Free Trees for Livestock Farms
Agroforestry for Pollinators and Food System Resilience
The White River NRCD, in partnership with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and American Farmland Trust, is launching a multi-year Free Trees for Livestock Farms initiative to integrate agroforestry, pollinator habitat, and perennial food systems into working farms across our District and neighboring regions in the Connecticut River Watershed.
This program supports livestock farms—especially those with limited access to existing conservation funding—with free trees, materials, planning and planting assistance, and opportunities to participate in peer learning and public education events. It aims to promote the ecological and economic benefits of perennial food systems, enhance pollinator habitat, and build capacity for long-term farm planning and stewardship.
What the Program Offers
- Spring 2025: Free Tree Bundles (25–50 trees per farm), of Yellowbud Hickory, Mulberry, Chestnut, and Honey Locust selected for their value to pollinators, forage and food systems, and biodiversity. View species profiles here.
- Free Site-Specific Technical Assistance, including help developing simple agroforestry, grazing, or forest management plans tailored to each farm’s needs.
- Free Materials, including tree protection (tubes, hardware cloth, mulch, mats), mycorrhizal inoculant, and optional watering aids (e.g., tree bags).
- Free Planting Support via educational and volunteer opportunities. Participate in trainings or host work brigades if desired, with support from Farm Force.
- Fall 2025 and Spring 2026: Free Tree Bundles with expanded species offerings from our nurseries.
Program Goals
- Expand tree-based conservation practices on livestock farms in ways that enhance pollinator habitat, pasture health, and soil biodiversity.
- Provide access to trees and agroforestry materials for farms, especially those not currently receiving federal funding.
- Build long-term capacity for agroecological planning, with farm-friendly tools like bundled species packages and on-farm conservation planning support.
- Strengthen community-based conservation, youth engagement, and public education through integrated work brigades and learning events.
Eligible Farms will be prioritized based on:
- Readiness and capacity for long-term tree care.
- Need for pollinator or riparian habitat.
- Lack of access to other funding sources.
- Willingness to engage in education or host work brigades
Next Steps for Farmers
Complete this short form to indicate interest in this program:
