Inspiring Farmers

We are inspiring farmers to take actions that value riparian zones because of their unique food webs that overlap onto farmlands. 

waterway_FAQ_image2.pngNatural enemies, such as lady bugs, parasitoid wasps, and songbirds that live in riverine habitat will move out into the farm when pest insects are on the rise. Rodent-eating predators that are traveling the riparian corridor will seek out their prey on farms, as will raptors when trees are present from which they can hunt. The riparian vegetation is also valuable because it stabilizes banks during flooding events, and riparian soils help to recharge groundwater.

Technical and Financial Assistance

With the help of our partners, we assist farmers in restoring riparian forest buffers and riparian herbaceous buffers.

  • We are assisting California farmers who have waterways with planting riparian forest and herbaceous buffers 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 riparian forest and herbaceous buffers across the nation, with an aim towards clean water, healthy soil and better wildlife habitat. Contact your state office.

 

Education Opportunities

 

Tools and Resources