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The Importance of CRP in Supporting Monarch Butterflies
How Milkweed and Other Native Plants Provide Crucial Habitat for Monarchs The iconic monarch butterfly, with its striking orange and black wings, is more than just a symbol of natural beauty; it’s a vital pollinator and an indicator of ecosystem health. Unfortunately, monarch populations have seen a dramatic decline over the last several decades due to
Creating Bird-Friendly Habitat with CRP
How CRP Plantings Support Upland Birds, Songbirds, and Migratory Species Grasslands are among the most threatened ecosystems in North America, and as they disappear, so too do the birds that depend on them. Fortunately, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a powerful tool for reversing this trend. Through the establishment of native grasses, forbs, and
When and How to Mow CRP Fields for Weed Control
Understanding USDA Mowing Regulations and How to Use Mowing as a Management Tool Mowing is one of the most widely used techniques for establishing and managing vegetation in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. While mowing can be an effective tool for weed control and habitat maintenance, it
How to Prevent and Control Woody Encroachment in CRP Fields
Best Practices for Keeping Trees and Shrubs from Overtaking CRP Grasslands One of the most common long-term threats to the health and integrity of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings is woody encroachment, the gradual invasion of trees and shrubs into grassland habitats. If left unmanaged, woody species can drastically alter the structure and function of
Integrated Pest Management Strategies for CRP Land
How to Manage Pests While Maintaining a Healthy Ecosystem in CRP Fields One of the key goals of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is to restore and maintain ecological balance on lands that were once in agricultural production. While native grasses and forbs thrive under the right conditions, they are not immune to threats, particularly
The Role of Prescribed Burns in CRP Management
How Controlled Burns Can Be Used as a Tool for Maintaining Healthy CRP Land Prescribed burns, also known as controlled burns, are one of the most effective, natural management tools available for maintaining the health and longevity of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings. While the thought of intentionally setting fire to land may seem counterintuitive,