Agroforestry
Integrating trees and crops for a sustainable farm
Agroforestry integrates trees, crops, and livestock into a productive system that benefits the environment and farm operations. Windbreaks, alley cropping, silvopasture, and riparian buffers help reduce erosion, improve water retention, provide shade for livestock, and support healthy landscapes—all while offering additional sources of income.
- Plant windbreaks: Establish windbreaks around fields to reduce wind erosion and provide shelter for crops and livestock.
- Incorporate trees into crops: Use alley cropping to combine tree planting with crops to improve soil and yield.
- Establish riparian buffers: Plant native vegetation along streams to reduce erosion and filter runoff.
Explore Conservation Resources
The Burke Herbarium Image Collection provides an extensive online database of plant, fungi, and lichen specimens, including high-resolution images and detailed records. It supports botanical research, identification, and education, particularly for species in the Pacific Northwest.
This resource offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to teach high school students about soil science through ten engaging lessons. Each lesson includes activities, follow-up projects, and journal worksheets, all aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, to enhance students' understanding of soil's critical role in our ecosystem.
WSU’s Hedgerows and Farmscaping program provides guidance on designing and implementing hedgerows to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and support pollinators. It offers resources for farmers and land managers to integrate these features into agricultural landscapes for ecological and economic benefits.
The USDA PLANTS Database (Plant List of Accepted Nomenclature, Taxonomy, and Symbols) is a resource offering detailed information on plant species across the United States, including their taxonomy, distribution, and conservation status. It supports research, education, and land management with tools like plant guides and an extensive image library.
PLT offers a suite of award-winning environmental education materials that use trees and forests as windows to the world, engaging students in learning about the environment and their place within it.
This resource offers educational materials and tools designed to teach students about soil properties, formation, and conservation, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of soil's role in the environment.
The Pacific Northwest Herbaria Consortium provides an online database for exploring plant specimen data from herbaria across the region, supporting botanical research and conservation. It offers tools for mapping, identifying, and studying native plants and their distributions.
The Washington Native Plant Society (WNPS) is dedicated to the appreciation, conservation, and restoration of Washington's native plants and their habitats. Through education, advocacy, and on-the-ground projects, WNPS connects people to native plant resources, events, and conservation efforts.
The WSU Extension Forestry program offers research-based education and resources for forested property owners and the general public. They provide classes, workshops, field days, publications, videos, and online resources to assist in achieving forest management goals.
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