Description: This presentation shares findings from an external evaluation of the Cedar River Source Water Partnership, focusing on landowner, grower and ag retailer views and experiences with implementing agricultural conservation practices through an Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Results highlight successful strategies and challenges to adopting in field and edge of field practices, with lessons for improving future conservation programs.

Authors: Erin Heiden, Mary Beth Stevenson

Author Bios: Erin Heiden is Assistant Director at the University of Northern Iowa Center for Social & Behavioral Research. In this role, she leads and collaborates on applied research projects, survey and evaluation studies across a variety of topics including public perceptions of water quality, landowner and operator attitudes about and adoption of conservation practices, and evaluation of STEM education and public health programs.

Mary Beth Stevenson has served as the Watersheds & Source Water Program Manager for the City of Cedar Rapids since 2019. In this role she works closely with partners throughout the Cedar River Watershed to support activities that improve water quality and protect our drinking water sources.