Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension offer workshop on agroforestry practices
Landowners interested in learning more about two agroforestry practices — silvopasture and riparian buffers — can attend a daylong workshop on Saturday, Nov. 8 in Warrenton hosted by Virginia Tech’s Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation and Virginia Cooperative Extension.
Many practices fall under the broad category of agroforestry, which is the integration of trees into agricultural systems. Silvopasture combines trees with forage and livestock production in a mutually beneficial way. Riparian buffers are bands of trees planted parallel to creeks to reduce erosion and intercept pollution from adjacent farmland.
Trees in agroforestry systems can be managed for timber, livestock fodder, fruits, nuts, florals, and more, offering landowners opportunities to produce marketable forest products in addition to agricultural products. Incorporating more trees into the landscape also plays an important role in improving soil health and water quality.
“This workshop offers landowners a great opportunity to learn more about incorporating trees onto their land in ways that can meet both production and conservation objectives,” said Katie Trozzo, agroforestry Extension associate. “We have talks and interactive sessions planned to include details of establishment, market opportunities for agroforestry products, and challenges and success stories from current agroforesters.”
The workshop takes place Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Lord Fairfax Community College’s Fauquier Campus in Warrenton, Virginia. The registration fee of $15 includes lunch. Participants can register online.
For more information, please email Paxton Ramsdell or call 540-231-0790.
