Agroforestry Regional Knowledge Exchange Network (ARKx)
Demonstration Site Profile
Demonstration Site Name
Siuslaw Model Forest
Demonstration Site Area
Acra, NY
Demonstration Site Contact Information
Tracey Testo-Smith
Agroforestry Practices Demonstrated
Riparian Buffer, Forest Farming, Food Forest
518-894-9899
General Information
Agroforestry Profile
Size of each agroforestry practice
Shiitake laying yard is at commercial scale/ understory cropping demo is 3.5 acres and also a commercial scale/ Food forest and Riparian buffer are at a hobby scale
Geographic context
Rural
Open to contact regarding Agroforestry?
Yes
Land Tenure
Own
What species & products are being grown or produced in the agroforestry demo?
Shiitakes in the laying yard along with golden oysters/ Understory cropping demo is ginseng focused with ramps, goldenseal, black cohosh, bloodroot, ferns and others at smaller scale/ Food forest is chestnut and hazelnut focused with many other species being integrated in 2024/ Riparian buffer is fruit and nut cropping focused with a high level of diversity.
What is the scale of production?
Shiitake and Ginseng are at commercial scale. All other crops are at a hobbyist level.
Do you use other non-agroforestry conservation practices?
Yes- our 142 acre site is a NYC watershed model forest with a forest management plan, deer exclosures for regeneration, water diversion techniques on all trails to protect water quality, reforestation projects and invasive species management planning.
Total Site Size (acres)
142 acres
Years in operation
17 years
Did you work with a Technical Service Provider or consultant for your design?
Other professionals in the field and TSP's- Steve Gabrial, NRCS staff, Wild Hudson Valley, Bob Beyfuss, Kate MacFarland
Year agroforestry systems established
Shiitake laying yard est. in 2010/ Food Forest est. in 2010 with 2024 expansions/ Understory cropping demo est. in 2023/ Riparian Buffer est. in 2023 with 2024 expansions
Visitors?
Private tours and educational offerings are also available
Demonstration Site Address
6055 Route 23 Acra NY (CCE office visit required for entry)
Did you receive any technical assistance for implementing your agroforestry demonstration?
Other professionals in the field and TSP's- Steve Gabrial, NRCS staff, Wild Hudson Valley, Bob Beyfuss, Kate MacFarland
Have you used grants or other financial assistance (cost share, etc.) to fund agroforestry?
Edwards Mother Earth Foundation to scale up shiitake and understory cropping to commerical level. The Watershed Agricultural Council is a site partner and supplements with funding through an agreement as a NYC Watershed Model Forest with Department of Environmental Protection funding.
Are you doing any marketing?
no
Who are you selling to? How are you selling? (CSA, farmers markets, distributors, etc.)
No sales, all for education. Food crops are donated through local networks.
Does your farm offer educational programs? If Yes, what type(s)?
Yes, education is the focal point of our site. We do general tours, presentations and focus on hands on service learning opportunities.
How did you get involved in agroforestry?
Through exploring mycology in college and finding this site and employment with CCE's agroforestry resource center directly after. Parallel to that I was hired on part-time with a large wild-simulated ginseng farm.
What are your future plans?
To continue to expand and deepen the education we offer as we continue to develop and expand these demonstrations
Can you describe any of the barriers or obstacles that you've overcome in establishing and maintaining your agroforestry demonstration site? (ex. land access, financial challenges, labor, operation costs, etc. )
Labor and funding access are the main barriers. We have staff and excellent partners but those entities are involved with many aspects of the association as a whole.
Anything additional you want to share (i.e. economics, environmental, social impacts, etc.)