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Mike Seraphinoff and other
members of South Whidbey Tilth are developing a forest salvage
and native plant demonstration project. |
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Plant
a Tree
Agroforestry Sustains Farms and Environments
To make way for new projects on Whidbey Island in Washington,
developers often bulldoze native shrubs and forest to create park-like
vistas around ensuing structures. In short order, invasive plants
engulf the site.
Michael Seraphinoff and the volunteers of South
Whidbey Tilth saw opportunity in the desecration to salvage native
plants to sell at Tilth’s farmers market (FW01-019). Their
education led them to take another step and create a native plants
demonstration garden, providing homeowners and developers with landscaping
ideas (SW02-039).
“A number of people have looked at it and been inspired
by what’s been done at our demonstration,” says Seraphinoff.
Adds Tilth volunteer Barbara Kolar, “We wanted
to show that forests and woodlots can make important contributions.”
In the Pacific Islands, hundreds of producers and agricultural
professionals know more about the value of integrating trees into
farm and ranch operations, thanks to Agroforestry Guides for
the Pacific Islands. Craig Elevitch, director
of Permanent Agriculture Resources in Holualoa, Hawaii,
led a project that developed eight 16-page handbooks (EW98-004).
They detail how trees can generate revenues, serve as windbreaks
and reduce reliance on commercial fertilizer imported from the U.S.
mainland.
“The publication very eloquently makes a case for reintroducing
and emphasizing trees in our island agriculture,” says Bill
Raynor of The Nature Conservancy in Micronesia.
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Tim Grant found that Oregon
white truffle powder encouraged tree growth. |
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Mari Marutani, a horticulturalist with the University
of Guam, is testing how well several species of nitrogen-fixing trees
planted as hedgerows adapt in different soil types on Guam
(SW99-048). Publications and videos that evolved from the project
will show producers which species adapt best on which soils as well
as which are susceptible to diseases and insects.
Another proponent of hedgerows is Molly Johnson
of the Community Alliance with Family Farmers. She’s teaming
with several partners to teach ag professionals in central and northern
California about incorporating native plant hedgerows
into farms and ranches. The idea is that the hedgerows can encourage
biodiversity, expand wildlife habitat and improve water quality
(EW03-007).
To enhance the value of his east Oregon woodlot,
Tim Grant tested Oregon white truffles, an underground
fruit (FW97-007). He ground the truffles and applied them as a powder
around the base of his trees. Not only did Grant document increased
tree growth, he’s hoping to harvest and sell the truffles.
“I am proud to be a part of SARE. My business goal
for the last 30 years has been to seek methods for providing people
with profitable business strategies. Within the framework of
SARE, I am able to take that, marry it with my passion for organic
agriculture and contribute to profitable, sustainable farming communities
while at the same time protecting and improving the environment
for my grandchildren.”
Steve Jacobson, vice president of operations, Horizon Organic, Longmont,
Colorado
Simply Sustainable
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