Natural forests and agroforestry systems can be profitably used, while retaining their value for wildlife, to manage water and soils, particularly along streams and river valleys. Forests native to our region provide timber, produce syrup, mushrooms and ginseng, and supply decorative cuttings for the floral industry. These values can be enhanced through alley cropping, where nut trees or other hardwoods are grown in alternating alleys with crops or pastures. The alley trees provide additional sources of income for farmers and ranchers, including nuts (see example of hazelnuts) and high-value lumber and veneer logs. Trees and other woody vegetation have long been planted by farmers and ranchers as windbreaks to prevent erosion and to control odor. Livestock often use pasture planted within agroforestry systems.
In 2009, the Leopold Center at Iowa State University formed a regional agroforestry working group, which holds monthly conference calls, and met once in 2009 and again in February of 2011. The Mid-American Agroforestry Working Group (MAAWG) is focused on integrating and promoting agroforestry in the Mid-American region. For more information, please visit the Leopold Center and the National Agroforestry Center.