Watershed Media
Farming with the Wild Resources

 

CONSERVATION, SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE, AND ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS

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
eebweb.arizona.edu/CBIPweb/proposals/2000/wildlife_damage.html

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 wildways between Yellowstone and the Yukon.
406-582-7840
Bozeman, MT
www.y2y.net

 

EDUCATIONAL CENTERS & MONITORING ORGANIZATIONS

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
zzyx.ucsc.edu/casfs

Center for Sustainable Environments at Northern Arizona University
Brings together scientists, educators, independent scholars, business leaders, government agencies, nonprofits, students, and community members to seek creative solutions to environ-mental problems through initiatives that safeguard natural and cultural values and resources.
928-523-0637
Flagstaff, AZ
www.environment.nau.edu

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.ag.iastate.edu/centers/leopold

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 Arts & 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

SELECTED FARMS, RANCHES, SUPPORTING BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS

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

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

Circuit Rider Productions
A non-profit organization with a long track record and excellent reputation in ecological restoration work.
707-838-6641
Windsor, CA
www.crpinc.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

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

CERTIFICATION AND PRODUCER ORGANIZATIONS

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 Association
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.intertribalbison.org

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