LOOKING FOR PROJECTS

Multi-Functional Hedgerows for Water Quality and Biodiversity

I am interested in working with organizations and individuals who wish to demonstrate the environmental and potential economic value of good watershed management the through self-sustaining practices of Multi-functional hedgerows.

Hedgerows is an old English term that refers to narrow planting strips that grow along field borders, fencelines and waterways. In the Northwest this ancient design method is being expanded to incorporate a diverse number of plant species with a wide variety of functions.
Hedgerows can often consist of trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials, annuals, and vines depending on the function, size, and location of the planting strip.

These diverse plantings have multiple benefits. They develop into shaded areas for cooling water temperature, offer wildlife habitat, encourage beneficial insects, reduce soil erosion, provide bank stabilization, and uptake nutrients and pollutants. They are shelterbelts, windbreaks, and screen for privacy . Hedgerows can also be income producers. The landowner can decide which of these functions they want their hedgerow to provide.

A great deal of discussion and research focuses on the impact of planting buffer strips to improve water quality. To my knowledge, there has not been any research, on the income producing potential of these sites. Having worked on farms and ranches I understand that when land is taken out of production there is income loss. My interest in including products that provide income goes beyond the 'natives only ' policy. I would like to demonstrate the environmental and potential economic value of good watershed management through this self-sustaining practice.

Some products that can be grown in the hedgerow are: nuts, fruits and berries, medicinal herbs (leaves, flowers, seeds, bark and roots), seeds for collection, nursery stock, flowers, floral greenery, willows for craft material, and secondary wood products such as; lumber, and firewood.

Since 1982, I have been working in the Willamette Valley as a landscape designer and horticulturist. My experience is with a wide variety of sites, both urban and rural, and has yielded the knowledge of what plants grow well in what conditions. The focus of my work is on holistic land management - with an emphasis on integrating edible, bird attracting and native plantings. For the last several years I have been researching hedgerows and have been struck by the importance of funding this resource as a tool towards enhancing water quality.

I am seeking grant funding to continue my research, actively design and work with individuals to implement and maintain multi-functional hedgerows in the Willamette Valley. I am also looking for landowners who are interested in working as partners with me on these projects. My philosophy is to start small, and not to overwhelm the already busy landowner.

The funding requests include money for design, soil preparation, irrigation, plant purchases, labor for installation, and to cover various follow-up maintenance costs.

Jude Hobbs
Agro-Ecology Northwest
342-1160
cascadia@starband.net