Agroforestry Work Day in 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 a beautiful public park, Hawthorn Glen.

This volunteer event will support the installation of and agroforestry demonstration site of 50+ trees and plants at Hawthorn Glen. Nolan (MFAI), Mackenzie (HG), and Mason (UWE) will lead the day, teaching people to implement Hawthorn’s Food Forest design through proper tree planting and care techniques.

“The planting day at Hawthorn Glen is a great opportunity to get outside and learn about urban agroforestry and how to properly plant trees. I am excited to see Hawthorn Glen’s plan take shape with this planting day!” - Nolan Burkard, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute Research Technician.

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

Light snacks and water will be provided, but plan to bring your own lunch and a water bottle. Bring appropriate wear for working outside such as closed toe shoes/boots, 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.

​​​​Why Plant a Food Forest?

A food forest is an agroforestry practice that integrates a variety of food plants to replicate ecosystems and growing patterns found in nature. They are food production systems using perennial plants combined with annuals in a multi-story cropping design. Community food forests are a regenerative way to address the increased need for urban food security, resilient communities and productive public land. They can help people learn about and care for plants that produce edible fruits, nuts and vegetables.

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 Hawthorn Glen and MKE REC Hawthorn Glen is a vibrant urban green space managed by the Milwaukee Recreation division of Milwaukee Public Schools. Neighbors from the west side of Milwaukee and Wauwatosa enjoy its trails and athletic fields. Hundreds of children from MPS visit Hawthorn Glen each year for inclusive outdoor education programming delivered by a staff of talented naturalists and conservation educators. 

Hawthorn Glen is adding food forestry into its portfolio of outdoor recreation outreach. Reflecting the unique needs of this site which is undergoing active habitat restoration and invasive species removal, the agroforestry design created by Milwaukee Rec Staff in consultation with MFAI and UW Extension seeks to achieve balance between productive fruit and nut cropping and the diverse uses of this urban forest oasis by people and wildlife.

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.