Regenerative Silvopasture: Using Biochar and Seeding to Restore Oak Savanna and Forest

Registration for this event has closed. Walk-up registration will not be available.

Frank and Ann Gustafson have been working to develop silvopasture by treating over 100 acres of buckthorn in the oak woodland of their ranch near New London, MN.

At this event we will hear about the tools and techniques they’re using to clear the buckthorn and other undesirable understory brush.

We will also learn about biochar: what it is, how it’s produced, its benefits for use in silvopasture, ecological restoration, and brush and woody waste disposal, and its potential application in agricultural systems. Great River Greening will lead a demonstration of their new mobile biochar kilns in the processing of brush on site into biochar.

Lastly, we will learn about native understory mixes for oak woodland and savannas: designing mixes to meet your goals and site conditions, sourcing seed, and planting considerations. We will also work in small groups to plant several acres of native understory seed in buckthorn treated areas. There will be ongoing discussion of silvopasture across the topics of the day.

Lunch will be provided. Please bring a water bottle and appropriate footwear, work gloves, and clothing for being active on the site. After registering consider joining the Silvopasture Learning Network on Facebook for further information and updates about the event.

Registration: Advance registration is required, no walkups. It is free to attend.

Address: Gustafson Farm/Ranch 9160 Co. Rd. 40 NE, New London, MN 56273

Info: Tyler Carlson, tyler@sfa-mn.org

SFA staff and volunteers occasionally take photos during our workshops, cafe chats and field days for promotional purposes and to use as documentation of events to share with our funders.  If you do not wish to be photographed, please let our event host know — we’ll make every effort to make sure you are not photographed.