SPEC

Ecosystem Services Project

Supporting Nature's Contributions to People

Ecosystem Services are the valuable benefits nature gives to all members of society. These include the clean air and water provided by plant life, the food we grow and harvest on farms, and the wild pollinator populations that support growth. One of the best ways to encourage these services is to support small-scale farmers in their role as stewards of the land.

Program Details

The Farmland Ecosystem Services Project works with small-scale farmers in Metro Vancouver to increase ecosystem services provided on local farmlands. This benefits our regional environment and helps farmers in our communities build resilience to challenges like climate change.

  • A yearly seminar for 50-60 farmers for education and networking First Workshop Scheduled for March 24!
  • Soil testing support along with expert management recommendations
  • South Coastal BC Compost Guide Updated for 2023!
  • Free cover crop seeds in the Fall to replenish and protect soil from winter rain and wind erosion
  • Practical workshops on topics such as regenerating degraded soils, compost, pollinators, drainage, integrated pest management and cover cropping
  • Farm pest and disease diagnosis and advice upon request
  • Collaboration to plant pollinator habitats on farms
  • Public outreach to share the value of small-scale farms in Metro Vancouver
  • Collaborative citizen science project through the Pest and Beneficial Insects iNaturalist project

Resources

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Compost Survey

 

 

Soil Test Guide

 

 

Our Supporters

 

 

We have been lucky to work with small-scale farmers in Vancouver since 2016 and hope to see their success and numbers grow. They bring us hope for a better future.

To learn more or to contribute to this project, please contact Morgan Hamilton.