Toward a Wilder Family Farm
After a long season of dawn-to-dusk farming, Charlie Rominger could understandably look toward late fall for some much deserved down time. The canning tomatoes, wine grapes, corn, wheat, long-grained rice, and sunflowers on the 2,000–acre Yolo County California family farm that he and his brothers operate have been sold. But once the bills are paid, paperwork completed, and fields prepared for winter, Rominger is looking forward to yet another season of work. The first chance he gets to break free, the tall, soft-spoken, outdoorsman plans to mount his tractor and begin to shape and scoop a swale and pond in a particular low-lying area of the farm.
Committed to Habitat
© Roberto Carra
Charlie and Bruce Rominger pose in front of their dramatic 15-acre
hill pond, installed in the early 1990s amid their 4th generation
family farm in California’s Sacramento Valley.
For more than a decade, Charlie, his brothers Bruce and Rick, and their father, former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Richard Rominger have been restoring habitats on their commercial farm northwest of Winters. They’ve planted hedgerows of native grasses, shrubs, and trees as living borders between fields. Levee banks and roadsides have been revegetated and help control weeds and filter runoff. Rice fields are flooded following the harvest season to help decay rice straw and to provide important habitat for waterfowl. And numerous ponds have been constructed to filter irrigation water, capture winter rain, and provide essential wetland habitat for native terrestrial species, as well as birds migrating along the Great Pacific Flyway.
In addition to creating a farm bustling with quail, pheasants, ducks, and dozens of other species, habitat restoration has made positive contributions to the Romingers’ diverse cropping operation. Native grasses, trees, and shrubs provide nectar and pollen sources for beneficial insects that control pests, and for local pollinators that help to maximize crop yields. Windbreaks protect fields and vineyards from wind and harsh weather.
According to Dr. Robert Bugg, entomologist and researcher at the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Project at UC Davis, on-farm wetland habitats, even those artificially constructed, may hold a key to saving some of the Sacramento Valley’s most threatened residents — amphibians. Populations of frogs, toads, salamanders and other amphibians have been suffering a free-fall decline due to a dramatic loss of wetland habitat as well as a great variety of other environmental factors, including global warming, pesticide pollution, and predation from non-native species. Because amphibians go through an extremely sensitive metamorphosis between aquatic and terrestrial life cycles, Bugg believes they serve as an early warning system of broader environmental degradation.
There still may be time to turn things around. Farm ponds and ditches, still poorly understood as ecological resources in this country, could potentially lighten our impact on amphibians and other creatures. Of course, an individual farmer like Charlie Rominger can’t take on the loss of habitat and native species alone or in isolation. It will take neighboring farmers as well as researchers like Bugg monitoring trials and analyzing results.
The important thing to note is that pond building and habitat restoration can also help farmers and landowners reduce sediment and runoff, thereby complying with impending Clean Water Act regulations. Now we need a nationwide movement of ecologically informed pond builders and wetland restorationists throughout our agricultural lands to follow their lead.
Alternative
Farming Information Center
One of several topic-oriented Information Centers at the USDA’s National
Agricultural Library (NAL) specializing in accessing information about alternative
cropping systems including sustainable and organic agriculture.
301-504-6559
301-504-6856
Beltsville, MD
www.nal.usda.gov/afsic
Appropriate
Technology Transfer for Rural Areas
ATTRA, run by the National Center for Appropriate Technology, provides technical
assistance to farmers, extension agents, market gardeners, agricultural researchers,
and other agricultural professionals in all 50 states.
800-346-9140
Fayetteville, AR
www.attra.org
Center
for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems
Operates a 25-acre organic farm/research, education, and training facility.
831-459-3240
831-459-4140
Santa Cruz, CA
repositories.cdlib.org/casfs
Center
for Sustainable Environments at Northern Arizona University
Brings together scientists, educators, independent scholars, business
leaders, government agencies, non-profits, students, and community
members to seek creative solutions to environmental problems through
initiatives that safeguard natural and cultural values and resources.
928-523-0637
Flagstaff, AZ
home.nau.edu/environment
The Forest School
Teaches and promotes forest management practices that include the propagation
of a variety of crops, such as herbs, medicinal plants, fruits, and mushrooms.
Horse logging of high-value timber products as an alternative to high-till,
low-return commodity agriculture.
270-862-4459
Constantine, KY
International Forum on Food and Agriculture
Addresses global concerns regarding the consequences of the
rapid global conversion to industrial agriculture. Develops
international cooperative strategies to counter this dangerous
trend and articulates successful alternative models.
415-561-7650
San Francisco, CA
www.ifg.org/IFA/ifa.html
Keeping
Track
Trains and assists volunteers in establishing wildlife habitat
monitoring programs in their areas. Trains youths and citizen
scientists with the skills to track wildlife and assess habitats.
802-434-7000
Huntington, VT
www.keepingtrack.org
The
Land Institute
Strives to develop an agricultural system with the ecological
stability of the prairie and a perennial grain yield comparable
to that from annual crops.
785-823-5376
Salina, KS
www.landinstitute.org
Leopold
Center for Sustainable Agriculture
An organization whose mission is to identify and reduce the
negative impacts of agriculture on natural resources and
rural communities.
515-294-3711
Ames, IO
www.leopold.iastate.edu/
Long
Branch Environmental Education Center, Inc.
A small educational center dedicated to sharing positive
strategies of local self-reliance, wildlife protection,
and improved environmental quality.
828-683-3662
Leicester, NC
www.main.nc.us/LBEEC
Occidental
&Ecology Center
Offers training programs in whole-systems ecology; permaculture;
biodiversity and seed saving; social, economic and environmental
justice; fine arts; natural building; and sustainable living skills.
707-874-1557
Occidental, CA
www.oaec.org
UC
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP)
Leading scientific research and education program in agriculture
and food systems that conserve natural resources and biodiversity.
530-752-7556
Davis, CA
www.sarep.ucdavis.edu
Wild Futures
Develops materials on non-lethal predator controls and other
environmental education.
206-780-9718
Bainbridge Island, WA
snegri@igc.org
Wildlife
Habitat Management Institute
Develops scientifically based technical materials to promote
conservation stewardship of fish and wildlife.
601-607-3131
Madison, MS
www.whmi.nrcs.usda.gov
Conservation
Beef
Provides premiums for ranchers who are willing to implement
land stewardship plans that support wild ecosystems on
their land through the Conservation Beef certification program.
406-495-8653
Helena, MT
www.conservationbeef.org
Demeter
Association, Inc.
The Biodynamic or Close to Biodynamic labels incorporate
guiding principles that include cosmic rhythm (i.e. timing
of the sun and moon phases); food grown from healthy, living
soil; specific biodynamic preparations for fertilizing;
and consumer connection with farmers.
541-998-5691
Junction City, OR
www.demeter-usa.org
Eatwild
Provides an overview of the human and animal health, environmental,
and farm benefits of pasture-raised livestock.
Vashon, WA
www.eatwild.com
International
Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements
The worldwide umbrella organization of the organic agriculture
movement, with about 750 member organizations and institutions
in about 100 countries all over the world.
+49 (0) 228 926 50-10
Bonn, Germany
www.ifoam.org
The
Food Alliance
Their seal of approval represents food produced
in environmentally and socially responsible ways, including
the provision of wildlife habitat on farms.
503-493-1066
Portland, OR
www.thefoodalliance.org
Great
Plains Buffalo Association
Dedicated to promoting the raising and feeding of buffalo
on grass pastures while advocating principles of sound
grassland management.
www.gpbuffalo.org
Intertribal
Bison Cooperative
A nonprofit organization of 51 member tribes in a 16-state
region that practices buffalo herd management, land restoration,
and marketing of meat products.
605-394-9730
Rapid City, SD
www.itbcbison.com
The
Land Conservancy of British Columbia
Works to protect ecologically sensitive wild areas within
British Columbia. They also have an ecolabel program called
Conservation Labels Program.
250-479-8053
Victoria, British Columbia
www.conservancy.bc.ca
National
Wildlife Federation
Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program certifies school, home,
and community gardens that meet the requirements for healthy
wildlife habitat.
800-822-9919
Reston, VA
www.nwf.org
Organic
Farming Research Foundation
Institute that funds organic and sustainable farming research,
including a Bat Conservation International project to install
45 bat houses at 10 organic farms in central California.
831-426-6606
Santa Cruz, CA
www.ofrf.org
Predator
Conservation Alliance
Works with land management agencies, tribal groups, and land
owners to restore predator habitat through their Grassland
Predator and Living with Predators programs.
406-587-3389
Bozeman, MT
www.predatorconservation.org
Predator Friendly, Inc.
Certifies “Predator Friendly” products produced
by ranchers who use only non-lethal methods to protect their
livestock from native predators.
406-222-7825
Livingston, MT
Quivira
Coalition
Teaches ranchers, environmentalists, public land managers,
and other members of the public that ecologically healthy
rangeland and economically robust ranches can be compatible.
505-820-2544
Santa Fe, NM
www.quiviracoalition.org
Rainforest
Alliance
Better Banana and Eco-OK labels certify farmers who grow
bananas, cocoa, coffee, juice oranges using environmentally
sound pest and disease management practices, soil and water
conservation, and fair labor practices.
212-677-1900
New York, NY
www.rainforestalliance.org
Smithsonian
Migratory Bird Center
Bird Friendly ecolabel verifies that coffee has been grown
using shade management practices. The program goal is to
foster conditions on coffee plantations that provide sound
bird habitats.
202-673-4908
Washington, DC
www.si.edu/smbc
Salmon-Safe,
Inc.
Salmon-Safe is a non-profit organization working to restore
the agricultural and urban watersheds of the Pacific Northwest.
503-232-3750
Portland, OR
www.salmonsafe.org
Sinapu
Dedicated to the recovery of native carnivores of the Southern
Rocky Mountains and to the restoration of wild habitat
in which all species flourish. Promotes Predator Friendly
certification, as well as a coalition called AGRO, which
works to end aerial gunning of wildlife.
303-447-8655
Boulder, CO
www.sinapu.org
Wild
Idea Buffalo Company
Ecologically sensitive ranching company that sells buffalo meat.
866-658-6137
Rapid City, SD
www.wildideabuffalo.com
Bioengineering
Associates
Uses natural vegetative systems to restore watersheds, stabilize
stream banks, control erosion and sediment, and repair
damaged lands and river courses.
707-984-7334
Laytonville, CA
www.bioengineers.com
Center for Social and Environmental Stewardship
A non-profit organization with a long track record and excellent
reputation in ecological restoration work.
707-838-6641
Windsor, CA
www.cfses.org
Central
Coast Vineyard Team
Identifies and promotes the most environmentally safe, viticulturally
and economically sustainable farming methods.
805-369-2288
Paso Robles, CA
www.vineyardteam.org
Forest Agricultural Enterprises
Agroforestry and permaculture farm design for the Midwest.
Specializes in “agricultural savannas” that
mimic the savanna ecosystem and use harvestable woody species
such as chestnuts and American hazelnut.
608-627-TREE or 608-627-1772
Viola, WI
Fungi
Perfecti
Leading group in working with edible, medicinal, and other
fungi as part of farming and restoring the landscape.
360-426-9292
800-780-9126
Olympia, WA
www.fungiperfecti.com
Hedgerow
Farms
Produces seeds of native grasses, sedges, and forbs. Also
performs consulting on farmland habitat restoration, erosion
control, and landscaping.
530-662-4570
Winters, CA
www.hedgerowfarms.com
Kenagy Family Farm
Producers of grains, beans, vegetables, as well as native
plants for restoration projects in the Willamette Valley.
541-926-8038
Albany, OR
Kevin
Erwin Consulting Ecologist
Wetland restoration specialists, wildlife monitoring and
consultants and training.
239-337-1505
Ft. Meyers, FL
www.environment.com
Kirschenmann Farms
Producers of organic and biodynamically grown grains and
grass-fed beef.
701-486-3578
Windsor, ND
Maberry
Centre Bat Homes
Manufacturer of various bat house structures.
903-645-7780
903-645-2028
Daingerfield, TX
www.maberrybat.com
Morris
Grass-fed Beef
Produces grass-pastured, chemical-free
meats on the coast of central California. They are committed
to developing an agricultural system carefully integrated
to their locale.
831-623-2933
San Juan Bautista, CA
www.morrisgrassfed.com
Polyface Farm
Produces a variety of grass-pastured, chemical-free
meats and poultry. They sell a number of books about successful
grass-finished livestock production, including Salad Bar
Beef and Pastured Poultry Profits.
540-885-3590
Swoope, VA
Polyface Farm
Produces a variety of grass-pastured, chemical-free
meats and poultry. They sell a number of books about successful
grass-finished livestock production, including Salad Bar
Beef and Pastured Poultry Profits.
540-885-3590
Swoope, VA
Rana
Creek Habitat Restoration
An active, sustainable agricultural center
for environmental consultation and restoration, specializing
in native plant and seed products.
831-659-3820
Carmel Valley, CA
www.ranacreek.com
Rincon-Vitova
Insectaries, Inc.
An insectary that offers knowledge, organisms,
and other resources to control pests biologically and naturally
in safe ways for people and the environment.
800-248-2847
Ventura, CA
www.rinconvitova.com
Shoulder to Shoulder Farm
Producers of Wild Garden Seed heirloom lettuces, herbs, and
vegetables selected and bred for organic growing conditions.
541-929-4068
Philomath, OR
Thirteen
Mile Lamb & Wool Co.
Produces lamb, wool, and beef with the “Predator Friendly Wool”
label. Do not use lethal predator control in their organically certified
sheep and beef ranching operation.
406-388-4945
Belgrade, MT
www.lambandwool.com
El
Coronado Ranch
A compelling site documenting one ranching family's dedication to restoring
critical habitats in the Southwest, including watershed restoration and
species reintroduction efforts.
www.elcoronadoranch.com
Farming with the Wild - Resources
Aldo
Leopold Foundation
Programs include the restoration and protection of over 15,000 acres through
partnerships with more than 30 organizations.
608-355-0279
Baraboo, WI
www.aldoleopold.org
The
Adirondack Council
Dedicated to sustaining the natural and human communities of New York state’s
6-million acre Adirondack Park by fostering protection of public wildland and
good stewardship of private farms and ranches.
518-873-2240
Elizabethtown, NY
www.adirondackcouncil.org
American Bird Conservancy
Dedicated to the conservation of wild birds and their habitats
in the Americas.
540-253-5780
888-247-3624
The Plains, VA
www.abcbirds.org
Animas Foundation/ Gray Ranch
Supports biological diversity on ranchlands, researches the impacts
of ranching methods, and monitors endangered species.
505-548-2622
Animas, NM
www.wnmu.edu/stewardship/organizationsac.htm
Applegate River Watershed Council
Works to develop economically viable farming and ranching practices
that are compatible with the Applegate River watershed.
541-899-9982
Jacksonville, OR
www.arwc.org
Audubon California
Agricultural Habitat Program works to restore wildlife habitat
on farms and ranches while preserving or enhancing economic conditions
for agriculture.
916-649-7600
Sacramento, CA
www.audubon-ca.org
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Bi-national research group whose projects include a migratory pollinator
corridors campaign.
520-883-1380
Tucson, AZ
www.desertmuseum.org/programs/scidept_index.htm
Bat Conservation International
Promotes bat conservation projects and research, and assists with
bat restoration initiatives worldwide.
512-327-9721
Austin, TX
www.batcon.org
Biodiversity Legal Foundation
A non-profit, science-based organization dedicated to the preservation
of all native plants, animals, and naturally functioning ecosystems.
303-442-3037
Boulder, CO
Biodiversity Partnership/ Defenders of Wildlife
West Coast office of Defenders of Wildlife. Produced a directory
of state government conservation incentives for farmers nationwide
called ‘Conservation in America.’
503-697-3222
West Linn, OR
www.biodiversitypartners.org
California Native Grass Association
Promotes native grasses and associated species for restoration
and maintenance of California’s grassland ecosystem as
well as for use in urban and agricultural areas.
530-759-8458
866-456-CNGA
Davis, CA
www.cnga.org
California Native Plant Society
Provides support for the restoration and preservation of native flora and fauna
of California.
916-447-2677
Sacramento, CA
www.cnps.org
California Wilderness Coalition
Published Wild Harvest: Farming for Wildlife and Profitability, a directory
of conservation incentives available to farmers by both private and public
funders within the state of California.
510-451-1450
Oakland, CA
www.calwild.org
Center for Biological Diversity
Pressures federal agencies to fulfill their obligation
to protect native wildlife, watersheds and ecosystems on
public lands in the Southwest.
520-623-5252
Tucson, AZ
www.biologicaldiversity.org
Center for Food Safety
Provides leadership in legal, scientific, and grassroots
efforts to address the increasing concerns about the
impacts of our food production system.
202-547-9359
Washington, DC
www.centerforfoodsafety.org
Center for Rural Affairs
Works on agricultural policy that both strengthens opportunity
for family farmers and ranchers and promotes sound stewardship
of our natural resources.
402-687-2100
Lyons, NE
www.cfra.org
Chase Lake Prairie Project
Multi-county prairie pothole regional program with active
easement acquisition, grassland restoration and waterfowl
production areas.
701-752-4218
Woodworth, ND
http://arrowwood.fws.gov/ChaseLake_PP
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
A nonprofit organization that has assembled an ambitious,
multi-state, outreach program in order to drastically
reduce agricultural runoff in watersheds throughout the
Chesapeake Bay region.
410.268.8816
Annapolis, MD
www.cbf.org
Chesapeake Conservation Seeds
Installs artificial wildlife nesting structures for various
birds. Farm- scale wildlife habitat planning and management
of woodland and agricultural systems to benefit upland
birds and other wildlife.
410-822-5100
Easton, MD
www.cheswildlife.org
Community Alliance with Family Farmers
Dedicated to a movement that fosters socially, economically,
and environmentally sustainable, family-scale agriculture.
Provides technical assistance in installing native plant
hedgerows and grassed waterways on farmlands.
530-756-8518
Davis, CA
www.caff.org
Cosumnes River Preserve
A nonprofit/public/agency partnership on one of California’s
only non-dammed rivers, within an area of intensive agriculture
and urban development.
916-684-2816
Galt, CA
www.cosumnes.org
Defenders of Wildlife
Leading organization in Farm Bill conservation research.
Wolf Guardian Program organizes volunteers to keep wolves
away from livestock, and reimburses livestock producers
for the occasional cases of predation.
202-682-9400
Washington, DC
www.defenders.org
Ducks Unlimited
Works to fulfill the annual life cycle needs of North American
waterfowl by protecting, enhancing, restoring and managing
important wetlands and associated lands.
901-758-3825
800-45DUCKS
Memphis, TN
www.ducks.org
Environmental Defense
Advocacy and research group of scientists, economists,
engineers, and attorneys who seek practical solutions
to a broad range of environmental and health problems.
212-505-2100
New York, NY
www.environmentaldefense.org
Florida Stewardship Foundation
Advances initiatives that will engender a thriving rural
economy with an economically robust agriculture, a healthy
natural environment, viable rural communities and safe,
abundant supplies of food and fiber.” Farmland
Stewardship Agreements provide habitat for endangered
species.
561-995-1474
Boca Raton, FL
www.fl-stewardship.com
Grassland Heritage Foundation
Conducts education regarding prairie ecology and restoration.
913-262-3506
Shawnee Mission, KS
www.grasslandheritage.org
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy
Promotes resilient family farms, rural communities, and
ecosystems around the world through research, education,
science, technology, and advocacy.
612-870-0453
Minneapolis, MN
www.iatp.org
International Wolf Center
Educates public about wolf issues; encourages research
and distributes information on wolf-friendly ranching
techniques.
218-365-4695
Ely, MN
www.wolf.org
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
INHF owns a handful of farms around the state that contain
natural features—such as native, restored or reconstructed
prairies; wetlands, woodlands or oak savannahs.
515-288-1846
Des Moines, IA
www.inhf.org
The Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture
Offers progressive leadership and educational programs
to all those interested in making farming and ranching
environmentally friendly, socially equitable, and economically
viable over the long term.
918-647-9123
Poteau, OK
www.kerrcenter.com
Land Stewardship Project
A private, non-profit organization, fostering an ethic
of stewardship for farmland, promoting sustainable agriculture
and developing sustainable communities.
507-523-3366
Lewiston, MN
www.landstewardshipproject.org
The Mountain Lion Foundation
"Living with Lions” program assists California
4-H farmers in protecting domestic animals from mountain
lion predation.
916-442-2666 x102
Sacramento, CA
www.mountainlion.org
Malpai Borderlands Group
Encourages sustainable yet profitable ranching techniques,
such as ‘grassbanking’ and the establishment
of conservation easements for habitat restoration.
Douglas, AZ
www.malpaiborderlandsgroup.org
National Public Lands Grazing Campaign
Promotes a voluntary buyout program for ranchers interested
in retiring public lands livestock grazing leases.
www.publiclandsranching.org
Native Seed SEARCH
Seeks to preserve the crop seeds that connect Native American
cultures to their lands.
520-622-5561
Tucson, AZ
www.nativeseeds.org
North American Pollinator Protection Campaign
Works to encourage the health of resident and migratory
pollinating animals in North America.
415-362-1137
San Francisco, CA
www.nappc.org
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
A USGS research center dedicated to the sound management
and conservation of biological resources.
701-253-5500
Jamestown, ND
www.npwrc.usgs.gov
Partners
in Flight
Works to protect North American landbirds by reversing
species declines, stabilizing populations, and “keeping
common birds common.” Excellent resources.
www.partnersinflight.org
Peregrine Fund
Rehabilitates birds of prey populations around the world.
208-362-3716
Boise, ID
www.peregrinefund.org
Pheasants Forever
Protects and enhances pheasant and other wildlife populations
through habitat improvement, land management, and education.
887-773-2070
651-773-2000
St. Paul, MN
www.pheasantsforever.org
Point Reyes Bird Observatory
Research institution focused on the conservation of bird
habitat and populations.
415-868-0371
Stinson Beach, CA
www.prbo.org
Sky Island Alliance
Conducts scientific research and works toward the formation
of national and international reserves to be integrated
into a North American wildlands network.
520-624-7080
Tucson, AZ
www.skyislandalliance.org
Society for Conservation Biology
Actively engaged in ecologically-sensitive repair and management
of ecosystems through a broad array of experience, knowledge
sets, and cultural perspectives
520-622-5485
Seattle, WA
www.ser.org
Sonoran Institute
Sky Islands conservation group working to promote strategies
that preserve ecological integrity of protected lands
and at the same time meet the economic aspirations of
adjoining landowners and communities.
520-290-0828
Tucson, AZ
www.sonoran.org
Waterkeeper Alliance
Nationwide watershed alliance that has also initiated lawsuits
targeting waste disposal at large confinement hog facilities.
914-674-0622
Tarrytown, NY
www.waterkeeper.org
White Earth Land Recovery Project
Dedicated to the social dignity, political transformation,
economic self-sufficiency, environmental sustainability,
and cultural integrity of the Anishinaabeg people.
218-573-3448
888.779.3577
Ponsford, MN
www.nativeharvest.com
Wild Farm Alliance
A leading source of information and resources on wild farm
practices. Promotes and supports efforts to make agriculture
compatible with wild Nature.
831-761-8408
Watsonville, CA
www.wildfarmalliance.org
The Wildlands Project
Aims to protect and restore the natural heritage of North
America, through the establishment of a connected system
of wildlands. Publishes ‘Wild Earth’.
802-434-4077
Richmond, VT
www.twp.org
Wildlife
Damage Review
Brings public attention to the USDA’s Animal Damage Control (Wildlife
Services) program which kills wildlife for private interests such as agriculture
and ranching.
Tucson, AZ
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Working to eradicate the prejudice toward predator animals, especially coyotes.
Published a brochure “How to Coexist with Urban Wildlife.”
760-789-2324
Ramona, CA
www.fundwildlife.org
Wild Futures
Excellent research on large carnivore conservation.
206-780-9718
Bainbridge Island, WA
Xerces Society
Focuses on the conservation of insects and other invertebrates,
especially butterflies.
503-232-6639
Portland, OR
www.xerces.org
Y-2-Y Conservation Initiative
Linking wildway between Yellowstone and the Yukon.
406-582-7840
Bozeman, MT
www.y2y.net
Overview | Abstract | Best Practices | Excerpts | Resources