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Hosted on August 29, 2024
Milpa, an ancient Mesoamerican agricultural practice, offers numerous benefits that could be adapted to urban environments and help support pollinator populations. This sustainable farming system involves intercropping multiple species, typically corn, beans, squash, and other vegetables and herbs.
The milpa system is a masterful creator of diverse, symbiotic ecosystems where plants support each other’s growth. Corn provides structure for climbing beans, beans fix nitrogen in the soil, and squash leaves shade the ground, retaining moisture and suppressing weeds. Like a symphony of nature, this polyculture approach enhances soil fertility, reduces the need for pesticides and artificial fertilizers, and promotes biodiversity.
In urban settings, milpa-inspired crops could work wonders, transforming vacant lots, rooftops, and community spaces into lush, productive green areas. These small-acreage crops would provide fresh, nutritious food for local communities and create habitats for pollinators. The diverse plant species in milpas attract a variety of native insect pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, helping to restore urban ecosystems.
By incorporating native plants and traditional crops, urban milpas could serve as oases for pollinators, offering food and shelter in otherwise barren city landscapes. This approach could help address the pollinator crisis while simultaneously improving food security, enhancing community engagement, and creating more resilient urban environments.
Justice, Equity, and Diversity
During this last workshop, we covered the concept of allyship and how to become a better ally. Allyship is a powerful journey integrating support, understanding, and action toward Historically Underserved Groups (HUGs). Allyship is not about just being kind. Allyship is about committing to foster inclusivity and equity while working with HUGs landowners. We explore the components of allyship: listening and learning, taking action, embracing vulnerability, and creating safe spaces.
Urban Agriculture, Texas-NRCS. Inspiring examples of habitat restoration
- Topic- Cropland (specialty crops) conservation planning
- Presenters- Wilma Tichelaar (intro) and Terra Fannin (Urban Conservationist in Lubbock)