Early Spring Natives
Keep an eye out for these when out and about this spring
Pasqueflower
Anemone patens
photo credit: plantwatch.naturealberta.ca/
Also known as wild crocus, windflower and mayflower. Perennial forb that grows 4-12″ tall. Can be seen right after snow melts in April/May. Leaves are silk and flowers tulip like ranging in colors of white to pink or purple. Found on grass hillsides and open wooded areas. Important early flower for pollinators. Not normally preferred by livestock.
Lanceleaf bluebells
Mertensia lanceolata
photo credit: wild.photography.com
Also known as wild forget-me-not and chiming bells. Perennial fob, several spreading stems that grow up to 16″ tall. Sometimes confused for a penstemon but bluebelss have stem leaves that are alternate with a slight clasp at the stem. Penstomons have 2 lipped flowers. Often found around rocky slopes, prairies, badlands and near the Black Hills. Great forage for sheep/goats and wild game. Seldom grazed by cattle.
Lichens
Photo credit: lagomera1.blogspot.com
joyfulmicrobe.com/lichens-101
Lichens are slow growing communities based on a complex symbiotic partnership between a fungus and an algae or cyanobacteria. There are thousands of different types of lichens. They are adaptable and can be found on rocks, ground, bark of trees, even on the branches of sage brush. Lichen provides a food source for tiny insects and large herbivores. They can even offer nitrogen to nearby organisms. Lichens can also be found on soil crusts, adding to soil stability. Certain species have been used for medicinal, dye, and fragrance purposes for thousands of years.
Regenerative Gardening Resources
Regenerative garden practices & benefits:
Understanding what weeds are telling you about your soil:
https://www.ecofriendlyhomestead.com/sustainable-garden/learn/indicator-plant-list
Take a deep look into your compost
There are so many things to consider when looking at a high quality compost. Let’s break it down very simply. These things can be quickly looked at with the naked eye and under microscope.
Compost should be a dark chocolate color, earthy smell, and enough moisture to hold together when squeezed. High quality compost can be create multiple ways with many different starting materials.
Under the microscope each field of view should have a type of microbial life such as protozoa (amoebae or flagellates), fungal hyphae, beneficial spores and beneficial nematodes. Everything should looks as if it is slightly vibrating. If organisms are “zooming” take caution as these are characteristics of anaerobic microbes. Interested in learning more? Reach out for available resources to take a deep dive.
Roots hairs on seeds inoculated with a diverse microbial compost.
Learn more here–> https://symsoil.medium.com/soil-food-web-in-8-pictures-99df36ef8db0
This grazing school can be set apart from others because of the extensive small group, hands-on approach that Bart & Pat take with participants. Hands-on work with the livestock, calculating production before and after actual grazing, seeing real time grazing results results and SO much more.
This grazing school is limited to 40 participants to maximize the learning environment, so register soon!
Interested in scholarships to attend?
EMRA has funding available for scholarships from MTGLC for those who are interested, so reach out to Sue or Sarafina. Please fill out the scholarship application prior to registration -> Scholarship Application
AND
Cattle producers can apply & receive $800 to attend from NCBA Rancher Resilience Grant. Check out the link –>Rancher Resilience Grant
“I just wanted to say the knowledge in the principles of soil health and grazing that Pat and Bart possess is second to none. They have acquired their knowledge of grazing, soils and livestock from the years of managing their ranches and the ups and downs and being early adopters of managed grazing. What they have done for me and my ranch with sharing their knowledge and friendship is worth far more economically and personally than the price of the schools. Which is why I am in negotiations with them to put on a school in my area so more ranchers/producers can benefit from their expertise and knowledge to become better grazers and lifelong learners and hopefully educators.” -Dugan Bad Warrior Zuya Sica Ranch, SD
Partner Events
