BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative (2010 - 2013) Archive

This is an archive of the BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative (AIDI) blog, photo albums and videos.

The AIDI's objective was to support the development and adoption of agroforestry practices for the benefit of all British Columbians.

The goals of the program were to:

1. Develop the business case for agroforestry practices in British Columbia;
2. Improve market connections for agroforestry products and services;
3. Demonstrate agroforestry practices to showcase operational examples of agroforestry systems;
4. Improve agroforestry awareness, extension and education; and,
5. Expand and strengthen partnerships among agroforestry practitioners and stakeholder organizations.

From September 2011 to December 2012, proposals were accepted for cost-share funding through the AIDI.  This program has concluded and letters of intent and applications are no longer being accepted.  Support for agroforestry projects has now also concluded effective December 31, 2013.

Funding for the AIDI was provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In British Columbia, this program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.

The Province of British Columbia provides in-kind support to the AIDI. The Federation of BC Woodlot Associations administers the AIDI with the guidance of the Agroforestry Management Committee.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is committed to working with industry partners. Opinions expressed on this website are those of the AIDI and not necessarily those of AAFC. 

Best Practices for Native Stand Christmas Tree Silvopastures

Research and many years of practical experience have shown that Christmas-tree management in silvopasture settings is compatible with achieving multiple values, to the benefit of industry and conservation goals.  With funding from the BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative, Kootenay Tree Farms has refined silvopasture techniques for enhanced production of forages for both wildlife and cattle, and, tree management for rhabdocline (Rhabdocline pseudotsugae) disease control.

Forage Production

Forages are a key consideration in any silvopasture operation.  In the context of Christmas tree silvopastures in the East Kootenay region, they have direct relevance to livestock production potential, and also are a variable of consideration for land use decisions and wildlife enhancement.

The Kootenay/Boundary Land Use Plan recommends periodic entries of prescribed burning, thinning and partial-cutting to maintain open forest conditions and rangeland values.  And, ecosystem restoration projects are currently underway in several areas of the region.  To date however, no projects have compared the effects of different types of Christmas tree management systems on forage production.

One of the objectives of this operational trial was to demonstrate that a silvopasture system will benefit forage production, improve forage quality and increase the grazable area of a pasture.  Treatments (with untreated controls) were installed, representing the effect of the silvopasture management system on plant communities that are dominated by native and domestic vegetation, respectively.  The first post-treatment monitoring took place in 2013.  Preliminary results have shown that forage cover, production and species diversity increases with decreasing overstory, under a silvopasture scheme.  The long-term suitability of silvopastures to contribute as an ecosystem restoration / forage enhancement land management tool will require additional monitoring to see if these trends hold.

Economics

A production system cost-benefit analysis has been developed based on the project results with regional Christmas tree production and market information.  The production model, which Kootenay Tree Farms has evolved is based on years of practice in the East Kootenay region, is rooted in the philosophy of ‘doing it the best way for the greatest return’.  Underlying this management concept is a goal of providing agroforestry management options to producers which enhance producer and ecological sustainability, while complementing larger landscape-level management strategies. 

The review gathered economic and production data for a hypothetical Christmas tree enterprise in the East Kootenay region of BC.  It was undertaken primarily for Christmas tree producers and those potentially interested in becoming a Christmas tree producers, and was designed to provide a starting point for them to assess the potential of a Christmas tree enterprise.  The analysis provides a beginning economic assessment from which to consider one's own notions about production and economic factors, and the potentials and pitfalls of a Christmas tree enterprise in this region.

Disease Control

Christmas trees have been pruned for a long time to improve tree quality but never to control disease.  In this project component, Kootenay Tree Farms investigated different management methods to control or eliminate Rhabdocline disease in Douglas-fir Christmas trees.  The results indicate that techniques that build the soil duff layer, improve soil fertility, or reduce surface temperatures or humidity can contribute to significant reductions in disease levels in the trees.   Using pruning and tree thinning methods that improve air flow through the production site, together with practices that improve the health of the trees are key.

Integrating Streamside Shrub Products with Honey Bees

British Columbia’s forest lands abound with streams.  Scattered across the Province are numerous small private woodlot owners who manage forests associated with streams. These riparian corridors are rarely utilized, yet can provide multiple benefits when managed with care.

Agroforestry is a concept that can be easily applied to riparian areas.  It’s a management approach that integrates familiar and new agriculture and forestry practices into land management systems which contribute to diversification and sustainability of production.  Riparian zones can generate products for extra income while being carefully managed to protect these biodiverse habitats.

Integrated Riparian Management is an agroforestry system that relies on a steady source of production while caretaking unique sensitive and remarkable ecological attributes.  Because riparian areas are prone to soil and surface water impacts, the land owner must choose crops and harvesting systems which will not cause significant impacts.  Example of products that may be cultivated without adverse soil and vegetation disturbance include florals, wreaths, Christmas trees, berries, nuts, timber, and bee products.  Another consideration is which of these products have a good market demand.  Thus, a source of income is gained.

To gain enhanced benefits, a well-designed and implemented riparian management scheme will integrate more than one component.  For example, partial shade provided from tree canopies are a preferred sunlight condition for huckleberries.  By selectively harvesting trees and maintaining perpetual tree cover, huckleberry production is enhanced while limiting soil and forest disturbance which can impact streams.

Design and Establishment

Oregon grape

Currently, there are market demands for many naturally grown products in BC such as berries, bark, evergreen boughs, and honey.  It’s useful to consult experts such as agroforestry specialists (e.g. within the BC Ministry of Agriculture), purchasers of products (e.g. grocery co-ops), farm market coordinators, or even local cultivators about what is in demand.  Particular plants that aren’t widely regarded as valuable for cultivation may actually have uses which are in-demand.  Once marketable species are identified, you should make sure they are a good match for the soil, sunlight, moisture, and temperature conditions of your property.  Although riparian zones can be assumed to have ample water availability, the amount of water can vary widely based on distance to stream, or during the course of the growing season.  Perennials are usually a better choice due to lower maintenance needs than annuals, as well as less frequent soil disturbance.  Although not imperative, by choosing plants that are native to the region, certain risks are lessened.  For example, native species will typically be better adapted to the climate and pests in the region.  When integrating with honey bees, it’s also useful to research which plants may be of higher value to bees.  Long-time beekeepers and various published forage guides can better ensure a good match.

A Kootenay Demonstration

Cascara seeding ready for planting

With funding from the BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative, a demonstration site was recently established in the Slocan Valley where there is a substantial demand for locally grown products.  The shrub species selected for this system have markets both within and outside the region.  Cascara (Rhamnus purshiana) is a tree which grows to about 10 meters tall.  Its bark is in demand as a natural laxative ingredient.  High bush cranberry (Viburnum opulus var. americanum) is needed for a variety of medicinal uses as well as for its berries.  Demand for tall Oregon-grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is also rising.  It is used as a substitute for goldenseal which has international trade restrictions due to conservation concerns.  Its berries are increasingly used in food products and the foliage is a popular landscaping product.  These three native species were planted on about 1.5 acres of riparian habitat during 2012-13.  The three species vary in habitat requirements and were planted accordingly.  This has resulted in greater than 90% survivorship at the end of their first growing season.

In 2013 an existing bee yard was expanded to a capacity of 10 hives during the riparian shrub plantings.  The back side of the bee yard abuts a forested riparian zone which serves as a useful windbreak.  The bee yard meets a large forest opening on its south margin with full sun exposure – this creates a favorable microclimate for bee survival during the cold months.   During berry season, it’s necessary to temporarily extend the bee yard’s electric bear fencing to encircle the berry plants.  This is done mostly with temporary step-in fence posts and a lighter grade of wire.

Integration

Streamside shrubs deliver many integrated benefits

One of the greatest virtues of this agroforestry system is how the different components are blended to interact and complement each other.  Water associated with the streams can ensure good productivity of the cultivated plants.  Their canopies help shade the streams keeping the water temperatures from overheating to the detriment of aquatic life while stabilizing soil.  The cool clean water is maintained for wildlife and drinking water.  Honey bees drink directly from streams and often transport it back to hives for use in evaporative cooling.  The taller vegetation associated with riparian zones serves as a windbreak for hives – especially valuable during the cold winter months.  The carefully chosen cultivated plants will be frequented by bees.  The pollination that results may lead to enhanced berry production and reproduction of new plants.  In return, the pollen and nectar provided to honey bees will enhance yields of honey.  In fact, by choosing bee-valued plants, lessor-known native bees can benefit.  Both imported honey bees and native bees are critical for plant production, yet their numbers are declining worldwide. 

Plan

1. Investigate the demand for herbal products and whether the particular species are a good match for your riparian area site conditions.
2. If you’re not familiar with beekeeping, take a course or contact your local beekeeping group for a mentor to help decide if it’s right for you.
3. Consider travel time from your home.  Bees need to be tended nearly every week during the spring.
4. Sketch a layout of your area for cultivation.  Calculate the number of plants to acquire based on spacing requirements. 

Prepare

1. Prepare planting area by pruning lower tree branches and carefully thinning competing woody species.
2. Order plants and bees during the winter for spring arrival.  Having a registered business with Revenue Canada will significantly reduce prices (wholesale) with nurseries.
3.  Ensure vehicle access to the bee yard and install electric fencing before hives are established.

Planting and Tending

1. Planting during the dormant season (early spring or fall) often results in better survivorship of seedlings.
2. Monitor plants and bees for pest damage and respond as needed.

Cold-Climate Food Forest Design and Methods

Increased interest and demand for regional food forest models and education was the motivation behind Clear Sky Farm's agroforestry demonstration near Fort Steele, BC.  With funding from the BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative, Clear Sky has implemented a showcase food forest model for Southeastern British Columbia that is both ecologically sound and productive.

Cold-climate Food Food Forest Design

The 1-acre food forest site is situated in an area previously used as a hay field and was created with a design that fits well with the existing structures, activities and landscape.  With a goal of trying to grow as many types of foods suitable to a Zone 4 climate as possible and other site influences, including cold winds from two opposing directions, an oval design was chosen for the food forest.   The outer ring of the food forest contains primarily windbreak species chosen for their rapid growth rate and hardiness (e.g. caragana, linden, poplar, and willow).  The windbreak has the tallest trees in the entire food forest system, to give as much site protection as possible, and tall vegetation on the north side also acts as a solar catchment.  The south side of the food forest has less tall trees, but still enough to provide wind protection.

As one moves into the centre of the food forest oval, there is an increase in heat accumulation, making it more conducive for fruit and berry production.  The inner circles of plants (including blueberries, haskap, raspberries, currants, apple, pear, plums, hawthorn, and saskatoon) have a higher demand for pollinators and soil nutrition, therefore the design has included both a higher concentration of pollinator plants and nitrogen fixing species.

An important aspect of the design is the concept of 'vertical stacking' where different levels of fruit trees and shrubs make good use of vertical space.  Plant placement, especially important for herbaceous stock, was chosen according to water demand, sunlight and shade requirements.  In the outer rows, annual crops can be grown in beds between the large tree and shrub species for at least 4 to 5 years.  Green manure crops that die in the winter can also be interplanted to help build the soil.

The inner three circles also have a far higher density of total plant material.  This reflects the need for more attention with harvest, pruning and water needs, as they are easier to care for in the centre ring of the food forest.  All the species, especially the food plants, have been chosen to be perfectly hardy in the cold climate conditions of the East Kootenay.  Cultivars with a wider range of ripening time were also selected, which will give some type of food from snow melt until snow fall each year.

Incorporation of sand beds, some woody material, long-season flowering and native plants has also been used to benefit the establishment of a healthy pollinator populations.  Sand beds provide nesting sites for many of the beneficial wild bees.  And woody material works well for providing habitat for many species of ground beetle.  Together with the high plant species diversity within the food forest area, these methods help to achieve excellent control of disease and insect problems.

Splatsin Develops Agroforestry Business Guide

Agroforestry stakeholders represent a diverse range of producers and product interests.  Splatsin First Nation is investigating agroforestry options for the interior region of British Columbia that will help local communities generate diversity in products and markets, promote conservation needs and create a stable labour force that can engage in business ventures within and outside their community.

With funding from the BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative, Splatsin has developed a community-based, business planning and development guide for agroforestry producers.  The Agroforestry Business Development Guide aids in developing the business case for agroforestry at the community level and within the broader BC market.  The Guide is intended to provide producers with information and options to consider when initiating or expanding an agroforestry venture. As well, it can be used by existing agroforestry businesses to examine their enterprise options through an understanding of agroforestry business planning steps and potential resource needs, together with marketing ideas.

Cariboo Silvopasture Demonstrates Profitable Sustainability

Zirnhelt Ranch is a family owned and operated ranch located in the Beaver Valley of the Cariboo region of British Columbia.  The Zirnhelt family believes in sustainable food production and use farming methods that minimize the impact on the natural environment.  As well, the family ranch manages a woodlot and operates a timber frame building company located on the ranch.

Over the past few years, timber and livestock producers have faced depressed commodity prices and volatility due to fluctuating demand and exchange rates, pest outbreaks, and regulatory changes.  Additionally, the mountain pine beetle epidemic has created unprecedented social and economic challenges for communities in the region.  As part of a toolkit to address sustainable diversification, agroforestry systems such as silvopasture can help agricultural producers respond to these socio-economic and resource management challenges.

The Cariboo silvopasture demonstration at the Zirnhelt Ranch is an operational agroforestry approach implemented on a recently timber-harvested site and managed under high-intensity, short-duration grazing.  The long-term objectives of this demo are to determine the integrated forage and timber production, soil moisture response and the economic cost-benefits of a silvopasture approach under these conditions.

Bale grazing to help reduce unwanted brush

Establishing the silvopasture has involved brushing of unwanted shrub and tree regeneration, fencing and water developments.  And the Ranch has utilized innovative, low-cost methods to implement the silvopasture treatments with an eye towards short and long-term profitability.  For example, winter feeding of cattle over the untreated forest regeneration successfully reduced brush without damage to crop trees and created better conditions for grass and forb production.

In other areas, a silvicultural contractor spaced crop trees (a mix of fir, pine, spruce, aspen and birch) and a crew of three hand-piled the slash for later burning.  Zirnhelt Ranch bought this land after the trees had been harvested, and it was a full nine years post harvest before the silvopastures were implemented.  Ideally, for silvopastures created through logging and brushing, early introduction of cattle after logging, and in sufficient numbers to have a desired landscaping effect of trampling and stirring up the soil surface, to facilitate seeded forage establishment.

Thinning and piling to create a silvopasture

In the grazing season, cattle are used for additional brush control through their browsing.  The native shrubs that dominate the site have enough nutritional value for maintenance, but not large weight gains.  The silvopasture therefore has limits for backgrounding or finishing cattle at least in early years of development.

The Ranch has found temporary electric fencing (multi-strand electric wire and step-in posts) ideal for the silvopasture.  Major subdivision of pastures were created by running permanent cross fences from the top of the hills to the bottom, which allowed additional temporary fencing to be installed for frequent (daily to weekly) moves of livestock to follow the contours of the land.  They also found  that for any water supply it is a good idea to have a permanent electric mainline close by so that the water source can be enclosed with a charged (hot) fence to protect the water developments from excess trampling.  Locating permanent subdivision fences and travel corridors close to the water supplies is important in keeping maintenance costs down.

Agroforestry Production Development Tool Released

Shiitake mushroom logs at UBC Farm

Brinkman & Associates and UBC Farm have released an Agroforestry Production Development (APD) Tool for producers considering new agroforestry ventures. The tool is a decision making tool that outlines cash flow and labour planning, while integrating social, ecological and economic considerations.

The UBC Farm is Vancouver’s last working farm, a 24-hectare farm and forest landscape located on the urban edge. As a living laboratory, UBC Farm is used for learning, research, and community service programs focused on food and the environment. In addition, UBC Farm annually produces over 58,000 lbs of organic fruit and vegetables which is sold through on-site markets, a CSA box program and directly to restaurants and distributors around Vancouver.

With funding support from the BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative, the APD Tool was developed to provide small-scale producers, like UBC Farm, with another tool in their arsenal to help effectively plan for new ventures within existing operations. Due to the variable time-to-maturity of trees/shrubs, many potential ecological and social benefits and level of integration involved in agroforestry systems, planning can sometimes be challenging and complex.  As such the APD Tool offers users a simple way to streamline planning and includes social, ecological and economic components.

The UBC Farm used the tool to explore shiitake mushroom log forest farming as well as alley cropping with hazelnut and strawberries. This offers users a look at two different completed drafts and provides valuable resources and planning notes for those considering similar ventures.

A short video tutorial was developed to help users learn the ins and outs of the tool, it can be seen at
http://agroforestry.ubcfarm.ubc.ca/agroforestry-production-development-tool/ .  It is recommended that users view this video prior to getting started, in order to better understand the various components of the tool.

Many thanks to all of the farmers, consultants and other experts who provided feedback throughout the development of the tool and to the funders who made the project possible. It's hoped the APD tool provides farmers in BC with a useful framework for planning their new agroforestry endeavours.

Decision Matrix for Establishing Small Lot Agroforestry

Small-lot agroforestry works on Gabriola Island

Just Another Weed Patch Farm on Gabriola Island has released a decision matrix document, summarizing lessons learned in the development of a diverse nut and timber tree grove grown in combination with livestock and annual vegetable and flower crops.

As a small-lot farm, home to the Gulf Islands’ first agroforestry demonstration site, owners Jeff Rietkerk and Sonja Zupanec, with support from the BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative, have transformed a 4 acre, fallow hay field, into an organically-managed alley cropping system of nut trees with specialty foods and flowers between the trees, and overlaid with a silvopasture system utilizing laying hens and sheep.

The farm has achieved its goals of:

1. Growing diverse, organic, seasonal cut flowers for the local market;
2. Growing and processing Styrian pumpkins and other seed crops;
3. Supplying the community with fresh eggs from pastured chickens;
4. Providing leased pasture grazing for owners of livestock that need to rotate animals or give their pasture a break; and,
5. Growing and harvesting a wide variety of nuts in the long term as the farm transitions from annual crops to tree nuts.

Jeff and Sonja are practical and realistic about their abilities, strengths and interests and purposely set about to implement an agroforestry plan that produced value-added crops that were labour intensive to start, but will slowly transition to less physically-demanding work over the next 15 years.  Seeing an opportunity to fill local niches for cut flowers and oil seeds, they plan to continue to build on the 'locavore' market over the next decade, while establishing a diverse, organic nut tree orchard as the backbone of the entire farm, and hope to retire under the shade of enormous chestnut, walnut and hazelnut trees, with bushels full of delicious, local, sustainably-grown nuts.

The transformation to agroforestry has had its challenges, as well.  The production area for nuts was limited in size to the area on the property that had soil conditions most favourable for growing the trees and other annual or perennial crops.  But by careful planning at the outset, the alley design used was situated in those portions of the fields where soil conditions and irrigation needs were most straightforward.  Also, by employing 'hugelkulture mounds' they were able to take advantage of the biomass available on hand to enhance soil conditions and enrich their generally nutrient-deficient soils.  They experimented with grazing sheep in the early stages of the project, but soon realized that too much additional protection of the nut tree seedlings was required to prevent long-term damage.  Pastured laying hens however, have been an ideal addition to the tree alleys and Jeff and Sonja plan to experiment with pasturing sheep and pigs again in the future using electric fencing and rotational grazing once the trees have grown past their vulnerability to animal impacts.

The project has been enormous undertaking for the family farm, and they worked near around-the-clock to prepare the fields and planting holes to give the best start to the nut trees.  This investment in their future is now thriving and they see a bright future, as the old hay field transforms into a productive orchard.  Jeff and Sonja expect to begin harvesting nuts in about 7 years for most of the varieties they have planted, and they have already been approached by local health food advocates to secure nut orders once they have a marketable crop on hand.  While they wait for the nut crops to come to fruition, they continue to reap the rewards of an agroforestry approach, by marketing crops from the alleys (flowers, seed crops and eggs) and selling to a local market rife with buyers who appreciate, local, sustainably grown products.

View Just Another Weed Patch Farm's videos at their YouTube channel

Agroforestry Session at the 2014 Hort Growers Short Course

Agroforestry will once again be featured at the 2014 Horticulture Growers' Short Course. The Short Course, delivered by the Lower Mainland Horticulture Improvement Association in association with the Pacific Agriculture Show, will be held at the Tradex in Abbotsford, BC from January 30th to Feb 1st, 2014.

The Alternate Crops/Agroforestry Session will take place on Thursday morning, January 30  in the FCC Room at the Tradex, and will be chaired by Dave Trotter, of Ministry of Agriculture.

For more information on the Horticulture Growers's Short Course, or to register, please visit: www.agricultureshow.net/horticulture-growers-short-course

AGENDA

08:45 – 09:00
Introduction
Dave Trotter, Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, BC

09:00 – 09:30
Agroforestry Initiative – Demonstration Projects and Resources Available
George Powell, Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative
The Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative has just completed its second five year term and George will highlight the demonstrations and resources available to producers.

09:30 – 10:00
Alley Cropping with Black Walnut and Pawpaw
Brenda Dureault, Curly Frog Farm, Kelowna, BC
Brenda will provide an overview of lessons learned in establishing black walnut and pawpaw trees in an alley cropping system on a small lot farm.

10:00 – 10:15
Coffee Break

10:15 – 10:45
Agroforestry Production Development Tool (APD Tool): An Agroforestry Decision-making Tool for Producers.
Kate Menzies, UBC Farm, Vancouver, BC
Kate will discuss a business support tool for producers considering an agroforestry venture on their land.

10:45 – 11:15
Integrating Apiculture with Riparian Buffers
Michael Murray, Murray Family Woodlot, Nelson, BC
Michael will discuss the use of their family woodlot to demonstrate the benefits of blending apiculture in an integrated riparian management system.

11:15 – 11:45
Agroforestry Approaches on a Small Agricultural Lot.
Sonja Zupanec and Jeff Rietkerk, Just Another Weed Patch Farm, Gabriola Island, BC
Learn about an innovative approach to the development of a diverse nut and timber tree grove grown in combination with livestock, annual vegetable and flower crops.

Agroforestry Information at the Splatsin Community Meeting

Splatsin Community Meeting

December 11, 2013

1:00 - 2:30 pm Splatsin Health Center

(Old Vernon Road, Enderby, B.C.)

Highlights of the Agroforestry Business Planning and Development Guide will be presented.

REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE

For more information please contact Sheila Kinbasket (sheila_kinbasket at splatsin.ca)

Streamside Honeybees and Native Shrubs Agroforestry Video

The Murray family woodlot has released a video describing their integrated riparian management system near Slocan

Gulf Islands Agroforestry Project Video

Just Another Weed Patch Farm has released the first of four videos introducing its agroforestry demonstration project on Gabriola Island.

Open House Highlights Northern Agroforestry Opportunities

Participants networking at the Resources North Association Agroforestry Open House

At the recent Resources North Association Agroforestry Open House held Monday, September 23, 2013, participants learned about agroforestry, sucesses and opportunities in the region, potential for community supported agriculture, as well as how to get started in farming, and how to address food safety and traceability.  People were able to meet with experts in the field of agroforestry, while networking with other agroforestry related businesses.

The Open House had five resource stations, and each station had resource materials available.  Please visit the Resources North website to view all the materials presented:
http://www.resourcesnorth.org/rna/573/2013+activities

Vanderhoof Agroforestry Field Tour, Oct 16

Resources North Association, with funding from the BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative, is excited to host a field tour of the Murray Creek Rehabilitation Project near Vanderhoof on Wednesday, October 16, 2013, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Transportation will depart the Prince George Civic Centre at 8:30 am.  The tour guide will be Wayne Salewski, Director of Nechako Environment and Watershed Stewardship Society. The Murray Creek project is a continuation of work stated five years ago by the Vanderhoof Fish and Game Club to restore salmon and trout habitat, to enable landowners to work collaboratively towards environmental stewardship, and to serve as a demonstration site to help educate the public about the values of retaining forested lands adjacent to streams (riparian habitat). Combining forestry and agricultural practices have many benefits.  Come out to learn more and see the accomplishments at Murray Creek, as well as at sites where project work is underway by UNBC's professor Margot Parks, exploring how best to support health, environment and community.

The tour will also include a brief stop at the Nechako White Sturgeon recovery Centre to discuss restoration and recovery efforts for this endangered species. The Nechako River Bird Sanctuary is also adjacent to these projects and you will have an opportunity to see the area full of migrating geese and ducks as they stop over to feed before heading south for winter.

Registration is $25 and is available online at https://event-wizard.com/2013Agroforestry/0/register/

Or contact the Resources North Assocation at 250-612-5840,  diana@resourcesnorth.org

Okanagan Agroforestry Field Day, Oct 18

Friday, October 18, 2013  1:00 to 4:00 pm
Hosted by Curly Frog Farm, Kelowna and Marshall Farms, Winfield

Join us for an informative afternoon discussing alley cropping, nut orchards, exotic fruit and hardwood production.  Free to attend.  RSVP Brenda at 250 491 3404.

Agenda

1:00 - 1:20 pm Curly Frog Farm, 395 Hereron Road, Kelowna

• Brenda Dureault, Curly Frog Farm: Welcome and introductions; motivations for using agroforestry in small-lot agriculture.
• George Powell: BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative (AIDI): Overview of agroforestry and the AIDI.
• Dave Trotter, BC Ministry of Agriculture: Agroforestry development work around BC and its potential applications in the Okanagan. 

Okanagan Alley Cropping Demonstration

1:20 - 2:30 pm Tour of the Curly Frog Farm Alley Cropping Demonstration

• Brenda Dureault, Curly Frog Farm: Lessons learned in establishing black walnut and pawpaw trees: sourcing material, planting, irrigation, weed and pest control.
• Sandra Mah, Regional District of Central Okanagan: Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park as a source for high quality Okanagan-adapted Carpathian (English) walnuts, Chinese chestnuts and hazelnuts (filberts).

2:30 - 3:00 pm Travel to Marshall Farms (see below for driving instructions)

3:00 - 4:00 pm Tour of Marshall Farms, 12349 Lake Hill Drive, Winfield

Marshall Black Walnut Stand Planted in 2000

•  Jeff Marshall, Marshall Farms: Welcome and introduction to Marshall Farms (a third generation family-owned Okanagan orchard).
• Michael Carlson, scientist emeritus, BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations: History of black walnut in the Okanagan, including Gellatly collection and Purdue University materials testing; variation in growth and form traits of black walnut families planted at Marshall Farms.
• Jeff Marshall, Marshall Farms: Overview of black walnut orchard management, including irrigation, fertilization, spacing and pruning.

Please Note!

This field day is free to attend, but you must provide your own transportation to Curly Frog Farm and Marshall Farms.  Please ensure you dress appropriately for the possibility of inclement weather and have sturdy, water-proof footwear.

Curly Frog Farm also raises poultry.  If live or work on a poultry farm or have recently visited, or will visit a poultry operation after the field day, please refer to the following and observe standard biosecurity protocols to prevent the potential transmission of disease between flocks: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/biosec/aviafrme.pdf

Driving Instructions Curly Frog Farm to Marshall Farms:

1. Drive west on Hereron Rd to Hwy 97N.  
2. Turn right (north) onto Hwy 97N and drive 14.6 km through Winfield to Oceola Road.  
3. Turn left on Oceola Road and proceed 1.1 km uphill.  
4. Turn right on Lake Hill Drive and then after 50 m turn right to enter Marshall Farms (the first driveway on the right-hand side).  
5. Proceed downhill approximately 200m to a parking area adjacent to the walnut plantation.

Cold-Climate Food Forest Demonstration Video Update

Clear Sky Farm has released it's second video, produced by Curtis Hall, documenting the establishment of a cold-climate food forest in the East Kootenay.



Clear Sky was recently honoured to host a visit to the food forest demonstration with the Honourable Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Judith Guichon on Friday September 6th.

Gabriola Island Agroforestry Workshop, Oct 19

Join Just Another Weed Patch Farm on Saturday October 19th from 1:00 pm – 3:45 pm  on lovely Gabriola Island for an afternoon site visit and in depth presentation on the successes and challenges of their Agroforestry Demonstration Project!
   
Registration is free by emailing weedpatch@telus.net  Nutty, light refreshments will be provided. Spaces are limited! If you cannot attend please note the presentation will be video recorded and posted online at a later date for your viewing pleasure!

September Agroforestry Extension Events

The British Columbia Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative (AIDI) is pleased to provide support for a big line-up of education and outreach events in September.  All events are free to attend, but please contact the respective event organizers to indicate your attendance.

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Silver Hills Biodiversity Tour (AGF1304)
Friday, 6 September 2013, 10:00 - whenever
Silver Hills Ranch, Lumby

More information:  http://www.agroforestry.info/2013/07/6th-annual-silver-hills-ranch.html

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Streamside Honeybees Agroforestry Tour (AGF1205)
Saturday, 7 September 2013, 13:00 - 14:00
Murray Family Woodlot, near Slocan City

More information: http://www.agroforestry.info/2013/08/streamside-honeybees-agroforestry-tour.html

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Kootenay Silvopasture Tour (AGF1207)
Thursday, 19 September 2013, 08:00 – 12:00
Start from junction of Pritchard Road and Hwy 3/93, Cranbrook

More information: http://www.agroforestry.info/2013/08/2013-kootenay-silvopasture-tour-sept-19.html

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Agroforestry Open House (AGF1103)
Monday, 23 September 2013, 16:00 - 20:00
Resources North Boardroom
2666 Queensway Street, Prince George

More information: http://www.agroforestry.info/2013/08/agroforestry-open-house-prince-george.html

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Cariboo Silvopasture Workshop & Tour (AGF1209)
Friday, 27 September 2013, 10:00 – 16:00
At the Zirnhelt Ranch, 5455 Jacobson Rd (near Big Lake Ranch, BC, east of Williams Lake)

More information:http://www.agroforestry.info/2013/08/cariboo-silvopasture-workshop-tour.html

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A full listing of AIDI extension events is available at:  http://www.agroforestry.info/p/events.html

Agroforestry Open House, Prince George

Resources North Association, with funding support from the BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative, invites all interested in farming or learning more about agroforestry to attend their Agroforestry Open House.

Where? 
Resources North Boardroom
2666 Queensway Street
Prince George, BC

When?
Monday, September 23, 2013
16:00 - 20:00 (4 to 8 pm)

Complimentary snacks and beverages will be available.

Come and learn how agroforestry can help land owners diversify products, markets and farm income; improve soil and water quality; reduce erosion; and, enhance biodiversity while sustaining land resources for generations to come.

Streamside Honeybees Agroforestry Tour, September 7

Streamside Honeybees Agroforestry Tour,
Saturday September 7, 2013 13:00 - 14:00
8875 Martens Rd, Slocan City, BC

Beekeeping with native stream-side shrubs is the topic of a free tour being offered near Slocan City on Saturday, September 7. The tour will highlight the results of a demonstration project at the Murray Family Woodlot where a riparian area is newly planted with three native shrubs well-suited to the region. The Murray Family, with funding from the British Columbia Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative (AIDI ), are showcasing the benefits of integrating honey bees in riparian plantings for both conservation benefits and economic diversification.

The Kootenays are replete with small private land parcels endowed with streams. These riparian corridors are rarely utilized, yet can provide multiple benefits to land owners when managed with care. Many native shrubs grow products like berries and bark which are in demand for food and medicinals. When beehives are nearby, flowering shrubs benefit from honey bee pollination services while also benefiting bees with pollen and nectar for producing honey. Riparian buffers further complement hives by providing both a windbreak and surface water required by bees. Thus, sensitive riparian systems can be managed for economic benefit while protecting drinking water and wildlife habitat.


Directions to Tour: From Hwy 6, turn on to Martens Rd (1.3 km south of Slocan City exit).  Drive past the 'White Pines Dojo' sign and continue uphill to the corner.  There is a driveway on left side of road just before this corner, and 8875 sign.  (If you miss, you'll simply come to dead-end).

Please park along road.  (Parking space is limited up the driveway).  If you arrive late, you can simply walk up driveway about 100 meters and give a holler.

For additional details on the tour, please contact Michael Murray at 250-354-1412.