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Learning how to make better use of nature’s pest management services is the focus of this year’s series of free organic farm walks around the state that are being sponsored by New Mexico State University and the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.
“Join us and your fellow growers in learning about habitat enhancement and other techniques that can help beneficial insects and reduce pest problems on organic farms and gardens,” said Tess Grasswitz, NMSU urban/small farm integrated pest management specialist.
He will be leading the walks with Joanie Quinn, organic adviser with the NMDA Organic Program.
There will be four walks, all from 1-4 p.m.:
♦ Wednesday, Aug. 22, in Dixon, hosted by Heather Harrell and Les Crowder at their organically certified small farm. Harrell has installed pollinator plantings at their 4.8-acre mixed vegetable farm. Crowder is a well-known beekeeper.
♦ Wednesday, Aug. 29, in Lemitar, near Socorro, hosted by Nolina Bryant, owner of Nolina’s Heavenly Organics. Bryant is a certified organic grower with two acres of mixed vegetables and fruits.
♦ Sunday, Sept. 9, in Sile, near Cochiti, hosted by Kevin and Linda Wrigley at their certified organic farm, Tip Top Table Farm. The couple produces mixed fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs and alfalfa hay on their 20-acre farm.
♦ Wednesday, Sept. 26, in Santa Fe, hosted by Thomas and Mary Dixon at their organically certified Green Tractor Farm. The Dixons have three acres of various crops, including grapes, mixed vegetables, hay and flowers.
“These on-farm workshops will introduce the concept of farmscaping,” Grasswitz said.
Farmscaping methods include the use of insectary plants, hedgerows, cover crops, nest boxes or roosting sites that can attract and support beneficial organisms such as predatory and parasitic insects, spiders, birds, and bats, all of which can help suppress insect pests and problem vertebrates such as mice and gophers.
Participants are asked to pre-register by contacting Quinn by email at jquinn@nmda.nmsu.edu, or by phone at 505-889-9921.
The organic walks are made possible by a grant from the USDA/National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
