The University of Rhode Island announced on March 25 that it has received a donation from Tree Pro, an Indiana-based company, to help establish a new silvopasture at Peckham Farm in South Kingstown. The contribution includes 1,500 tree protectors and the same number of wooden stakes, valued at about $30,000.
The initiative aims to expand URI’s research capacity while providing benefits for livestock on campus. Silvopasture is an agroforestry practice that integrates trees, forage, and livestock into one system. It can improve soil health, offer shade for animals, restore ecosystems, and promote sustainable food production.
After the expiration of a long-term sod lease in 2022 gave URI access to 52 acres of farmland at Peckham Farm, the land was left compacted and stripped of vegetation. Heavy rains soon after caused significant erosion. Coleman Replogle, farm manager at URI, described his early efforts addressing these challenges: “It’s a lot to put your money toward a new way when the margin for farmers or ag producers is already thin,” he said. “The University can document and share data that helps show how it works. We could be the blueprint in this area.”
Professor Laura Meyerson leads the restoration project with colleagues by planting oaks, chestnuts and honey locusts—trees chosen for their environmental benefits and suitability for livestock grazing. Meyerson said introducing silvopasture will allow New England farmers unfamiliar with this method to observe its effects firsthand.
Tom Mills from Tree Pro commented on their involvement: “Silvopasture is a very quickly growing topic in the agriculture industry. When we heard what was going on at URI, I wanted Tree Pro to be a part of it. This felt like the right project to be involved with.” Meyerson added about their partnership: “Tree Pro’s initial donation worked out so well. We are now looking forward to building on that success with these new tree shelters and stakes.”
URI community members as well as the public are invited to see progress during May’s Rhode to Regenerative conference at URI. Meyerson concluded: “We couldn’t do this without Tree Pro… Together we have this chance to do something far reaching and important for URI and beyond.”
