United States Department of Agriculture
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Berry Farm is Shining Example of Protecting Local Water Quality

Bob and Cathee Alex operate the Evergreen Berry Farm in Watertown, Connecticut. This model conservation farm has been awarded a 10-year contract in the Conservation Security Program (CSP). CSP identifies and rewards those farmers who are meeting the highest standards of conservation and environmental management on their farms.

Evergreen Berry Farm is a small, 28 acre farm; of which 10.5 acres are pick-your-own berries – mostly blueberries, but blackberries and raspberries are also available.

The farm protects soil quality by maintaining five-foot wide strips of grass between each row of berries. The rows themselves are mulched with wood chips and composted horse manure to help control weed growth and improve soil organic matter. Soil tests are taken to ensure the proper amount of pH. Foliar testing is done to determine fertilizer rates. Fish emulsion is applied to provide amino acids and trace micro-nutrients.

Water quality and quantity are also well managed at this farm. If weeds do make it through the mulch, herbicide usage is minimized by spot treatment and weed whacking. Flash tape, scare eyes, audio machines, and the presence of Bob’s hunting falcon are also used to reduce bird damage to the crops. Japanese beetles are hand picked off plants.

Water diversions, which look like grassy swales between the berry rows, help divert excess rain water off the sloping land, protecting the land from erosion. A drip irrigation system is used to minimize irrigation water and energy use, while producing juicy berries.

A small, intermittent stream flows from the farm into the nearby Wigwam Reservoir. The environmental care that goes into all the farming practices at Evergreen Berry Farm help protect the drinking water quality of the reservoir and the aquatic habitat in the Central Housatonic Watershed.

2006 CSP Program Highlights
 

Watershed

Total CSP Contracts Approved

  

Tier I

 

Tier II

  

Tier III
Central Housatonic 12   5 7
TOTAL Contracts 12   5 7
TOTAL 2005 Payments $44,634   $14,457 $30,177

CSP is a voluntary program that supports ongoing conservation stewardship of agricultural working lands and enhances the condition of America’s natural resources. NRCS financial and technical assistance promotes the conservation and improvement of soil, water, air, energy, plant and animal life, and other conservation purposes. CSP will be available each year on a rotational basis in as many watersheds as funding allows.

10/24/06

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