People are invited to attend free events and activities hosted by or at Johnson County sites during Earth Week.

From April 20 through April 28, visitors can view posters in the Johnson County Administration Building lobby on indigenous knowledge that is informing and inspiring Johnson County Conservation Department work. Viewers will be able to learn about sites within the county they can visit first-hand. The building is located at 913 S. Dubuque Street in Iowa City, and the lobby is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The poster presentation is a collaboration of the County’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Conservation Department.

Earth Week is also the perfect time to learn why soil is not simply “dirt.” The presentation “Soil: It’s So Much More Than Dirt!” will be offered from 12:05 to 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, in the Betty Sass Room in the Johnson County Administration Building (913 S. Dubuque Street in Iowa City). Kasey Hutchinson, staff member  in the Planning, Development and Sustainability (PDS) Department, will present the basics of soil health, ways to improve it and how to participate in local soil health programs. A demonstration will reveal the effects of healthy soil on soaking up water. Door prizes will be offered.

To request accommodations to attend the soil talk, contact Becky Soglin in the PDS Department at [email protected] or (319) 356-6083. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.

In addition, on Sunday, April 23, Grow: Johnson County hosts a tour of the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm site from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.  Attendees are welcome to help plant onions and do farm clean-up from 2 to 4 p.m. Dress in layers, bring work gloves, close-toed shoes, and warm clothing that can get dirty. RSVPs for that event are encouraged; email Lisa Stark at [email protected].