email protected]
Registration Deadline: Monday, Oct. 13th
For details and other upcoming ISU Extension Forestry events, visit the events page of the ISU Extension Forestry webpage here https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/events?field_stream_target_id=2269
Click below for PDF Flyer
https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/files/inline-files/IWOA%20F25%20flyer.pdf
Click below for Agenda
https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/files/inline-files/IWOA%202025%20agenda.pdf
Save the Date: IA Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Fall Forestry Field Day
Tuesday, Oct. 28th 9:00 – 3:00
Fairfield IA
The Iowa Tree Farm Program recognizes and celebrates woodland stewardship excellence. Join us on Tuesday, October 28th starting at 9:00 am in beautiful Jefferson County Iowa as we recognize the 2025 Iowa Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year at the winner's must-see woodland. The event represents an exceptional opportunity to network among Iowa's diverse forestry community!
Agenda/topics and registration information forthcoming - check this page regularly for updates. https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/events?field_stream_target_id=2269
For immediate inquiries, contact Billy Beck (Iowa Tree Farm Program Chair, [email protected]).
Save the Date: 2026 Northern Nut Growers Association Annual Conference @ UMASS
Friday, July 31st through Monday, August 3rd
University of Massachusetts at Amherst
The date and location are set for the 2026 Northern Nut Growers Association Annual Conference. We will be visiting Massachusetts and the University of Massachusetts for three days for presentations, tours, and nutty fellowship. Stay tuned for details and when registration opens.
Women's Woodland Stewardship Network Urban Tree Pruning and Planting Workshop Sep 23, 2025 - 5:00 PM to Sep 23, 2025 - 7:00 PM Location Carr Park, Ames, Iowa The Women's Woodland Stewardship Network (WWSN) is excited to offer an urban tree care workshop in Ames that will focus on pruning and planti...
