Agroforestry Field Day: Silvopasture & Orchard Tour

Curious about what agroforestry could look like in Indiana?

Join us for a hands-on day of learning and snacking under the trees at

is teaming up with the to host this one-of-a-kind field day to highlight a stunning example of agroforestry in Indiana.

What is Agroforestry?

Agroforestry is the planting of trees or shrubs on farms for a purpose. The USDA has defined agroforestry practices as silvopasture, alley cropping, windbreaks, riparian forest buffers, and forest farming.

• Presentations: Agroforestry Basics, Site Plannings, Funding & Maintenance (~1.5 hrs)

We’ll kick things off with Xinyuan Shi from the Savanna Institute who will introduce the basics of agroforestry and how to assess your land and start planning an agroforestry project. Next, we’ll hear from Jim McKenna, a tree breeder and long-time nut tree expert, about his work with nut trees and the plantings at Woolly Yak —and what it takes to maintain these systems, specifically Northern Pecans.

• Farm and Orchard Tour (~1.5hrs)

Farm owners and operator Chris and Cathy Lammer along with Jim McKenna will lead a walking tour, highlighting the pecan and yak silvopasture, persimmon and pawpaw plantings, and other sustainability features.

• Hearty snacks and fruitful discussion (throughout the event!)

A shuttle will be available to those interested from the southside of Indianapolis to the farm, generously provided by the Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District. After registering, you will be prompted with a question to indicate your interest.

The shuttle meetup point is Bethany Lutheran Church, 4702 S East St, Indianapolis, IN 46227. The shuttle will depart promptly at 9:00 AM Eastern.

Cost:

This event is free with a suggestied donation of $30-$40.

This event is sponsored by Partners IN Food and Farming and The Savanna Institute. This work, including the carpooling, is also supported in part through the Marion County SWCD, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, North Central SARE, and Clean Water Indiana.

Info: Xinyuan Shi from the Savanna Institute will introduce the basics of agroforestry along with how to assess your land and start planning an agroforestry project. She will also walk through practical tools and strategies for funding an agroforestry project.

Info: Jim McKenna is a tree breeder and nut tree expert, specializing in chestnuts, pecans, and walnut and has worked with Woolly Yak on their agroforestry plantings. He will discuss the history of the Woolly Yak site and strategies for tree maintenance.

Info: Walking tour of Woolly Yak Farm. Highlights include yak and pecan silvopasture, and pawpaw and persimmon orchards.

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