Working Watersheds: Buffers & Beyond

Trees Forever water quality initiatives provide opportunities for farmers, rural landowners, and watershed residents to improve water quality through demonstration projects, watershed planning and education.

The purpose of Working Watersheds: Buffers & Beyond^TM is:
• to improve water quality by using trees, shrubs and prairie plantings near streams, wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas
• to improve water quality in urban areas by installing rain gardens, bioswales and storm water retention areas
• to promote the use of perennial plants such as fruit and nut trees, shrubs and other forestry specialty crops to not only improve water and soil quality but also provide an alternative source of income to farmers.

Who is eligible to participate? 
• Farmers 
• Rural landowners
• Beginning farmers
• Cities
• Counties
• Non-profit groups
• Educational entities (schools and colleges)
• Homeowner groups working in association with public entities

The goals of Working Watersheds: Buffers & Beyond include: 
• Improved water quality 
• Wildlife habitat
• Less storm water run-off
• Increased income from agroforestry plantings.

What assistance or services are provided through this program? 
Participants receive up to a maximum of $2,000 in cost-share funds, technical assistance and referrals, signage, and assistance with field days. 

The application deadline is December 31.

Thanks to the Sponsors: 

Syngenta, Iowa Farm Bureau, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) , Growmark