One of only six Landscape Scale Restoration grants awarded nationwide
Trees Forever has been selected for a U.S. Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) grant, one of only six awarded nationally, for accelerating agroforestry in Iowa. These investments directly support the U.S. Forestry Service efforts to reduce wildfire risk, increase timber production, and expand rural economies, while providing critical support to landowners across management jurisdictions as they work to promote healthy, productive forests that benefit rural communities.
According to Trees Forever’s Director of Community Programs, Jeff Jensen, the grant will allow outreach to landowners, local governments, and land management agencies on the opportunities for establishing agroforestry practices and crops in rural communities.
“We see this as a great opportunity to continue the momentum of landowners learning and doing agroforestry where it fits on their farms. We plan to host field days, farm crawls, and workshops so that agroforestry can be experienced firsthand and those new to the concept can learn from those that have been doing it a long time,” said Mr. Jensen.
More than 24 million acres (roughly 70% of Iowa’s land area) are devoted to crops, and over 90% of that land is used for corn and soybeans. This intensive production system leaves fields bare for much of the year, increasing soil erosion and nutrient runoff. Agroforestry offers a practical and proven way to address these challenges by integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural systems to protect soil, water, and wildlife while maintaining or even increasing productivity.
The initiative will increase awareness, training, and implementation of agroforestry practices such as windbreaks, riparian forest buffers, alley cropping, living snow fences, and forest farming. These practices provide “roots in the ground all year long,” reducing soil erosion, improving water quality, and offering new revenue streams for farmers and landowners through perennial crops such as chestnuts, hazelnuts, and berries.
The three-year project is set to kick off in 2026 with a series of field days and regional workshops showcasing agroforestry practitioners who are engaged in agroforestry cropping. “These events will give Iowans a chance to see agroforestry in action. Whether that’s a riparian buffer improving water quality or a windbreak that doubles as a nut or berry crop,” said Jensen
“Riparian buffers and other agroforestry practices complement efforts like the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Streamside Buffer Pilot Project,” said Brad Riphagen, Trees Forever Field Coordinator. “They’re a great example of how trees can be both productive and protective, improving water quality while contributing to farm profitability.”
To learn more about agroforestry visit the Accelerating Agroforestry webpage: