Biochar, Compost, and Agroforestry May 4th, 2022
Join Young Agrarians, Rural Routes to Climate Solutions, and Rob Lavoie of AirTerra to learn all about AirTerra’s vision is to increase nutrient cycling efficiency on farms using biochar.
Organic Farming for Ecosystem Biodiversity & Diversity – Larchgrove Farm, Barrhead County
Today, Jenna and Thomas are in the process of rebuilding the market vegetable and herb garden, while focusing on restoring health and vitality back into the compacted hayfield. Their goal is to expand into an heirloom flower farm to offer a CSA program to the community (with organic, unsprayed flowers), while providing food for their honeybees and the native bees. They also want to create access for community members to grow their own food and forage for wild foods. “Everything works together,” explains Jenna, “And we’re building on this already incredibly resilient ecosystem.”
Agroforestry and Erosion Control
January 27th, 2022
Join RR2CS and the team from AWES to discuss how agroforestry practices can be used to reduce soil erosion on Alberta landscapes.
Farming as though the Earth Matters – Brenlea Farms – Camrose, AB
Brenda Bohmer, a grain farmer at Brenlea Farm in central Alberta, realized she’d been draining sloughs for years in an attempt to farm more acres. She would seed around duck nests, but in order to deal with weeds, she’d farm right up to the edges of the wetland. “It’s a mindset you get locked into,” she admits. Bohmer’s goal? Create a year-round wetland and invite nature to help rehabilitate the natural wetland ecosystem and water cycle.
Several years ago, Bohmer partnered with Cows and Fish – Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society. Within a year, nature took over the wetland and Bohmer was amazed to see the transformation of the riparian habitat. “I can still grow crops between the wetlands,” explains Bohmer. “But now I have a buffer which provides a separation between farming operations and the natural habitat. Bohmer points out that 80 percent of all types of wildlife in Alberta spend all, or part of their lives in a riparian area. “We can co-exist,” she says. “I like to think of this as farming as though the earth really matters.”
