76: Managing Buckthorn and Brush for the Long Haul

76: Managing Buckthorn and Brush for the Long Haul

From Dirt Rich by Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota

May 28, 2025 · 56 min · Season 6 · Episode 85

About this episode

This episode discusses the challenges of managing buckthorn and brush in woodlands and prairies, featuring experts in ecological restoration and agriculture.

"Nature is never done." Buckthorn removal has been a long, uphill battle for folks managing their woodlands and prairies – whether it be for recreation, farming, or aesthetics. And buckthorn is just one species in a much larger brush management problem that we see across Minnesota and the Midwest. Today’s roundtable of guests bring expertise in ecological restoration, forestry, silvopasture, and agriculture. They'll discuss the historical context of degraded savannas and woodlands and the buckthorn problem, and present a working lands approach to these pervasive challenges with a long-term view...including insights on saving time, labor, and money. Speakers Tyler Carlson, Silvopasture & Agroforestry Project Lead, Sustainable Farming Association (SFA) Jim Chamberlin, Conservation Outreach Specialist, SFA Jennifer Grommes, Southern Minnesota Program Manager, Great River Greening Bryan Simon, Silvopasture & Agroforestry Project Consultant, SFA Resources mentioned in this episode Dirt Rich Episode 23: Oak Savanna Origins w/ Stephen Thomforde Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Minnesota Soil & Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) MNL Seed Mixes SFA's Agroforestry…

People in this episode

Guests: Tyler Carlson, Jim Chamberlin, Jennifer Grommes, Bryan Simon

Topics covered

  • buckthorn management
  • ecological restoration
  • forestry
  • silvopasture
  • agriculture
  • woodland management

Keywords

  • buckthorn
  • brush management
  • ecological restoration
  • forestry
  • silvopasture
  • agriculture
  • Minnesota

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Sustainable Farming Association, Great River Greening, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Minnesota Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources

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