Nature and Nurture Farm Design and Management Plan

Abstract

This master’s project intends to explore the design process and management of restoration agriculture in Southeast Michigan. Our client, Nature and Nurture LLC. is a multi-faceted business owned and operated by Mike Levine and Erica Kempter. Between the two of them, they provide organic landscaping services, teach classes, sell organic, locally-adapted seeds, fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms to restaurants and stores throughout Southeast Michigan. The Levine and Kempter extended family has recently acquired 120 acres of property in Scio Township, near Dexter, Michigan. Much of the property has been conventionally farmed for 50 or more years, while other portions of the property are high-quality woodland and wetland. Ultimately, our clients would like to derive their income primarily from the farm. Moreover, they are committed to ecologically responsible farming and are interested in using organic practices, restoration agriculture, and agroecological techniques throughout the property. To that end, our role was to create a site plan that: does not damage the existing high-quality ecosystems on the site, is able to increase the quality of the soils in the conventionally farmed areas (metrics for quality include but are not limited to: soil organic matter, amount of organic nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium), and is able to increase the site’s overall habitat quality. Furthermore, we included a management plan for the natural areas on the site that will conserve existing ecosystems, and expand the range and value of ecosystem services. Through a series of field surveys and interviews, we attempted to determine the existing character of the site, which influenced the site plan and management recommendations. We provide a description of the floral and faunal composition, soil profiles, site history, and the needs of the different site users. A literature review of agroecology, conservation and restoration ecology in addition to a case study analysis, including visits to other farms, guided the formation of our site design and management plan. Our final plan will improve Nature and Nurture’s farm productivity and income, restore the soil quality on site, balance competing land uses, and expand the site’s potential for community outreach.