I have worked for many years in the woodland pasture ecosystem of the Bluegrass, called by the renowned ecologist E. Lucy Braun "the most anomalous vegetation in North America.
Through my research, I discovered that this is an ancient ecosystem established by American bison before European settlement. Farmers who settled here found open woodlands shading grass and cane and were able to raise cattle and sheep (horses came lateer) without clearing forests. As a result, hundreds of thousands of these trees still exist.
I wrote my first book, Venerable Trees - History, Biology and Conservation in the Bluegrass about this ecosystem. It is in all respects a silvopasture ecosystem.
At present, I am writing a book about our relationships with trees in a time of climate change. There will be a chapter on agroforestry and silvopasture. I hope to learn more on this forum, and will likely want to visit and interview some of the active farmers on here.
Started by Emily Macdonald. Last reply by Joanne Vaughn Oct 4. 5 Replies 0 Likes
Can anyone share experiences with willow fodder for sheep? What cultivars did you use? Good sources for obtaining cuttings? What density did you plant? How did it work out? Did the sheep like…Continue
Started by Scott O'Bar Aug 29. 0 Replies 0 Likes
I was watching this conference with Ian Mitchell Innes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27fUjjlwm7UAt about…Continue
Started by Scott O'Bar. Last reply by Scott O'Bar Jun 1. 2 Replies 0 Likes
Anyone know of some 12v water pumps that can produce a small trickle of water through a very small diameter tube. Interested in putting cattle on my property, but the water situation is difficult.Continue
Started by Travis Hermance Mar 18. 0 Replies 0 Likes
I am clearing my woodlots for silvopasture in the Mid-Hudson River Valley in New York State. Can anyone recommend a good mixture of grasses and legumes that are more shade tolerate for my new…Continue
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