An Eco-buffer for pollinators was planted on Larry and Rosanne Bingham’s farm off Highway 41 south of Vermilion on June 7.
Landowner Larry Bingham and Agroforestry Technician Luke Wonneck pictured with a wide variety of plants before volunteers planted them in the eco-buffer on June 7. Photo Marie Conboy
A large turnout of Volunteers traveled to the farm to plant between 500 and 600 plants for the 1st multi-function eco-buffer demonstration project for Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS).
Chris Elder, the ALUS Coordinator for the County of Vermilion River, said that together with AWES, they worked out a plan to do a multipurpose and multi-species eco-buffer which aims to attract pollinators, bird, and wildlife.
“The eco-buffer will produce flowers at different times of the year; it will produce berries from fruiting shrubs. It will provide shelter from the wind and helpful with the soil. It provides habitat and a food source,” said Elder.
Guest Speaker Luke Wonneck from Agroforestry and Woodlot Extension Society (AWES) spoke about function and importance of eco-buffers and shelterbelts, how to design and create effective habitats for pollinators and wildlife, tree and shrub care, plus planting tips.
“We plan to re-establish a natural habitat and look at how to continue care after the trees and shrubs are in the ground,” said Wonneck.
Landowner Larry Bingham said he is pleased to partner with ALUS.
“We started the project in 2012. There were 18 acres planted to native grasses back then, and we had this little piece of land left over, so we decided to link up with AWES group,” said Bingham.
Elder said ALUS 's mission is to provide direct support to a national network of farmers and ranchers delivering ecosystem services in their communities, including clean water, carbon sequestration, erosion control, flood mitigation, pollinator support and wildlife habitat.
“Community-developed and farmer-delivered, ALUS sustains agriculture, wildlife, and natural spaces one acre at a time,” said Elder.