Seeking Milwaukee Site for Urban Agroforestry Demonstration Project - $15,000 Site Partner Award Available

The Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (MFAI) is seeking a new partner site in Milwaukee County to host a publicly visible, small-scale agroforestry demonstration as part of our Showcasing and Supporting Agroforestry in SE Wisconsin Communities initiative, supported by the Daybreak Fund.

For this project, agroforestry can include planting of trees and shrubs that are fruit or nut bearing, or provide ecosystem services, like riparian buffering, habitat corridors, pollination services, etc. MFAI will work with the partner to select species per the site’s interest and species suitability to the site.

We are offering a $15,000 award to a selected site partner to support site preparation, planting, and training for long term care of trees and shrubs during the October 2025 - December 2026 season.

What We’re Looking For:

• A publicly accessible site(s) (e.g., nonprofit campus, community space, schoolyard, or city park) with at minimum ¼ acre available for planting

• Commitment to ongoing tree and site maintenance

• Willing to host community education and engagement activities on-site

• Located in The Lake Michigan Watershed near Milwaukee County

• Ownership of the Land Title(s) for the site(s) (need a minimum year lease or letter from land owner agreeing to manage the trees for 10+ years of management)

• Committed to agroforestry and community engagement

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What MFAI Provides:

• Technical support and design guidance from MFAI and the Savanna Institute

• Project materials including trees, shrubs, and signage

• A $15,000 award (for 2026) to support the site’s work in maintaining and showcasing the demonstration

• Inclusion in outreach events, videos, and other public education efforts

This project aims to demonstrate how agroforestry—integrating trees into agricultural or community systems—can improve water quality, build soil health and support community health.

Interested parties should submit a letter of inquiry to nburkard@michaelfields.org with subject line “2025 Milwaukee Agroforestry Site”. Please attach as many documents listed above as you can, to provide proof of eligibility per the “What We’re Looking For” section above.  Questions can be submitted to the program manager Nolan Burkard nburkard@michaelfields.org . Applications will be reviewed starting July 15 with a partner notified by mid August.