Agroforestry Initiative
A living laboratory where trees, crops, and research grow together. Building resilient food systems for education and community impact.
Project Overview
Research Start: 2025
We're creating an agroforestry research and education project that combines trees, crops, and sustainable farming practices. This living laboratory will demonstrate how integrated land-use systems can build resilience while producing food, education, and environmental benefits.
Agroforestry isn't new—it's actually older than conventional farming. By working with nature instead of against it, these systems create positive feedback loops: trees provide shade and windbreaks, fix nitrogen in soil, support beneficial insects, and reduce the need for external inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.
Our approach will be practical and research-driven. We'll start with a demonstration site where we can test different agroforestry methods, document results, and share what we learn with farmers, students, and the community.
Why This Matters
Understanding forests as productive ecosystems, not just wild spaces to be cleared
The Missing Knowledge
When people think of forests, they often see only "wild" spaces—beautiful but unproductive. Without education about forests as working ecosystems, land gets cleared for conventional farms, destroying habitat and biodiversity in the process. We lose both the forest and the opportunity to create something better.
Forests Can Be Farms Too
The truth is powerful: forests can be productive food systems. By integrating trees with crops and livestock, we create food forests and agroforestry systems that produce nutritious food for people while providing habitat for wildlife, improving soil health, storing carbon, and protecting watersheds. These aren't just farms or forests—they're both.
Building Productive Ecosystems Together
This research initiative exists to prove what's possible and share that knowledge widely. We're creating living examples of productive ecosystems where:
- ✓People thrive through diverse food production and economic opportunities
- ✓Wildlife thrives with habitat, food sources, and connected corridors
- ✓The land itself thrives with improved soil, clean water, and resilient forests
- ✓Communities learn how to replicate these systems on their own land
Our Research Mission
By documenting what works, what doesn't, and why—we can give farmers, landowners, and communities the knowledge they need to create their own productive forest ecosystems. Education breaks the cycle of destruction. Knowledge creates possibility. Together, we're building forests that feed both people and nature.
Why Agroforestry Matters
Climate Resilience
Trees help systems survive droughts, extreme heat, and changing weather patterns that challenge single-crop farms.
Better Soil Health
Deep tree roots bring nutrients up from lower soil layers and add organic matter when leaves fall.
More Diverse Income
Instead of just one crop, farmers can harvest fruits, nuts, timber, and annual crops from the same land.
Natural Pest Control
Trees attract beneficial insects and birds that help control crop pests naturally.
Water Conservation
Tree canopies reduce evaporation and improve soil's ability to hold water during dry periods.
Carbon Storage
Trees and improved soil capture and store carbon from the atmosphere long-term.
Three Agroforestry Systems We'll Test
Alley Cropping
Rows of trees with annual crops grown between them. Think walnut trees with asparagus or vegetables in the middle.
Example: Fruit trees with herbs and vegetables, or nut trees with grain crops.
Silvopasture
Combining trees with grazing animals. Trees provide shade and wind protection while animals fertilize the soil.
Example: Chickens under fruit trees, or sheep grazing in managed woodlands.
Food Forest
Mimicking natural forest structure with different layers: tall trees, understory trees, shrubs, groundcover, and root crops.
Example: Nut trees overhead, berry bushes in the middle, herbs on the ground, with root vegetables below.
What We Want to Learn
Which tree and crop combinations work best in Ohio's climate?
How much water do these systems save compared to conventional farms?
What's the carbon storage potential over 5, 10, and 20 years?
How do soil health and biodiversity change over time?
What are the economic benefits and challenges for farmers?
How can we make this knowledge accessible to other farmers?
Our Implementation Plan
Phase 0: Research & Planning (2025-2026)
- • Identify and secure suitable project location
- • Develop comprehensive agroforestry practices guide
- • Create detailed implementation instructions
- • Design complete site plan and infrastructure needs
Phase 1: Site Preparation (2026-2027)
- • Soil testing and detailed site assessment
- • Finalize layout for different agroforestry zones
- • Source native trees and climate-appropriate crops
- • Install basic infrastructure (pathways, water access)
Phase 2: Initial Planting (2027-2028)
- • Plant trees in alley cropping and silvopasture areas
- • Start food forest with canopy and understory layers
- • Establish monitoring plots and data collection systems
- • Begin community education workshops
Phase 3: Growth & Research (2028-2030)
- • Add annual crops between tree rows
- • Monitor soil health, water use, and biodiversity
- • Host field days and training programs
- • Partner with universities for formal research
Phase 4: Maturation & Expansion (2031+)
- • Trees reach productive maturity
- • Document and share long-term results
- • Support other agroforestry projects in the region
- • Consider expansion to additional sites
Educational Opportunities
Field Days & Workshops
Regular hands-on learning sessions for farmers, students, and community members to see agroforestry in action.
Research Documentation
Publish findings and create resources that other communities can use to start their own projects.
Community Partnerships
Work with local schools, farmers, and organizations to spread knowledge about sustainable land use.
Student Research Projects
Provide real-world research opportunities for students studying agriculture, environmental science, and related fields.
Current Status
Research and planning phase
Pre-Planning Phase
This project is in the earliest research stage. We need to identify suitable land, develop comprehensive plans, and create implementation guides before any practical work can begin.
Immediate Research & Planning Steps
Step 1: Site Location Research
Identify and evaluate potential locations for the agroforestry project. Consider land availability, soil quality, water access, and legal requirements.
Step 2: Develop Agroforestry Practices Guide
Create comprehensive documentation of agroforestry methods suitable for Ohio climate and educational purposes.
Step 3: Create Implementation Instructions
Write detailed step-by-step instructions for establishing and managing each type of agroforestry system.
Step 4: Design Comprehensive Site Plan
Develop detailed layout plans for alley cropping, silvopasture, and food forest zones including infrastructure needs.
Step 5: Establish Research Framework
Define research questions, monitoring methods, and data collection protocols for the educational component.
Step 6: Build Partnerships & Resources
Connect with universities, extension services, and experienced agroforestry practitioners for guidance and collaboration.
Research Phase Focus
Before any physical work can begin, we need to complete thorough research, planning, and documentation. This foundation work will ensure the project's success and educational value.
Get Involved
Help us build a resilient food system that works with nature. Whether you're a farmer, student, researcher, or simply curious about sustainable agriculture, there are ways to contribute to this project.
Join our mailing list to stay updated on project progress, volunteer opportunities, and educational events. This project will grow stronger with community involvement and shared knowledge.