Agroforestry training for natural resources professionals set for June 5

An agroforestry training takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 5, at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Drive, Lanesboro.

This training is intended for professionals in forestry, agriculture and natural resources within State and Federal government agencies, University Extension, non-profit and professional organizations, who deal with land management issues and/or interact with farmers and landowners. Specifically, the training aims to enhance and improve the capacity and understanding by natural resource managers of the design and application of agroforestry practices such as natural resource management and sustainable agriculture options. It also aims to increase and strengthen partnerships and communication between core agencies and groups about agroforestry adoption and promotion.

Agroforestry expert speakers from the Center of Agroforestry-University of Missouri, National Agroforestry Center-Nebraska, University of Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Natural Resource Conservation Service have been invited to present various topics on agroforestry, which include silvopasture, alley cropping, forest farming and riparian buffers. Other topics to be discussed include wildlife, product marketing, incentive and economic benefit analysis, cost-share programs, carbon sequestration potential, and role in bioenergy production.

This event will also involve a bus tour to different agroforestry systems in southeast Minnesota, including a visit to the Badgersette Hazelnut Farm.

This training is sponsored by the University of Minnesota Extension. The cost of attending this workshop is $20.

This class offers continuing credits for foresters, stewardship plan preparers, etc. Although this training is for natural resources professionals, anyone who is interested in agroforestry can also attend.

For more information on this workshop, call Diomy Zamora at (218)828-2332 or e-mail zamor015@umn.edu. To register for the training, visit http://umnext.cmiregistration.com/ProgramDetail.aspx/AgroforestryTrainin....