The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Trees for Graziers will host a Silvopasture Farm Walk on September 11 in Lebanon County to learn more about the lessons and experiences of practicing Silvopasture.

Silvopasture is the intentional integration of trees and grazing livestock on the same land.

CBF conducted a three-year study on implementing Silvopasture, on three farms in Lancaster County and two in Lebanon County.

The study monitored tree-planting techniques with and without mulch, plastic and metal shelters, and live stake trees in combinations with electric fence, barbed wire, and no shelters. It also gauged survivability of tree species.

During the walks, Trees for Graziers will also share their knowledge and experiences in how to implement and manage new Silvopastures.

When planted and mature in a pasture, trees can enhance herd health by offering shade, shelter, better quality grazing, and reduced stress on livestock, especially during summer’s relentless heat.

Livestock return the favor as they graze in pastures, providing manure that feeds trees and makes the soil healthy.

Farm Walk

-- September 11: Countryside Creamery, 48 Mountain View Road, Myerstown, Lebanon County from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Click Here to RSVP.

For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA webpage.  Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left column).  Click Here to support their work.

Also visit the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership to learn how you can help clean water grow on trees.

CBF has over 275,000 members in Bay Watershed.

How Clean Is Your Stream?

The draft 2024 report has an interactive report viewer that allows you to zoom in to your own address to see if the streams near you are impaired and why.

Click Here to check out your streams.  Click Here for a tutorial on using the viewer.

Resource Links:

-- Chesapeake Bay Foundation Bringing Silvopasture To Pennsylvania  [PaEN]

[Posted: September 2, 2024]

9/9/2024