Showcasing Agroforestry in SE Wisconsin - Milwaukee Site Partner Award

Showcasing Agroforestry in SE Wisconsin - Milwaukee Site Partner Award

Program Type: Site partnership opportunity for urban agroforestry demonstration

Geographic Scope: Milwaukee County, Wisconsin; must be located in Lake Michigan Watershed

Funder: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (MFAI) with support from Daybreak Foundation and Caerus Foundation

Overview: MFAI is seeking a new partner site in Milwaukee County to host a publicly visible, small-scale agroforestry demonstration as part of the Showcasing Agroforestry in SE Wisconsin initiative. This is a multi-year effort to demonstrate how agroforestry can improve water quality, soil health, and local climate resilience.

What MFAI Seeks

• A publicly accessible site (nonprofit campus, community space, schoolyard, or city park)
• At least ¼ acre available for planting
• Ability to commit to ongoing care of the site and trees
• Interest in hosting community education and engagement activities
• Location in the Lake Michigan Watershed within Milwaukee County
• Commitment to agroforestry and community engagement

What MFAI Provides

• $15,000 award (for 2026) to support the work of maintaining the trees
• Technical support and design guidance from MFAI and the Savanna Institute
• Project materials including trees, shrubs, and signage
• Inclusion in outreach events, videos, and educational programming

Agroforestry Focus Areas

Agroforestry practices include:
• Windbreaks
• Riparian buffers
• Silvopasture
• Food forests

These practices enhance ecosystem services while producing fruit, nuts, and other useful crops.

Project Background

As of the 2025 growing season, MFAI staff and project partners have planted over 400 trees and shrubs across three existing demonstration sites: 1. Beulah Family Homestead (Elkhorn) - hosts Marcus and Efueko Landry 2. Lee Hemp Farm (Burlington) - hosts Iris Lee 3. Kohl Farm Community Gardens (North Milwaukee)

Contact Information

Primary Contact: Nolan Burkard, MFAI Research Technician and Agroforestry Project Lead Email: nburkard@michaelfields.org Organization: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, East Troy, WI Phone: (262) 642-3303