Integrating Environmental Restoration With Agroecology, The Future of Madrona Farm

Abstract

Madrona Farm, an 11.03-hectare farm located in the Blenkinsop Valley in the municipality of Saanich Victoria, B.C., is currently engaged in a project, which integrates ecological restoration with agroecology, with the overall goal of reaching environmental, social, and economic sustainability.  The project uses crop rotations, cover cropping, intercropping, growing fruit trees, and tending livestock to increase biological diversity.  As well, a corridor of native trees has been planted to create habitat, prevent erosion, and act as shade/wind block and possibly a future source of wood. Currently, five hectares are under cultivation for vegetable production, which is being marketed at the farm’s vegetable stand.  A vegetable stand is a place of commerce, social interaction and education. A bulletin board has been posted at the vegetable stand to educate the community about ecologically sound farming practices, upcoming crops, harvest times, and recipes.