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 […]
The Importance of CRP in Supporting Monarch Butterflies Read More »
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
Creating Bird-Friendly Habitat with CRP Read More »
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
When and How to Mow CRP Fields for Weed Control Read More »
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
How to Prevent and Control Woody Encroachment in CRP Fields Read More »
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
Integrated Pest Management Strategies for CRP Land Read More »
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,
The Role of Prescribed Burns in CRP Management Read More »
Identifying and Managing Invasive Species That Threaten Native Plantings The success of any Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) project depends on establishing strong, diverse stands of native vegetation. However, one of the most common threats to that success, particularly during the early stages of establishment, is the invasion of aggressive weeds. These opportunistic plants compete for
Common Weeds in CRP Fields and How to Control Them Read More »
How Beneficial Soil Microbes Support Native Grass Establishment and Long-Term Success When most people think of a successful Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) planting, they imagine healthy stands of native grasses and vibrant wildflowers waving in the wind. But what’s happening beneath the surface is just as important, and often overlooked. One of the most critical,
The Role of Mycorrhizal Fungi in CRP Plantings Read More »
How FDCE Tailors Native Seed Blends to Match Conservation Goals No two CRP projects are exactly alike. From pollinator habitat and wetland buffers to erosion control and wildlife restoration, each Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contract comes with specific objectives, and those goals all begin with one of the most important components: the seed mix. At
Custom Seed Mixes: Creating the Perfect Habitat for Your CRP Project Read More »
How Integrating Cover Crops Supports Soil Health and Long-Term Conservation Goals Cover crops have long been recognized as a valuable tool in sustainable agriculture. For landowners enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), integrating cover crops can offer a strategic advantage, especially during the early stages of establishment or in rotation with perennial species. These
Using Cover Crops to Enhance CRP Land Read More »
