Seedleaf Agroforestry PrograM

What is agroforestry? The intentional combination of agriculture with forest ecosystems.

Participants in Seedleaf’s Agroforestry Program will explore how growing “food forests” might improve neighborhoods, public green spaces, and farms by learning about the following:

- Agroforestry Basics
- Elemental Components (Sun, Soil, Seed, Water, Weather, Crops & Cultivation)
- Perennial Plants
- Central Kentucky Ecosystems
- Major Practices (Stream Buffers, Silvopasture, Hedges, Alley Cropping and Forest Farming)
- Economics
- Design Principles

Sessions will include presentations, practical skills workshops, agroforestry tools, application in real-world projects, and interaction with each other developing collaborative teams and establishing an agroforestry support network.

Saturday, September 9th from 9:00 – 12:00
Open house at the farm - an introductory event to showcase Seedleaf’s new farm, meet our new instructor Russ Turpin, ask questions about the program, register in advance, and explore options without obligation.

Saturday, October 14 th from 9:00 – 12:00
First session in the Agrofestry series - an overview of agroforestry and an outline for future programs.

Russ Turpin - In 1998, after graduating from UT Chattanooga’s Environmental Science program, I moved to Lexington and began working in environmental restoration, ecological stewardship, and supporting the role of nature in communities. Since 2001, I have worked in landscape design, installation, and management. In 2004, I added an emphasis on native plants, ecological rehabilitation, "green" stormwater structures, and the stewardship of natural areas.

In addition to my B.S. degree, I have a Certified Arborist accreditation and a Commercial Pesticide Operator and Applicator License. I have attained Professional Environmental Educator Certification from the Kentucky Environmental Education Council and I stay current on environmental education trends, topics and resources through my membership with the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education. I have also served on the Advisory Board and developed and led programs with the Red Oaks Forest School.

I actively contribute my skills and expertise to grassroots organizations in Central Kentucky as Chair of Lexington’s Greenspace Trust and as a representative on the city’s Stormwater Stakeholder Advisory Committee.