Example Conservation Projects/Practices on Working Lands
Native Hedgerows
Native trees and shrubs bordering agricultural fields sustain soil fertility and provide refuge and food sources for pollinators and beneficial wildlife. To learn more, visit CAFF.org (Photo of pollinator hedgerow: R. Long, UCCE)
Windbreaks and Pesticide Barriers
With benefits similar to those of hedgerows, tall trees and wide open spaces between agricultural fields can reduce the harmful impacts of pesticide spray on the broader watershed and human communities.
Riparian Corridors
With multiple benefits on local and regional scales, restoring stream beds and floodplains rehydrates local water tables, sustains wildlife populations, and improves water quality.
Cover Crops
Within production fields, cover cropping builds long-term soil fertility, water holding capacity, and encourages more resilient crop and orchard production during drought.
Demo Gardens and Educational Spaces
Demonstrations of practices that integrate agricultural and ecological principles build social momentum to reduce erosive practices and scale up those that encourage biodiversity within working and urban landscapes.
Looking for assistance to plan and implement restorative practices on rural or urban working lands? For more information, please contact our Agriculture Conservation Team.
While subject to change, examples of financial assistance programs include:
