WiWiC Conservation Camp Webinar Series: Agroforestry and Perennial Crops

"I'm all in on conservation. Now what?"

In this four-part 2025 Summer Camp webinar series we're focusing on next steps and possible ways to expand and maintain the good work you're doing to provide ecological services to your community through land stewardship. This series is brought to you in a partnership between Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and Renewing the Countryside. Our third webinar in the series will explore agroforestry and perennial cropping.

Are you thinking of putting perennials on some of your land and are wondering about the effect of that decision on the land? Are you a good steward of the land and want to consciously improve soil health and are looking for ways to do that? Or you are just wondering what perennial cropping is! Well, Perennial cropping and agroforestry are regenerative land management practices that significantly enhance soil health. Unlike annual crops, perennials have deep, permanent root systems that improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and increase water retention. 

Perennial cropping experts Katie Adams of Savanna Institute and Nicole Tautges of Michael Fields Agricultural Institute will be presenting to you on what perennial systems are, what systems can be adopted, what benefits they bring to the land, and how soil health improves as a result of planting trees and perennial crops. They will talk about how these practices promote nutrient cycling, build soil organic carbon, and create resilient agroecosystems that support long-term productivity and ecological balance.

 So much great information will be shared. Come ready to learn and bring your questions!

WiWiC Host:

Alanna Koshollek, Renewing the Countryside, WiWiC West Central and South West Region Coordinator

Presenter:  

Nicole Tautges, Research Director, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute

Kaitie Adams, Demonstration Farms Director, Savanna Institute

Whatever your background, from beginners to experts, all women are welcome and we want to hear your stories and questions. Feel free to bring your lunch. S’mores optional! Pets and children always welcome in our casual Zoom space.

About Wisconsin Women in Conservation

WiWiC is a state-wide collaborative effort led by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in partnership with state and federal conservation agencies, local organizations, and other farm advocacy groups. WiWiC brings together Wisconsin's women landowners, farmers, farm workers, urban growers, and conservation professionals to connect and share about conservation practices, resources, and funding opportunities.

About 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, The Institute supports farmers, food systems and communities in the Upper Midwest and beyond through a range of programs and initiatives. We believe agriculture can sustain both human and ecosystem health, while advancing food security, independence, and justice. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news and events.About =

About Renewing the Countryside

Renewing the Countryside is a non-profit based in Minneapolis, MN, that supports just, sustainable, and vibrant communities, both urban and rural, through a variety of agricultural and food system programs and partner initiatives.

Content Disclaimer

While the WiWiC project strives to make the information provided to individuals as timely and accurate as possible, we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the content of our webinars. The information presented is solely the speakers’ expressed views and WiWiC expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in content.

Register to get the link HERE