By Andi Anderson
The Savanna Institute and the University of Illinois Extension are hosting a one-day agroforestry event on September 30 at 4-H Memorial Camp near Allerton Park in Monticello, Illinois.
The workshop and field tour will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will highlight how agroforestry practices benefit pollinators, birds, and game species, including whitetail deer.
Speakers and educators will share knowledge about how trees and woody plants can support both agricultural production and wildlife habitat. Participants will learn how intentional land design can improve ecological outcomes while offering recreational opportunities.
“Agroforestry can be about more than protecting farmland or producing food,” says MJ Oviatt, agroforestry educator with the Savanna Institute. “It can also be a powerful tool for enhancing your hunting success. By strategically designing your habitat and plantings, you can attract and guide trophy bucks through your property.”
The 2022 Census of Agriculture showed that over 30,000 U.S. farms reported using agroforestry practices such as alley cropping, silvopasture, forest farming, riparian buffers, or windbreaks, marking a 6% increase from the previous census. These approaches demonstrate the growing role of agroforestry in balancing productivity with conservation.
Topics covered during the event will include the benefits of wildlife habitat, introductions to agroforestry, and recent research findings on bird diversity in Illinois. Attendees will also participate in field tours featuring an alley cropping demonstration farm and managed natural areas at Allerton Park.
A roundtable discussion and presentations on designing land layouts for deer hunting success will further expand learning opportunities.
The event is open to landowners, conservationists, hunters, birders, and natural resource professionals. Registration details and more information are available through the Savanna Institute website.
This agroforestry workshop offers a unique chance to explore how thoughtful land management can create healthier ecosystems, support wildlife populations, and offer valuable recreational benefits across Illinois landscapes.
Photo Credit:illinois-state-university
Categories: Illinois, General