The public is invited to hear Cornelia Mutel of The University of Iowa speak on Friday evening, June 3, at West Monona High School in Onawa. Her talk is titled “Climate Change Impacts on Iowa: Closing the Loop” and is based on the January 2011 report by Iowa’s three state universities. She will begin her presentation at 7:45 p.m.

In 2009, the Iowa legislature asked Iowa’s three state universities to assess the impacts of climate change on Iowa. The 2011 report concluded,  “Perhaps without their realization, Iowans are already factoring climate change into their lives and activities.”

The report goes on to explain the changing climate’s effects on Iowa’s agriculture, flora and fauna, public health, and economy. Mutel, editor of the report, will introduce the findings (available at www.iowadnr.gov/iccac/) and their complex implications at the event.

Mutel is an ecologist who has authored books about the natural history of Iowa and the Loess Hills. She has also edited or co-edited books about prairie restoration, the Iowa floods, and a book of essays and artwork related to the Loess Hills.

She is the historian and archivist for IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering at The University of Iowa College of Engineering.

While this program is part of a larger annual event, the Loess Hills Prairie Seminar, anyone with an interest in this topic is encouraged to attend this free evening program, with no registration required.

A detailed brochure outlining the entire seminar is available on the Northwest Area Education Agency (AEA) website. For more information, please e-mail or call Gloria Kistner at Northwest AEA at 712-222-6080 or 800-352-9040, extension 6080; or e-mail Dianne Blankenship, coordinator of Loess Hills Prairie Seminar.