Field Coordinator - Trees Forever
Community Assessment Results
Check out ISU’s analysis of the focus groups and self-selected survey conducted with Columbus Junction residents!
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Community Team
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Natalina Sents-Bausch
Taylor Hills-Mincer
Alex Mincer
Cori Milan
Darin Mapel
Kenan Todd
Allie Todd
Twyla Peters
Project Reports
Community Survey
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Landscape Factors
Transportation Assets and Barriers Assessment
Upcoming Events
There are no scheduled events at this time.
3•17•25
Columbus Junction Transportation Meeting
A recent Community Visioning Transportation Meeting at Columbus Junction City Hall brought together local and regional stakeholders to discuss the future of transportation in the area. The meeting was coordinated by Sadie Martin and Jeff Jensen from Trees Forever, with Meg Flenker, the Community Visioning Landscape Architect from Flenker Land Architecture Consultants, facilitating the discussion.
Key participants included Jarred Lassiter from SEIRPC, Todd Salazar from the City of Columbus Junction, Louisa County Engineer Adam Shutt, Louisa County Conservation Director Jacob Ewart, Christopher Kukla from the Iowa DOT, and Adair Lents and Cori Milan from ISU Extension and Outreach Louisa County.
The meeting began with a discussion on upcoming transportation projects and a review of past initiatives. Focus then shifted to examining transportation modes—driving, walking, and biking—identifying both the assets and barriers to each. The group used a city map to highlight key areas for improvement and potential opportunities for development.
This collaborative effort provided valuable insight into how the community can enhance its transportation network, ensuring a safer, more accessible system for all residents in Columbus Junction.
Meg Flenker leading a transportation discussion in Columbus Junction with local transportation representatives.
2•27•25
Spanish-Speaking Focus Group Success
On February 25, 2025, a Transportation Assets and Barriers focus group was held at the Columbus Junction Senior Center to address the transportation challenges and strengths in Columbus Junction. The session, which began at 10:00 AM, brought together over 15 Spanish-speaking residents who shared valuable experiences and insights. This is vital part of the Community Visioning process, hearing resident feedback.
The discussion was led by Himar Hernandez from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, who guided the group through the conversation. Sandy Oberbroeckling, also from Iowa State University Extension, attended alongside her intern, Jackie, who helped with translation and took notes during the meeting.
Sadie Martin, Southeast Iowa Field Coordinator with Trees Forever, participated in the event to provide support for the ongoing Columbus Junction project, which she leads with assistance from Director of Community Programs, Jeff Jensen.
A special thanks goes to Araceli Vazquez from LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens), whose strong community ties were instrumental in recruiting participants and ensuring the success of the event.
