|
Trees Forever is a proud partner in the new Green Farmstead Partner program. This is an innovative program to assist livestock farmers with the design and installation of vegetative environmental buffers on their farms. The end result will be a healthier, more sustainable environment for man and animal! For more information, click on the Green Farmstead Logo below.
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 & BeyondTM 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.
Applications are due November 30, 2010
Thanks to the Sponsors:
Syngenta, Iowa Farm Bureau, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) , Growmark
|
Program Highlights (1997-2008)
211 projects and demonstration sites
3,577 acres of buffers
101 miles of streams protected
794,369 trees and shrubs planted
1,544 landowners and volunteers
25,663 volunteer hours
6 watershed groups in VIEW planning process with 110 stakeholders
Trees Forever is also accepting applications for a special Conservation Buffer Demonstration Project along waterways in the Upper Mississippi Watershed area of Iowa and Illinois. Eligible properties must be in watersheds where flooding occurred in 2008. The goal of this project is to increase or restore wildlife habitat and improve water quality in the flood-affected Upper Mississippi Watershed area. Preference will be given to highly visible sites with added educational value. Up to $3,000 in cost share funds per site are available through this project.
|