Agroforestry Work Day at Kohl Farm, Milwaukee

Calling all curious volunteers! At this work day, you'll learn about agroforestry, about food forests, and about how to plant trees and shrubs in a way that gives them the best chance to thrive. Plan to learn, dig, wait around a little between tasks, and have fun with a great crowd of people in UW Milwaukee Extension's productive Kohl Farm Community Garden.

This volunteer event will support the installation of an agroforestry demonstration site of 100+ trees and plants at Kohl Farm. Experienced professionals from Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and UW Milwaukee Extension will lead the day, teaching people about proper tree planting and care techniques. With your help, we'll be creating a a sustainable, low-input food system to nourish ourselves, heal the land, and create habitat for local wildlife.

This event is free to attend, but registration is important so we know how to plan the day.

Bring a water bottle and appropriate wear for working outside such as closed toe shoes/boots, work gloves, a hat, sunscreen, and temperature appropriate clothes.

For more information, please reach out to Nolan Burkard, nburkard@michaelfields.org or call 262-347-7681. ​What Is Agroforestry?

Agroforestry is a land management approach that integrates trees, shrubs, and other perennial plants into crop, garden, and livestock systems. By mirroring natural ecosystems,agroforestry improves soil health, supports biodiversity, and improves local climate resilience. Agroforestry plantings can provide food, habitat, and income while protecting water and soil for future generations.​​ Learn about the Showcasing Agroforestry in SE Wisconsin project HERE.

About Michael Fields Agricultural Institute

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (MFAI) is a non-profit organization that has been cultivating resiliency through research, education, and policy work since 1984. With a broad coalition of public and private partners, MFAI supports farmers, food systems and communities in the Upper Midwest and beyond through a range of programs and initiatives. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news and events. Learn more and join us at michaelfields.org. MFAI is the lead partner on the Showcasing Agroforestry in SE Wisconsin project.

About UW Extension Milwaukee County

Community gardens have been a fixture of Milwaukee County Extension since rental plots were first made available at the Milwaukee County Park grounds in 1972. Over the past five decades, Milwaukee County Extension’s Urban Agriculture programming has grown to include 11 garden sites, including Kohl Farm which provides educational programming and rental garden plots.  At Kohl Farm, we've planted trees and shrubs as windbreaks and riparian buffers in an area of the farm that has historically flooded during heavy rains.  We've also cleared buckthorn in a hedgerow and replanted a variety of trees and shrubs that will provide food for both wildlife and people. The work continues and you can help!

Project partners MFAI, UW Extension Milwaukee, Savanna Institute, and the demonstration site hosts are very grateful to the Daybreak Fund and Caerus Fund for their financial support of this project, and to Plantra, Inc, for the donation of tree protection supplies.