PFI Field Day: Establishing On-farm Pollinator Habitat
Event Details
366 W Ave.
Ames, IA 50014
Contact Name: Practical Farmers of Iowa
Email: info@practicalfarmers.org
Phone: (515) 232-5661
Website: practicalfarmers.org
Event Description
Description:
Mustard Seed Farm has used a variety of strategies for on-farm pollinator habitat, including 5 acres of tallgrass prairie buffers, a beneficial insect bank, prairie gardens, perennial strips in annual vegetable beds, flowering trees and shrubs, and annual flowers. This field day will focus on incorporating pollinator habitat into annual and perennial food production. Attendees will tour and discuss these habitats, and are encouraged to bring their own ideas to compare and discuss as well. Insect activity should be good at this time of day and month to see the habitat at work. Ai Wen from UNI and Will Osterholz from ISU will also discuss Mustard Seed’s on-farm pollinator research. There may also be a few short presentations by farm members, and potentially a native bee house making workshop as well. Call for these details as the date approaches.
Topics:
•Establishing prairie
•Prairie gardens
•Prairie management
•Perennial habitat in annual production
•Pollinator diversity
•On-farm pollinator research
The Farm:
Guided by faith and ethics, Mustard Seed is an all-volunteer community farm dedicated to sustainable living, love of neighbor, land stewardship, and creating an environment in which everyone can participate in growing and eating delicious, healthy, locally produced food. Located north of Ames, Mustard Seed includes a small CSA and provides food for low-income families, shelters and soup kitchens in the area.
Directions:
Mustard Seed Farm is located 16 miles northwest of Ames. From I-35, take Exit 123. Head west on 130th Ave. for 8.5 miles, then turn south onto W Avenue. In 0.7 miles, Mustard Seed Farm is on the east side of the road.
Snacks provided after the program.
Sponsored by: Boone County Soil and Water Conservation District and Wheatsfield Cooperative
