Seeking Milwaukee Site for Urban Agroforestry Demonstration Project — $15,000 Site Partner Award Available!
The Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (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 initiative is a multi-year effort to demonstrate how agroforestry, a land management approach that integrates trees, shrubs, and other perennial plants into crop and livestock systems, can improve water quality, soil health, and local climate resilience.
Nolan Burkard was raised in Hartland, Wisconsin and is proud to serve as Research Technician at MFAI. His work as Project Lead on this initiative has allowed him to see up close the positive social and environmental impacts of agroforestry: “Agroforestry practices not only financially benefit farmers- they also build stronger, healthier communities and ecosystems. This project is a long-term investment in the future of a resilient Wisconsin!”
To date, MFAI and project partners have planted more than 400 trees and shrubs at three demonstration sites: Beulah Family Homestead (Elkhorn), Lee Hemp Farm (Burlington), and Kohl Farm Community Gardens (North Milwaukee). MFAI is now seeking a fourth site partner in Milwaukee County to expand this work in an urban setting.
Eligibility Criteria:
MFAI invites proposals from organizations or institutions with:
- A publicly accessible site (e.g., nonprofit campus, community space, schoolyard, or city park) with at least ¼ acre available for planting
A commitment to the ongoing care of the site and trees - Interest in hosting community education and engagement activities
- Location within the Lake Michigan Watershed in Milwaukee County
- Ownership of the land title or a minimum one-year lease, with a letter from the landowner agreeing to manage the trees for at least 10 years
- A demonstrated commitment to agroforestry and community involvement
Support Provided by MFAI:
- Technical support and site design guidance from MFAI and the Savanna Institute
- Project materials including trees, shrubs, and signage
- A $15,000 award (available in 2026) to support site maintenance
- Inclusion in outreach events, videos, and educational programming
“This initiative reflects the power of agroforestry not only to regenerate ecosystems but also to serve communities,” says Nolan Burkard, Project Lead “We are excited to expand our work into another Milwaukee site that’s ready to grow with us – literally and figuratively.”
Application review will begin on July 15, with the selected partner notified by mid-August.
More about MFAI and this initiative, visit www.michaelfields.org
Michael Fields Agricultural Institute is a non-profit organization that has been cultivating resiliency through research, education, and policy work since 1984. With a broad coalition of public and private partners, the Institute supports farmers, food systems and communities in the Upper Midwest and beyond through a range of programs and initiatives. Find more information at michaelfields.org. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news and events.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
