Project Overview
Information Products
Commodities
Practices
- Crop Production: pollinator habitat, pollinator health
- Education and Training: demonstration, farmer to farmer
- Natural Resources/Environment: biodiversity, habitat enhancement
- Soil Management: soil quality/health
Abstract:
We will utilize SARE research to illustrate the benefits of strategic management decisions that can have multiple benefits to the environment, the farmer’s budget, and the greater community. This project will focus on and promote agricultural practices relevant to Oregon producers that effectively keep carbon-rich materials in the soil and support native bee nesting habitat, such as reduced tillage, cover cropping, perennial plantings, additions of organic matter, and leaving crop stubble.
We will develop and provide educational materials focused on climate resilience, carbon sequestration and native bee health, and conduct outreach online through our website, facebook and instagram pages, and network of farmer organizations. And we will host events including on-farm workshops with demonstrations that provide peer-to-peer learning opportunities that connect soil building strategies with those that support native bee habitat, and help create climate resilience for Oregon farmers.
This project will provide a clear path from research to education and outreach throughout Oregon. By supporting farmers with peer-to-peer learning opportunities, educational events that also demonstrate on-farm practices, and user friendly resources farmers will be better equipped to make informed decisions about how to plan for climate resilience. The goal is to show that by stacking functions, farmers are able to support native bees and other insects, improve soil health, sequester carbon in the soil, and better prepare their farm for weather extremes that may include floods and drought. We plan to promote these practices and associated resources as widely as possible.
Project objectives:
September 2019 - December 2020
Collaborate with partners, confirm partner roles, identify timeline and plan educational farm events
Create educational tri-fold handout about managing for climate, soil and pollinators for distribution at events and through farmer networks
January-March 2021
Plan farmer to farmer events, including on-farm demonstrations to share management strategies
Print educational tri-fold handout about managing for climate, soil and pollinators for distribution at events and through farmer networks
Share Oregon native bee field guide, “Common Bee Pollinators of Oregon Crops" (Oregon Dept. Ag.)
Share Oregon State University, Best Management Practices, Soil bulletin, 2016
Share “Cultivating Climate Resilience on Farms and Ranches” (SARE)
Mar-Sept 2021
Host 4 peer-to-peer events for farmers that feature demonstrations and educational materials listed above
Feb - July2021
Schedule, coordinate, and host a public education on-farm event to increase basic native bee identification and habitat enhancement skills for farmers and community members. Distribute educational materials. Event is ccheduled for July 18, 2021 with educational activities for community members.
July - Sept 2021
Post short demonstration videos to www.ourfamilyfarms.org
Evaluate project and survey participating producers
Contribute data to Oregon Bee Project
Objectives:
Plan, coordinate and host 4 farm to farmer workshops including demonstrations
Create 2 short video demonstrations from farm workshops to post online
Plan, coordinate and host 1 public education event
Develop and distribute 1 tri-fold brochure focused on farm management practices
Distribute educational materials listed above
Further develop a network of farmers concerned about climate resilience with OrCAN.
Educate farmers and community members across Oregon about the connections between climate resilience, soil building, and native pollinator habitat enhancement.
Develop and track participants and farms interested and engaged in citizen science efforts related to tracking native bee populations on farms. Contribute this data to Oregon Bee Project.
Share information about management strategies that build soil and create habitat for pollinators through partner networks.
Share demonstration videos from farm workshops online and with partner organizations.