Events and Activities : REAP builds communities: Attend this year’s regional assembly to help build your

REAP builds communities: Attend this year's regional assembly to help build yours! Are you interested in improving natural resources such as water, air, habitat and wildlife for the direct benefit of Benton County? Please join us on Wednesday, October 25th from 1-3pm at Bloomsbury Farm (Party Barn #1) to share ideas for how Iowa's premier funding program for outdoor recreation and conservation can assist your county and communities.

Established in 1989, the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program has funded nearly $389 million for city, county and state park projects that have included water quality improvements, habitat protection, roadside prairies, historical development and conservation education. Check out www.iowadnr.gov/Conservation/REAP/Projects-by-County to discover REAP projects close to where you live.

REAP assemblies are held all across the state every two years, and are a great opportunity for local citizens to learn more about REAP, work with like-minded citizens who are also interested in natural resource work, and share your ideas on how REAP can work better for your county or community. You will have the chance to identify opportunities for regional projects, and review and recommend changes in policies, programs and funding.

Please join us at our regional assembly on Wednesday, October 25th from 1-3pm at Bloomsbury Farm (Party Barn #1) 3260 69th St, Atkins, IA 52206.

After assemblies are held in the fall, elected delegates from each region will attend the statewide REAP Congress in January 2024 in Des Moines. Regional priorities will be voted on by the entire REAP Congress and sent to the Governor and legislature. Ultimately through this process, you help Iowa preserve a rich and diverse natural environment now and for generations to come.

REAP builds communities, how do you want to build yours? Come join the conversation! Learn more at: www.iowadnr.gov/reap