On farms across the country, hedgerows installed along field edges are taking root, helping farmers attract pollinators and beneficial insects that provide natural pest control, reducing the need for chemicals. At the same time, these rows of native trees, shrubs and wildflowers restore wildlife habitat, reconnect fragmented ecosystems and sequester carbon, offering a practical solution that benefits both the land and the people who farm it. Groups like Wild Farm Alliance and others are helping farmers bring nature back to agriculture, showing that working lands can be a powerful part of the climate and biodiversity solution.

Hedgerows to the Moon and Back

On-farm habitat has disappeared across millions of acres of industrial farms. Historically, Great Britain’s hedgerows could have reached the moon and back, a distance of ~500,000 miles, but nearly half are gone.

Our goal is to inspire 25% of U.S. farms to plant a Farmland Wildway, having an average of 1 mile of a hedgerow or windbreak, leading to 500,000 miles of living field borders. 

How Do I Get Started with Planting Habitat?

Wild Farm Alliance offers a mix of resources, educational and funding opportunities for installing wildways.

Publications

• Installing Habitat to Increase Farm Diversity A step-by-step publication
• Optimizing Hedgerows for Birds Ten bird tips for consideration while planning a hedgerow
• Hedgerows and Farmscaping for California Agriculture booklet, written by our partner at Hedgerows Unlimited
• Hedgerow Benefits Align with Food Production and Sustainability Goals; co-authored by our partner at UC Cooperative Extension

Video Resources

• Hedgerows: Living Fences to the Moon and Back (embedded above)
• Managing Lettuce Pests with Natural Enemies Habitat
• Hedgerows to the Moon and Back webinar
• Diversify Your Farm to Support Birds and Make it Safer

Farmer Stories

• A budding farm lays down a framework of hedgerows
• A new generation brings in more diversity
• An established farm broadens out their sustainability practices
• An organic farmer celebrates the plethora of beneficial insects

Technical and Financial Assistance

We and our partners assist farmers in researching the best options for installing a wildway, and help them obtain funds to purchase plants and supplies.

• Throughout California, we are helping farmers and their assistants with planting wildways (hedgerows, field borders and windbreaks) through California’s Healthy Soils Program, which aims to sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Contact us to find out about enrollment periods.
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) also offers support for hedgerows, field borders and windbreaks across the nation, with an aim towards clean water, healthy soil and better wildlife habitat. Contact your state office.