Regenerative Roots: New Projects From the Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Powell Gardens

In early 2024, Powell Gardens launched the Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture (MCRA) at Powell Gardens. Created in partnership with Good Oak, this ongoing initiative seeks to further existing stewardship actions through dynamic application of reconstruction and restoration strategies. Other partners include Lincoln University, U.S. Department of Agriculture National Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS), and National Audubon Society’s Conservation Ranching Initiative. 

Early efforts of The Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Powell Gardens are blossoming! Learn more about spring initiatives and what’s next below.  

Perimeter Fencing 

Visitors will notice a new fence running along the front entrance drive. The Good Oak team has been working on completing the first section of perimeter fencing this spring. The fence is comprised of two miles of five-wire, high-tensile electric fence. The white T-posts are made from recycled polymers that are not conductive, so the post is the fence’s insulator.  

Once the perimeter fence is completed, the Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Powell Gardens will welcome a herd of American Milking Devons. These cows will help with pasture management and savanna creation.  

Note: Guests are welcome to view and enjoy working animals from a safe distance. Please refrain from touching any fencing or approaching animals on Powell Gardens’ property. Do not feed animals. A guardian dog is working closely with the herd and should not be approached or touched.  

Wooly New Employees 

A flock of sheep has been introduced to Powell Gardens’ acreage. Good Oak’s flock of hair sheep (a type of sheep that sheds wool instead of needing to be sheared) are hard at work munching weeds and grass. Seventy-three of these hair sheep are pregnant ewes! The team is preparing for the first lambing season at Powell Gardens, starting in mid-May.  

The male sheep in this flock are off site, still working at eating invasive honeysuckle at HCA’s Heartland Overlook Preserve. Once they wrap up that project, they will join the ewes and meet the new lambs.  

Restoration Specialists 

The Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Powell Gardens welcomed another group of restoration specialists to Powell Gardens this spring. Look for a sounder of heritage breed hogs! The hogs will work on removing particularly tough patches of invasive species like Lespedeza and teasel. Their work helps to diversify pastures with low biodiversity. Look for Bob (our giant boar) and the hard-working sows in late April.  

Honeybee Houses 

Honeybee swarm houses have been hung around Powell Gardens. These will collect feral honeybee swarms! The semi-wild bees will make up the beginning of the Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Powell Gardens’s apiary.  

The work of the Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Powell Gardens is just beginning! We look forward to providing classes, educational moments, and hands-on experiences in the future. Look for seasonal updates here on Powell Gardens blog. If you want to support this important initiative, consider making a donation. 

Donate to MCRA at Powell Gardens