Central College’s Russ Benedict to speak at Second Reformed

PELLA — Russ Benedict, associate professor of biology, will give a lecture titled “The Prairie Biomass Project: Benefitting Prairies and Agriculture” at Second Reformed Church Tuesday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m.

The Prairie Biomass Project aims to regain tallgrass prairie in Iowa, which once covered 85 percent of the state. Today, 99.9 percent of prairie has been destroyed in Iowa with an overall continental loss of 96 percent.

Using 350 plots near the Carlson-Kuyper Field Station, Benedict plans to plant mixes of 64 different species to determine the best mix and method of planting and harvesting. The goal is to use the project to produce biomass for energy, provide habitats for plants and animals and decrease soil erosion.

The research site will also be used as a demonstration area for farmers, agricultural leaders and businesses. Central students will be involved in every phase of the project, from designing and analyzing research to the physical management of the research site to even giving presentations to the public.