Bur Oak Land Trust AmeriCorps

05/01/2026

02/24/2026

Inspired by the Winter Olympics, our stew crew brushed up on their luge and toboggan skills. After AmeriCorps, it's on to the French Alps in 2030!

02/11/2026

Today is International Day of Women and Girls in Science and we're recognizing our all-women AmeriCorps stewardship crew!

Historically, conservation has always been a male-dominated field. The World Wildlife Foundation’s 2020 Gender and Conservation Report stated that women make up less than 30% of global conservation professionals.

When it comes to fire, women represent an even slimmer minority. According to recent National Fire Protection Association statistics, women represent 7.3% of all U.S. firefighters, and approximately 12% of permanent wildfire suppression jobs within the U.S. government.

Our stewardship crew members shared their thoughts on what it’s like to work on an all-women crew:
🔥“As women, especially in a heavily male-dominated field, we often feel that we need to work harder than our male counterparts in order for our work to be taken seriously. On this crew, I trust that my crewmates are more than capable of excelling at the work we do, and I trust that they feel the same about me.” -Diandra

🔥“Serving in a group like this one is very special. I have never been a part of a crew that is so strong both mentally and physically. I think I will forever be grateful to have had the opportunity to learn and grow with these like-minded women.” -Kenzie

🔥“I chose a stem field because I believe in doing what I love rather than what I’m told. I cannot lie though, being in a male-dominated field did intimidate me, but while serving with AmeriCorps I found an atmosphere that welcomes and inspires me to do my best at every task thrown my way.” -Hannah

🔥“Being a part of this crew has given me the opportunity to experience a work culture where my only focus can be the task at hand, and how we will each do our part to achieve our goal together.” -Renny

02/11/2026

Last month, we spotted this ring of light around the sun as we were serving in Iowa City. ☀️❄️

This phenomenon is called a solar halo, and is caused by sunlight refracting through ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds. They are an indicator of a change in weather due to an approaching storm front.

02/07/2026

Meet the 25-26 Bur Oak Land Trust AmeriCorps crew that started last fall. 🎉

This team has been getting things done for the environment by tackling key restoration projects and connecting the community to nature.

👏👏👏

04/16/2025

🌿 Exciting News! Bur Oak Land Trust’s Education Department is teaming up with the Iowa City Public Library Teen Room to launch a brand new summer series: Next Gen Land Stewards!

This collaborative program will feature six conservation-themed lessons and hands-on activities throughout the summer. Teens who attend multiple sessions will have the chance to earn a certificate recognizing their commitment to environmental stewardship!

🎉 Join us for our very first session:
All About Mycology with Iowa Mushrooms 🍄
We'll dive into the fascinating world of fungi and create a fun, adapted version of a mushroom spore print.

📅 Saturday, May 3rd
🕐 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 Teen Room, Second Floor – Iowa City Public Library

Have questions? DM us here or email [email protected].

04/14/2025

🔥 Our AmeriCorps crew has been on fire this past week — completing SIX prescription burn units!

This week was packed with exciting firsts for the team:
🌙 Their first night burn
🌳 Their first timber burn
👨‍🚒 And for the first time, everyone stepped into a leadership role on the fire line

We’re incredibly proud of their hard work, adaptability, and teamwork. Whether it was torching through the night or navigating the complexities of timber burns, this crew rose to the challenge.

Big shoutout to each of them for making these burns safe, successful, and impactful.

Stay tuned as we continue the spring burn season and keep our native landscapes thriving!

04/04/2025

We're already a few days in to April which means that our conservation-themed art contest ends in just three weeks!

A few reminders for our art contest:
🆓 This opportunity is FREE to local teens!
🏆 Prizes will be awarded to six winners (three middle school winners and three high school winners) and winners will have their artwork displayed at the Iowa City Public Library !
🎨We accept physical and digital 💻 submissions in a 2-D format!
📆 Submission deadline is Friday, April 25th
🔊 Winners will be announced on Monday, April 28th

The creators of the Next Gen Land Stewards are so excited to see everyone's work, so hurry up and get your submissions in soon!

Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions and check out the link in our bio to access the rules and registration form (which is where you will also submit any digital pieces).

03/12/2025

Spring burn season is officially underway!

With the weather working in our favor, we were able to conduct our first burn of the season yesterday. Burning in the spring offers a lot of ecological benefits including, but not limited to: controlling invasive species and promoting native plant growth, reducing the risk for wildfire, and stimulating seed germination.

We're hoping for a busy spring burn season, so stay tuned for more exciting pictures and videos over the next few weeks!

03/10/2025

REMINDER: The "One Earth, One Future" conservation-themed art contest officially begins TODAY! We are now accepting submissions through April 25th.

Digital submissions can be uploaded via the Dropbox link on the registration and rules form (accessible through the link in our bio).

Physical submissions can be dropped off at the Iowa City Public Library teen room on the second floor during the library's hours of operation.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. And don’t forget to share this contest with any teens in Johnson County who might be interested!