And today is Give to the Max Day! This special day of giving, sponsored by a Minnesota nonprofit, celebrates generosity and community impact. By making a donation to WFA today, you will help us expand our reach into the Midwest and beyond, growing the movement to bring nature back to our farms.

Thank you for being part of our growing community. Enjoy this Month’s News From the Wild!

Farmscape Diversity Impacts on Pest Control

Jordan Lonborg wants to revolutionize how the viticultural world defines success. As Vineyard Manager at Tablas Creek Vineyard, he's challenging the traditional concept of a vineyard as a neatly groomed monoculture. Instead, Jordan and the team at Tablas Creek see the land as a thriving, interconnected ecosystem—a living organism where biodiversity reigns.

Our latest video resource showcases Tablas Creek’s approach to pest management as well as research from Nate Haan, professor at University of Kentucky. Jordan focuses on encouraging the natural checks and balances within the farm ecosystem rather than exerting strict control. He mentions that when French viticulturists visit, they often leave inspired to diversify their own practices. Nate provides valuable insights into how natural enemies operate and the importance of on-farm and surrounding habitats in influencing pest and beneficial insect populations. He illustrates ways to design farm environments that support effective pest management.

EcoFarm & Wild Farm Alliance Jointly Present:

Practical Whole Farm Solutions for Pest Management Practitioners and Growers

Pre-Conference Event on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 8 am - 5 pm
Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, CA
$99 (lunch included)

A unique opportunity to learn a whole systems approach to pest management, this preconference addresses both soil health and habitat diversity on the farm. The target audience is PCAs, CCAs and growers of California agriculture. It covers techniques on how to reduce the use of pesticides and come into compliance with California's pesticide reduction strategy. Learn more about the sessions included in this pre-conference event and register today!

Help us Get to the Moon and Back!

We’re thrilled to share the progress on our goal to incorporate native habitat on farms! With the commitment of farmers and supporters like you, we’re transforming more acres into vibrant ecosystems that support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. These habitats don’t just benefit wildlife; they’re also powerful allies on the farm, providing natural pest control, improving water infiltration, preventing erosion, and more. It’s a true win-win!

This year, I planned over 13 miles of hedgerows for farmers, bringing us closer to our audacious goal of Hedgerows to the Moon and Back. Farmers are eager to bring these plans to life, and we’ll be planting throughout this fall and next spring. But we need your help to keep this momentum going!

One farmer, in the process of converting from conventional to organic almond production, said he wanted to plant hedgerows for beneficial insects–to try and attract as many as possible since they won’t be spraying synthetic pesticides anymore. “Nick at Wild Farm Alliance designed what we should plant and space and how we should lay it out,” he said. “So without him, I wouldn't have known what to do.”

Each native habitat we establish strengthens biodiversity, builds resilience in our food system, and plays a part in addressing climate change. Please consider making a donation today to help us reach “hedgerows to the moon and back” and build a healthier, more sustainable future—one farm at a time.

Nick Filannino
Technical Advisor - Ecologist

Win for Pollinators! Pesticide Treated Seeds No Longer Exempt in California

In a win for pollinators and other wildlife, pesticide treated seeds are no longer exempt from regulation in California, thanks to a settlement between California Department of Pesticide Regulation and a group of conservation advocates, including NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), Californians for Pesticide Reform, the Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Earth, and Pesticide Action Network North America.

Neonicotinoids, or “neonics,” are neurotoxic pesticides and commonly used as seed treatments. Neonics are pervasive and ecologically destructive pollutants. They are a leading cause of bee and other pollinator population declines and contribute to bird losses. They also destabilize aquatic ecosystems, are linked with birth defects in species like white-tailed deer, and decimate the soil health.

“It's about time!” said Margaret Reeves, a senior scientist at Pesticide Action Network North America. “We are pleased that DPR finally made the right decision on this, especially given the fact that internationally many countries already report seed treatment use of pesticides while the U.S. does not. May California once again lead the rest of the country as we catch up with other countries on this important use of pesticides and route of pesticide exposure.”

Webinar Series: Climate-resilient pollinator habitats across Minnesota landscapes

Curious about how climate change is impacting pollinators? Wondering how diverse ecosystems contribute to supporting their habitats? Join an engaging webinar series to learn how you can support pollinators in any space—big or small—and help build resilient ecosystems in the face of climate change. University of Minnesota Extension educators are excited to host this webinar series on learning more about our pollinators.

This four-part series will cover how the changing climate affects pollinators, the role of pollinators in food production, ideas for establishing pollinator habitat in small spaces, and how woodlands can serve as another pollinator habitat. Dates for this free webinar series are January 27, 28, 29 and 30 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. CST. You must pre-register.

Today is Give to the Max Day!
Join us in making a difference.

November 21st is Minnesota’s Give to the Max Day—a celebration of generosity and community impact! Sponsored by the nonprofit GiveMN, this annual day of giving brings people together to make a difference for organizations they care about.

As Wild Farm Alliance expands our work from the West Coast to the Midwest, your support is more important than ever. Together, we can strengthen the connection between agriculture and conservation, creating a future where farms thrive alongside nature.

What does your gift to Wild Farm Alliance make possible?

Inspiring Stewardship
Your support helps us showcase innovative practices through field days, webinars, and videos that demonstrate how farms can protect water, support wildlife, and build climate resilience—empowering more farmers to adopt sustainable practices.

Empowering Farmers
We work directly with thousands of farmers, providing hands-on solutions like installing native habitats and nest boxes, reconnecting food systems with ecosystems to build vibrant, biodiverse farms.

Growing the Movement
Your gift fuels the creation of science-based resources and tools that guide farmers in supporting beneficial birds, insects, and wildlife, all while sequestering carbon and building healthy soils.

Your generosity today will help us expand this vital work into the Midwest, growing a movement of stewardship and sustainability.

Let’s make a big impact together—donate to Wild Farm Alliance this Give to the Max Day and help us build a brighter, more biodiverse future!

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