Q&A With Native Roots Farm Foundation
Have questions? We have answers.
We've put together some commonly asked questions to provide you with more information about NRFF.
Where is your farm and garden?
NRFF will be obtaining to create our native garden and sustainable farm. We don’t yet have a property, but you can help change that. Donate to NRFF and support our operations, help spread the word about the organization on Instagram and Facebook, and share this brochure with your community!
Why is this important?
Across the US, 2,000 acres of American farmland are lost to development every day. In the past twenty years, the landscape of Delaware has changed dramatically. Agricultural fields have been replaced by housing developments and big-box stores. NRFF celebrates the cultural and agricultural histories and traditions of those lands. Our mission is to recognize the stories of tribal communities, protect open space, and increase food security for people in Lower Delaware.
Who is Native Roots Farm Foundation?
NRFF is a non-profit organization. Our Board of Directors is made up of thoughtful individuals who are dedicated to diverse cultures, food sovereignty, protecting open space, and community.
How can I get involved?
NRFF would not exist without the support and dedication of volunteers. We are grateful for everyone who’s joined us on this journey and are always excited to welcome more. Email us and share how you want to get involved. You can also help by donating to NRFF, following us on Instagram and Facebook, and sharing this brochure.
Why do native plants matter?
There are over 17,000 plant species native to the United States. They’ve evolved to thrive in particular regions, habitats, or ecosystems and are essential for biodiversity. Native plants provide critical food and shelter for wildlife, prevent both floods and drought, reduce erosion, and support life.
Sadly, it’s estimated that more than 200 native species have been lost since the early 1800s. They do so much for us, let’s do all we can to support them! Plant native plants in your window box, planter, or yard!
Why do sustainable agricultural practices matter?
Spoiler alert: Regenerative agriculture is *Indigenous Agriculture*. The Indigenous roots of this land stewardship practice are rarely recognized. Instead, regenerative agriculture and permaculture are celebrated as brand new ways to farm in mainstream food systems.
Why are we hearing about this now? Most food is grown using industrial agricultural practices that have been linked to pollution, soil erosion, intensive water use, reduced biodiversity, chronic illness, and greenhouse gas emissions which are causing climate change.
Regenerative agriculture differs because it’s a holistic approach to land management. It recognizes the interconnectedness of soil, plants, water, animals, and people without centering humans. In practice, regenerative agriculture focuses on nurturing soil health, because that determines the health of both people and the planet.
Most importantly, regenerative agriculture is about community and equity. NRFF celebrates these principles and approaches. One day, we’ll bring them to life through a truly regenerative farm and public garden.
Some common techniques to nourish the soil include:
Cover cropping: covering bare soil with living plants, often for a specific purpose like adding nitrogen or suppressing weeds
Crop rotation: changing the location of different crops over time
Using natural fertilizers like compost, fish waste, wood ash, chicken manure, and worm castings
Polycultures/intercropping: growing two or more crops together in the same area at the same time
No or low-till farming: preparing the soil for planting without the use of tractors or plows
Rotational grazing of livestock to fertilize and aerate the soil
Riparian buffers: planting strips of vegetation near bodies of water to prevent nutrient runoff
Agroforestry: growing perennials among agricultural crops and/or animals
Terracing the land to reduce erosion
Burning the land to reduce the risk of mega fires and boost biodiversity
When the land is seen as a collective resource, it can be nurtured with the attention and energy that no one individual or corporation alone can provide.
What impact will Native Roots Farm Foundation make in the community?
NRFF will serve the community in three ways:
Our public garden will provide a peaceful and educational space where visitors can learn about the region's native plants and how local Native American communities use them.
Our farm will help improve food access. Food access is often tied to race and socio-economic status. And, due to Covid-19, food insecurity is disproportionately increasing in marginalized communities across the country. We believe that everyone deserves the nutrition they need to thrive.
We will build a community committed to the local culture and environment.