Agrestal seeks “wildness” proposals

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This article appeared in the Fall 2005 edition of INHF's magazine.

The Agrestal Fund of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation seeks proposals for its upcoming Wild Iowa Discovery event series.

The series, scheduled for January through June 2006, continues Agrestal’s mission of providing a forum for public discussion on the concept of wildness.

According to Roger Gipple, Agrestal’s creator, “We want people to get beyond standard dictionary definitions of wildness—not to mention its negative connotations within our culture. We’re creating a public forum for people to explore their personal visions of wildness and what the ‘rewilding’ of Iowa might look like.”

Though series details are being finalized, events under discussion include a university-sponsored conference, conservation-focused art program in a public school, online chat room, nationally known speakers, and programs targeted to specific groups like interfaith alliances or women.

“Though we have several ideas in the works, we have additional funding available,” said Gipple. “We’re open to proposals for other innovative ways to keep this important discussion going throughout Iowa. The topics are limitless but could include Defining Wild, The Free Human Spirit, Living Wild in the City, Beyond Organic to Authentic, More Wolves/Fewer Pomeranians, Awakening the Creative Imagination, Root Causes of Wild(er)ness Degradation, Trusting Wildness and Personal Liberation, and Redefining Prosperity/Abundance/Success. Let your imagination run wild!”

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.