The 5 Types of Agroforestry Systems:
Alley Cropping
Alley Cropping
Alley Cropping
Trees or shrubs planted in sets of single or multiple rows with crops and forages produced in the alleys between the trees.
Silvopasture
Alley Cropping
Alley Cropping
Trees, pasture and livestock integrated and managed as a singular production system.
Forest Farming
Alley Cropping
Riparian Buffers
The cultivation of specialty crops, trees and shrubs under an existing forest canopy.
Riparian Buffers
Riparian Buffers
Riparian Buffers
An area of trees, shrubs, & herbaceous vegetation established & managed adjacent to streams, lakes, ponds, & wetlands.
Wind Breaks
Riparian Buffers
Wind Breaks
Single or multiple rows of trees or shrubs established for a variety of environmental purposes and benefits.
Our WOrk
Demonstration Sites
Thanks to our partnerships with the Savanna Institute and the Newaygo Conservation District, we have begun developing our first Agroforestry demonstration site at Kropscott Environmental Farm.
This site is our home base for technical training & education programs, serving as a regional model for Agroforestry systems.
Technical Training
Large-scale agroforestry adoption requires technical training and professional development for farmers and agricultural service providers. Our programs provide hands-on training, site evaluation & design assistance, and best management practices for Agroforestry farms of all sizes in West Michigan.
STEM Education
Agroforestry is a powerful vehicle for STEM education. We partner with K-12 schools and Universities to train a new generation of Nature-based problem solvers. Our vision is a STEM Agroforestry Community of Practice in which students from all backgrounds learn life-long skills for successful and sustainable careers.