Agricultural activities often lead to a reduction in the amount or effectiveness of wildlife habitat. Although providing quality habitat for wildlife in agricultural settings may be challenging, agroforestry offers a unique opportunity for landowners. Agroforestry technologies "put trees to work" by combining forestry and agricultural practices to make healthier, more sustainable agricultural systems. Agroforestry practices such as windbreaks, riparian forest buffers, forest farming, alley cropping, and silvopasture, can protect crops and livestock, conserve natural resources, improve human environments and provide new sources of income. With proper planning, utilizing trees in an agricultural setting can also be an excellent way to create or improve wildlife habitat. Agroforestry practices are often designed for a single purpose, with the assumption that they will also be adequate for wildlife. Although they usually benefit wildlife, practices often are designed far below their capability to provide the basic wildlife needs of food, water, and cover. Why not design the agroforestry practices to fulfill wildlife habitat needs first, and then incorporate traditional conservation functions as well? Before beginning a wildlife habitat improvement project, several things need to be considered. If certain wildlife species are desired, habitat requirements of those species should be incorporated into the plan. Soil types, topography, drainage, location of the nearest water source, adjacent land uses, and local climate need to be taken into account. The availability of food is critical, therefore, measures should be taken to provide this for wildlife, especially during the winter months. Trees and shrubs can provide needed cover for nesting, roosting, loafing, brood rearing, escaping, and protection from the elements. The goal of "working trees" is to protect all natural resources, including wildlife. Planting trees and shrubs, especially native plants, specifically for wildlife provides habitat while improving the health and sustainability of the agricultural system. Next page Home | Timely Topics | Upcoming Events | About Agroforestry | About the Center | Publications and Informational Materials | Resource Links | Order Free Publications Online Now! | Site Map Last updated 12.13.2000. Contact us.