Agricultural Heritage

Restoration Agriculture: Where conservation meets cultivation to build healthy soils and support local food systems

Restoration Agriculture

We know we need farms to grow our food. That’s why we intertwine our restoration work with agriculture—the result is Restoration Agriculture! By holding some land in agricultural production, we build healthy soils and keep invasive species out while restoring other areas of the preserve.

Acres in Agriculture

Farmers Supported

Crops Grown

90 +

Acres of Rice Research

The Restoration Agriculture Approach

Our unique approach combines conservation with sustainable farming practices. We maintain plots near our farm with pockets of native trees and shrubs alongside harvestable crops—creating a system that benefits both wildlife and agriculture.

Benefits:

Builds healthy, organic-rich soils
Controls invasive species naturally
Provides habitat corridors for wildlife
Supports local food production
Demonstrates sustainable farming practices

Our Agricultural Partners

Fondy Food Center

40 acres of farmland providing long-term land access to 25 immigrant and local farmers who grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers for Milwaukee farmers markets.

The Fondy farmers grow over 100 different crops, greatly improving biodiversity for pollinators and other wildlife while supporting local food systems.

Marquette University Rice Research

Dr. Michael Schlappi is pioneering research to determine if rice can become a new commercial cash crop for Wisconsin farmers.

Using MNP’s natural wetlands, they’re testing strains of rice originally cultivated 8,000-10,000 years ago from Mesopotamia, including varieties from Russia, Japan, China, Thailand, and Italy.

Cold-Tolerant Rice Research

Currently, two acres of cold-tolerant rice are being grown, harvested, and marketed locally at MNP. This groundbreaking research could revolutionize Wisconsin agriculture by introducing a new crop adapted to our climate.

Dr. Schlappi’s team is testing ancient rice varieties to find strains that can thrive in Wisconsin’s conditions, potentially opening new economic opportunities for local farmers while utilizing restored wetland areas.

Supporting Sustainable Agriculture

Our agricultural partnerships demonstrate that conservation and farming can work together. By supporting MNP, you’re investing in innovative approaches that benefit both the land and local communities.