The EFANS Request for Ideas (RFI) was one component of a discussion about how Extension can approach issues spanning agriculture and natural resources in order to serve the citizens of Minnesota. RFIs funded for 2009-10 are listed below. The EFANS Request for Proposals (RFP) was a one-time request covering short-term projects to be completed in 2008-09. A goal for the RFPs and RFIs was to encourage people to collaborate across EFANS programs.
Below are contacts for each of the submitted projects. Consider contacting them to collaborate on future projects.
EFANS-RFI-2008-09 [PDF]
Team
Project summary: This project will develop and test an integrated model to address water quality issues related to phosphorus in lakes, using a sub-watershed approach. Phosphorus sources from shoreland properties, septic systems and agricultural lands will be identified, and BMPs to decrease phosphorus inputs will be developed and shared with watershed residents.
Project leaders
Team: Mel Baughman, Kathy Zuzek, Jeff Gillman, Rebecca Koetter, Dave Hansen, Eli Sagor, Josh Axtman (University of Minnesota student)
Project summary: Developing a suite of online diagnostic tools to help identify insect, disease and abiotic tree problems for the 20 most commonly grown trees in Minnesota. This site will be useful to homeowners, gardeners, woodlot owners and tree care professionals.
Team
Project summary: Creating an educational program that promotes the benefits of riparian forest buffers. The approach includes developing educational materials based on a literature review and establishing a demonstration on an existing DNR-designated trout stream, the Vermillion River in Dakota County.
Team: Brad Carlson, Tim Dolan, Wayne Schoper, Mike Boersma, Laura Kieser, Betsy Wieland, Tana Haugen-Brown, Brenda Postels, Dan Martens, Diane Stouffer, Wayne Martin, Beth Nelson, Terry Nennich, Bob Olen, Troy Salzer, Gary Wyatt, David Bau, Karl Foord, Brad Irwin, Grant Crawford, Ryan Miller, Suzanne Driessen, Ryan Pesch, Carl Rosen, Cindy Tong, Dean Herzfeld, Kent Olson, Renee Pardello
Project summary: Establish the infrastructure for a vibrant Small Farms initiative to address the growing number of small farms in Minnesota. This includes publications, curriculums, events, activities, communications, web resources, and staff and professional development. This project will also work to identify potential funding sources and partners.
An eXtension Community of Practice for Woody- and Agriculture-based Bioenergy in Minnesota
Developing a 'Multifunctional Fuelshed' for The Koda Energy Project: Supporting A Multi-Stakeholder Implementation Group
Developing Bioengineering Erosion Standard for Wave Environments
Documentation of the Effects of Compost in the Ornamental Landscape
Extension Symposia: Earth Kind Living in the 21st Century
Growing More Produce Locally by Extending the Season
Integrating tree and agricultural crop for ecological sustainability and farm productivity: A demonstration study
Integrative Climate Change Education Training for Environmental and Agricultural Outreach Professionals
Moving Toward a Zero Impact House: A Teaching and Research Residential Site for Sustainable Planning of Urban Sites
Rural Stream Education
Selected Farm Rents, Rates and Value Survey
Working Together for an Environmentally Friendly Future
Team
Time frame: completed
Project summary: Formulated a guide (.pdf) focused on the new Conservation Stewardship Program, Biomass Crop Assistance Program and energy programs from USDA Rural Development. The guide was used as part of a larger website and also at winter meetings. Several news releases were also developed in conjunction with the guide.
Team
Time frame: completed
Project summary: Expanded and improved the multi-agency First Detector Program by: 1) Adding invasive species of concern in both agricultural and forested landscapes; 2) Updating training for the emerald ash borer (EAB) First Detector Program; 3) Training new First Detectors; 4) Producing a "front line" manual for use by First Detectors; and 5) Creating and delivering educational programs for the general public to be used by First Detectors and other agencies. See EAB website.
Team
Time frame: completed
Project summary: Furthered the collaboration between Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists by bringing them together to educate attendees of the Lake Home and Cabin Show. Volunteers received training on pertinent topics to prepare them to answer questions. New display items were also created for the show booth.
Team
Time frame: completed
Project summary: Developed the Cutting Edge on Lawns demonstration at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, displaying six traditional and two new grasses alongside care and water use instructions. This team also developed a "work bench" display of irrigation piping and an educational weekend at the Arboretum focusing on water use for homeowners.
Lawn and Landscape Management Practices for Protecting Water Quality - An Integrative Agriculture and Natural Resource Issue Grant Proposal
Revisiting Agricultural Traditions to Strengthen Natural Resource Connections