Focusing on stewardship for long-term sustainability

1. Focusing on stewardship for long-term sustainability Developed by: Cinda Williams, University of Idaho Extension Kevin Laughlin, University of Idaho Extension Susan Donaldson, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Univ. of Idaho Extension

2. Topics covered in Module 8: • The whole-property concept • Integrating the lessons learned • Viewing property through a sustainability lens • How others are making it work • Monitoring and assessing progress • How you’re making it work

3. What is “sustainability”? • According to the U.S. EPA, sustainability means “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

4. What about sustainable agriculture? • According to SARE, sustainable agriculture involves farming systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for people and communities, they must be: • Economically sustainable • Environmentally sustainable • Socially sustainable

5. What does it mean to be a steward of a small acreage? “The practice of carefully managing land usage to ensure natural systems are maintained or enhanced for future generations.” -The Land Stewardship Center USDA NRCS

6. The whole-farm or whole-property view Redrawn by A. Miller from www.sare.org

7. Applying a “systems” approach • System: a group of interacting, interdependent elements that function together as a complex unified whole www.unesco.org

8. Looking at a variety of “systems” www.unesco.org

9. Systems diagram activity www.icra-edu.org

10. Systems Diagram or Mapping ActivityM8L1 page 9 • Demonstrates connections and interrelationships of system components • Helps individuals to understand the multiple cause and effect situations in a farming system CROP DIVERSITY Legume cover crop Insect diversity Longer rotation cycle Additional N and organic matter SOIL Less pest pressure Reduced disease incidence Improved soil tilth

11. A “systems thinker”: • Seeks to understand the "big picture” • Observes how elements within systems change over time, generating patterns and trends

12. Being a “systems thinker” • Identifies the circular nature of complex cause and effect relationships • Changes perspectives Habits of a Systems Thinker Information Sheet

13. Developing your goals with sustainability in mind • Environmental concerns • Economic factors • Social issues www.sare.org

14. Putting sustainable goals into action

15. Putting Sustainable Goals Into Action Activity M8L1 page 10 Make your own goals!

16. Review of resources through a sustainability lens • How do the practices we employ on our land influence our resources?

17. Corvallis-Albany Farmers' Markets Enhancing Success and Sustainability QUALITY OF LIFE RENEWABLE ENERGY VIBRANT COMMUNITIES MARKETS SUPPORT SYSTEMS EDUCATION

18. How are others making it work?Let’s focus on systems sustainability by looking at some examples of people who have made a difference in the sustainability of land, soil, water, plants, animals, etc.

19. The Mestre’s property, Nevada The Mestre’s property, Nevada UNCE, Reno, Nev. UNCE, Reno, Nev/

20. Mestre’s Property: Issues and Solutions The solution: Plant flowering perennials along the terraces and create a stable footpath. The issue: Bare, sloping ground The solution: Amend the soil with organic matter, reseed, irrigate efficiently, and reduce traffic. The issue: Poor grass cover on the playing field. The issue: Erratic supplies of irrigation water The solution: Capture the water in a storage tank UNCE, Reno, Nev.

21. Stewardship by the Mestres • Protecting ground and surface water • Conserving water • Stabilizing, amending, and covering soil to increase organic matter and moisture content and decrease erosion • Improved vegetative cover and better management of grassy areas

22. Calypso Farm and Ecology Center Ester, Alaska Issues: • Difficult climate – long winters, short extreme summers with long days • Poor soils – not very fertile, permafrost only a few inches below the surface

23. Goals and the Enterprise • Establish an organic vegetable, herb and flower operation • Educate others about environment and food • CSA with a 16 to 20 week season • Grown on 2.5 terraced acres

24. Elements of sustainability • Majority of 30 acres are not disturbed and kept forested • Trees are used as lumber • Soil is kept covered and amended, so moisture retention is improved • Rainwater is collected from roofs and used to irrigate crops and for firefighter exercises • Local community is educated

25. Monitor and assess progress • Before you took this class, how were you interacting with your resources? • What are you doing differently now? • What about in the future? • How are you making progress toward making your property more sustainable? Sustainable Farm Management Assessment Activity M8L1, pages 12-15

26. Summary • What do sustainability and stewardship mean to you? • How will you be a better steward? • How can you help your neighbors to become better stewards? • How does systems thinking help you achieve your goals?

27. How are YOU making it work? • How are you integrating what you’ve learned about your resources? • Have your long-term goals changed? Why? • What do you hope to accomplish? • How will your property be more sustainable? • How have you affected your community? Participant Presentations on their own USDA NRCS

28. You’re on your way to a sustainable approach to managing all the resources on your small acreage! UNCE, Reno, NV