Item No. 1 of 1

INVESTIGATOR: Cincotta, C.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
TYONEK TRIBAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT
1689 C ST
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99501

EDUCATION, OUTREACH, AND TRAINING TO ALASKA NATIVE BEGINNING FARMERS AND RANCHERS

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The proposed project provides training, education, outreach and technical assistance to Alaska Native Beginning Farmers and Ranchers throughout Alaska. The primary goal for the proposed project is to enhance food security in Alaska Native Villages by increasing knowledge, skills and tools for Alaska Native socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers to create sustainable agricultural systems and informed decisions on its operations in communities. To achieve the project goals, TTCD will develop, organize, and implement a mixed-method Education/Training and Outreach Programs for Alaska Native Beginning Farmers and Ranchers with a Tribal Conservation District in their community. In addition, TTCD will utilize sustainable agricultural practices, planning, and business and operational material to be duplicated in other Alaska Native Villages with beginning farmers and ranchers. Project staff and partners will provide ongoing support and technical assistance linking Alaska Native Beginning Farmers and Ranchers with resources and programs that enhance and support the start up of local farms in Alaska Native Villages to provide food, encourage community development, and support jobs for local farmers.

OBJECTIVES: Goal #1 - Improve food security in low income rural Alaska Native Villages (ANVs) that have limited access to supermarkets.Objective 1.1 - Develop, organize, and implement a mixed-method Education/Training Program for Alaska Native Beginning Farmers and Ranchers (ANBFR).Objective 1.2 - Develop, organize, and implement Outreach Program to Alaska Tribal Conservation Districts (ATCDs) and ANBFRs in their community.Goal #2 - Encourage low cost, sustainable, and effective farming methods for socially disadvantaged ANBFRs in ANVs.Objective 2.1 - Document and share low cost conservation practice demonstrations in Tyonek's Farmusing local resources to be duplicated by other ANVs and ANBFRs.Objective 2.2 - Create a business plan to support business operations and development for Tyonek's Farm and as an educational tool for the Education/Training and Outreach Programs.Objective 2.3 - Provide technical assistance to ANBFR on planning, programs supporting local food production, and funding opportunities.

APPROACH: Both programs - Education/Training and Outreach - will have an online and in-person component to decrease travel costs, yet working with an Alaska Tribal Conservation District (ATCD)and Alaska Native (AN) individuals in a culturally respectful manner. Initially a small group of participants in the Education/Training Program will meet in Tyonek for four days to work in the Tyonek Farm and observe the implementation of conservation practices, so that they can be duplicated in their community. For participants in the Education/Training Program that are unable to travel to Tyonek,TTCD will create videos implementing the conservation practices and share them via ATCA and TTCD's websites. The Education/Training Program will also have a 10-week online course during the winter months. Participants will connect to the virtual classroom via online meeting software such as Join.me.Similarly, the Outreach Program will combine virtual and in-person strategies to reach Alaska Native Beginning Farmers and Ranchers (ANBFR) in Alaska Native Villages (ANVs). ATCA and TTCD staff will travel to two ATCD communities each project year. They will work with the Board of the Directors for the ATCD to develop governing documents as needed, identify community priorities, strategies for local farming, instructing on the importance of working with community, governmental, and corporate partners, and other technical assistance as needed in order for the ATCD and ANBFR to be successful at producing local food. It is very important to travel to the community to effectively work with the ANBFR. TTCD and ATCA will have an understanding of the community's infrastructure, location, and specific needs. In addition with each site visit, ATCA and TTCD staff will work with the ATCD Board of Directors to plan a community meeting where project partners can provide information on local farming at a community site and/or fish camps, the services ATCDs can provide to the farmers, and low cost conservation practices developed in this project. Than ATCA will organize meetings (4/project year) via online presentation software and/or teleconference connecting ATCDs that work with the ANBFR, providing ongoing support, and information on future trainings and funding opportunities to support community farming efforts.As a socially disadvantaged group, AN people value in-person interaction, and need this experience to establish trust and understanding. As a group, AN people have experienced ongoing discrimination and bias, therefore establishing trust is essential for any project in Alaska working with AN people to be successful.Evaluation Plan - Project staff will assess the Training/Education and Outreach Programs annually using feedback surveys and pre- and post- tests from class participants, ATCD board members, and ANBFRs. The pre- and post-tests for the programs will include a number scale (i.e. 1 - 10) to establish baseline and measure a percentage of change for knowledge, skills, and awareness over time using applied statistics (outcomes 1-5). The surveys will include a place for additional comments and suggestions to improve the training and education material, the number of ANBFRs reached and farming, the number of farms started, and the number of new farmers. For all news farms started or expanded as a result of this project, the survey will include a question about the value of their system using ranges (i.e. <$20.000, $20,000-$50,000, $50,000-<$100,000, $100,00-<$200,000) This project is designed to increase the number of ANBFRs knowledge of sustainable farming practices, therefore feedback on the value and quality of the training is crucial. Project staff will use results from the pre- and post-tests and feedback surveys to change and improve the Training/Education and Outreach Programs throughout the duration of the project.Project staff will annually calculate the response rate for the surveys and pre- and post-tests. In addition, project staff will record participatory data and project outputs. Project staff will record and report to USDA NIFA the number of participants in Education/Training Program travelling to Tyonek to observe conservation practices demonstrations in Tyonek Farm, the number of low cost conservation practices created and implemented at Tyonek Farm, the number of ATCDs and their communities that participate in the Outreach Program, the number of communities that project staff travel to for the Outreach Program, the number of community meetings during each site visit in the Outreach Program, the number of manuals created and distributed to ANBFRs, when the business plan is written with marketing, operations, and management plans, the number of ANBFRs receiving business and financial training, and website development and enhancement. Sign up sheets will be at all meetings, trainings, courses, and demonstrations to record participants.

PROGRESS: 2014/12 TO 2017/12
Target Audience: Audience Emphasis Limited resource producers Native American Small farms Participants Served Record the total number of unique participants who participated in your program: Total Number of Participants: 449 Enter the actual cumulative number of participants who as a result of your program: Started farming: Target - 30, Actual - 18 Helped prepare to start farming: Target - 140, Actual - 391 Improved farming success: Target - 10, Actual - 13 Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Delivery Total Meetings: 37 Total Meeting Participants: 506 Total Webinars: 1 Total Webinar Participants: 13 Total Website Visits: 0 Total Online Course Participants: 0 Meetings 6/8/2015: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 8 6/9/2015: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 8 6/10/2015: Tyonek, AK -- Number of Attendees 8 6/11/2015: Tyonek, AK -- Number of Attendees 8 10/20/2015: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 5 8/17/2015: Nondalton, AK -- Number of Attendees 1 8/18/2015: Nondalton, AK -- Number of Attendees 15 8/19/2015: Nondalton, AK -- Number of Attendees 1 10/5/2015: Klawock, AK -- Number of Attendees 6 10/6/2015: Klawock, AK -- Number of Attendees 4 10/7/2015: Klawock, AK -- Number of Attendees 1 10/7/2015: Hydaburg, AK -- Number of Attendees 3 10/8/2015: Craig, AK -- Number of Attendees 2 1/28/2016: Arctic Village, AK -- Number of Attendees 29 2/9/2016: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 9 2/12/2016: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 9 2/11/2016: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 40 2/25/2016: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 25 4/27/2016: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 34 5/24/2016: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 11 5/25/2016: Palmer, AK -- Number of Attendees 11 5/26/2016: Tyonek, AK -- Number of Attendees 11 5/27/2016: Tyonek, AK -- Number of Attendees 11 7/20/2016: Mountain Village, AK -- Number of Attendees 7 7/21/2016: Mountain Village, AK -- Number of Attendees 14 10/5/2016: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 39 11/22/2016: Venetie, AK -- Number of Attendees 10 2/23/2017: Fairbanks, AK -- Number of Attendees 43 3/23/2017: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 10 6/6/2017: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 7 6/7/2017: Palmer, AK -- Number of Attendees 7 6/8/2017: Tyonek, AK -- Number of Attendees 7 6/9/2017: Tyonek, AK -- Number of Attendees 7 8/8/2017: Cantwell, AK -- Number of Attendees 2 8/24/2017: Knik, AK -- Number of Attendees 4 10/25/2017: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 43 11/14/2017: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 46 Webinars 6/22/2016: Number of Attendees 13 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Promotional Materials Tyonek Grown Program Overview Pamphlet This pamphlet was created to provide an overall program synopsis for any interested Alaska Native Community member, Tribal Conservation District, partner, donor, or general public. The pamphlet describes program details to share the Tyonek story and promotes upcoming educational opportunities. This pamphlet is distributed at conferences, workshops, classes, and meetings. Tyonek Grown Summer Class Flier The purpose of the Tyonek Grown Summer Class Flier was to advertise TTCD's hands on class at the Tyonek demonstration farm. The intended audience was Alaska Native rural community members interested in starting a farm or garden in their community. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

IMPACT: 2014/12 TO 2017/12
What was accomplished under these goals? Results: What Producers Learned, Achieved, Applied Result 1. Facilitate new farm startups in Alaska Native communities. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Vegetables When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 4, Actual Number: 4 How verified: Community visits Feedback surveys Pre- and post- assessment tests Result 2. Facilitate new farm startups in Alaska Native communities. Producer action: Decide, Topic: Water management When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 4, Actual Number: 4 How verified: Community visits Feedback surveys Pre- and post- assessment tests Result 3. Facilitate new farm startups in Alaska Native communities. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Soil management When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 4, Actual Number: 4 How verified: Community visits Feedback surveys Pre- and post- assessment tests Result 4. Facilitate new farm startups in Alaska Native communities. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Conservation When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 4, Actual Number: 4 How verified: Community visits Feedback surveys Pre- and post- assessment tests Result 5. Facilitate new farm startups in Alaska Native communities Producer action: Implement, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 4, Actual Number: 4 How verified: Community visits Feedback surveys Pre- and post- assessment tests Result 6. Facilitate new farm startups in Alaska Native communities. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Pest, weed, and disease management When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 4, Actual Number: 4 How verified: Community visits Feedback surveys Pre- and post- assessment tests Result 7. Facilitate new farm startups in Alaska Native communities. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Marketing plans and strategies When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 4, Actual Number: 4 How verified: Community visits Feedback surveys Pre- and post- assessment tests Result 8. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will participate in agricultural mixed media education and training workshops and access online resources. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Conservation When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 150, Actual Number: 391 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment tests Result 9. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will participate in agricultural mixed media education and training workshops and access online resources. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Vegetables When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 150, Actual Number: 391 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- assessment tests Result 10. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will participate in agricultural mixed media education and training workshops and access online resources. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Organic production When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 150, Actual Number: 391 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment tests Result 11. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will participate in agricultural mixed media education and training workshops and access online resources. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Marketing plans and strategies When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 150, Actual Number: 244 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment tests Result 12. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will participate in agricultural mixed media education and training workshops and access online resources. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 150, Actual Number: 244 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment tests. Result 13. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will receive hands-on farm training. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Conservation When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 29 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment tests Result 14. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will receive hands-on farm training. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Water management When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 29 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment tests Result 15. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will receive hands-on farm training. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Soil management When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 29 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment tests Result 16. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will receive hands-on farm training. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Pest, weed, and disease management When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 29 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment test Result 17. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will receive hands-on farm training. Producer action: Develop, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 29 How verified: Workshop activity summary Feedback survey Assessment test Result 18. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will receive hands-on farm training. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Organic production When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 29 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment tests. Result 19. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will receive hands-on farm training. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 29 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post knowledge assessment tests Result 20. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will receive hands-on farm training. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Farm safety When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 29 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment tests

PUBLICATIONS (not previously reported): 2014/12 TO 2017/12
No publications reported this period.

PROGRESS: 2015/12/15 TO 2016/12/14
Target Audience: Audience Emphasis Limited resource producers Native American Small farms Participants Served Record the total number of unique participants who participated in your program: Total Number of Participants: 266 Enter the actual cumulative number of participants who as a result of your program: Started farming: Target - 30, Actual - 18 Helped prepare to start farming: Target - 140, Actual - 238 Improved farming success: Target - 10, Actual - 11 Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Delivery Total Meetings: 27 Total Meeting Participants: 330 Total Webinars: 1 Total Webinar Participants: 13 Total Website Visits: 0 Total Online Course Participants: 0 Meetings 6/8/2015: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 8 6/9/2015: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 8 6/10/2015: Tyonek, AK -- Number of Attendees 8 6/11/2015: Tyonek, AK -- Number of Attendees 8 10/20/2015: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 5 8/17/2015: Nondalton, AK -- Number of Attendees 1 8/18/2015: Nondalton, AK -- Number of Attendees 15 8/19/2015: Nondalton, AK -- Number of Attendees 1 10/5/2015: Klawock, AK -- Number of Attendees 6 10/6/2015: Klawock, AK -- Number of Attendees 4 10/7/2015: Klawock, AK -- Number of Attendees 1 10/7/2015: Hydaburg, AK -- Number of Attendees 3 10/8/2015: Craig, AK -- Number of Attendees 2 1/28/2016: Arctic Village, AK -- Number of Attendees 29 2/9/2016: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 9 2/12/2016: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 9 2/11/2016: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 40 2/25/2016: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 25 4/27/2016: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 34 5/24/2016: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 11 5/25/2016: Palmer, AK -- Number of Attendees 11 5/26/2016: Tyonek, AK -- Number of Attendees 11 5/27/2016: Tyonek, AK -- Number of Attendees 11 7/20/2016: Mountain Village, AK -- Number of Attendees 7 7/21/2016: Mountain Village, AK -- Number of Attendees 14 10/5/2016: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 39 11/22/2016: Venetie, AK -- Number of Attendees 10 Webinars 6/22/2016: Number of Attendees 13 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Steps Planned for 2017 Complete Tyonek Grown Business Plan and share with other communities as an educational tool. Plan, coordinate, and implement a third annual 4 day, hands-on workshop in Tyonek and Anchorage and invite 8 participants. Plan, coordinate, and implement follow up support teleconferences for past class participants. Visit two communities to provide planning assistance and technical assistance for the development of vegetable growing operations. Implement one conservation practice: utilize a cover crop to explore ways to improve soil health. Develop outreach materials and videos to share more information on completed conservation practices in Tyonek. Staff will coordinate with Alaska Tribal Conservation Alliance to hold four teleconferences with other TCDs to encourage collaboration and provide information on gardening. Provide multiple trainings at conferences and events to reach Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers. Install a harvest shed to improve harvest techniques and use as an educational tool for other communities.

IMPACT: 2015/12/15 TO 2016/12/14
What was accomplished under these goals? Steps Taken in 2016 Planned, coordinated, and implemented a 4 day, hands-on workshop in Tyonek and Anchorage attended by 8 individuals from 5 rural communities. Continued development of the Tyonek Grown Business Plan. Implemented multiple conservation practices at the Tyonek Garden to be used as demonstration projects for other rural communities. Practices included: Raised bed developed from recycled materials (wooden boat) o Improved food storage o Planned and purchased supplies for hydroponics system Traveled to two Alaska Tribal Conservation Districts to provide workshops on gardeningand farming: o Arctic Village, AK (part of T'ee Drin Jik TCD): This community is in the planning stages to develop a growing operation. TTCD provided technical and planning assistance. o Venetie, AK (part of T'ee Drin Jik TCD): This community started a community garden in 2016. TTCD provided technical assistance and planning assistance. o Moutain Village, AK (part of Asa'carsarmuit TCD): This community started a small raised bed garden in 2016. TTCD provided technical and planning assistance. Coordinated with Alaska Tribal Conservation Alliance (ATCA) to participate in four teleconferences with other TCDs, encouraging collaboration and providing information on gardening workshops. Coordinated with ATCA to survey TCDs to determine which TCDs and associated communities are interested in assistance with starting an agricultural project. Results: What Producers Learned, Achieved, Applied Result 1. Facilitate new farm startups in Alaska Native communities. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Vegetables When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 4, Actual Number: 4 How verified: Community visits Feedback surveys Pre- and post- assessment tests Result 2. Facilitate new farm startups in Alaska Native communities. Producer action: Decide, Topic: Water management When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 4, Actual Number: 4 How verified: Community visits Feedback surveys Pre- and post- assessment tests Result 3. Facilitate new farm startups in Alaska Native communities. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Soil management When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 4, Actual Number: 4 How verified: Community visits Feedback surveys Pre- and post- assessment tests Result 4. Facilitate new farm startups in Alaska Native communities. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Conservation When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 4, Actual Number: 4 How verified: Community visits Feedback surveys Pre- and post- assessment tests Result 5. Facilitate new farm startups in Alaska Native communities Producer action: Implement, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 4, Actual Number: 4 How verified: Community visits Feedback surveys Pre- and post- assessment tests Result 6. Facilitate new farm startups in Alaska Native communities. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Pest, weed, and disease management When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 4, Actual Number: 4 How verified: Community visits Feedback surveys Pre- and post- assessment tests Result 7. Facilitate new farm startups in Alaska Native communities. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Marketing plans and strategies When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 4, Actual Number: 4 How verified: Community visits Feedback surveys Pre- and post- assessment tests Result 8. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will participate in agricultural mixed media education and training workshops and access online resources. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Conservation When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 150, Actual Number: 243 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment tests Result 9. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will participate in agricultural mixed media education and training workshops and access online resources. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Vegetables When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 150, Actual Number: 243 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- assessment tests Result 10. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will participate in agricultural mixed media education and training workshops and access online resources. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Organic production When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 150, Actual Number: 243 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment tests Result 11. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will participate in agricultural mixed media education and training workshops and access online resources. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Marketing plans and strategies When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 150, Actual Number: 186 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment tests Result 12. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will participate in agricultural mixed media education and training workshops and access online resources. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 150, Actual Number: 186 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment tests. Result 13. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will receive hands-on farm training. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Conservation When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 22 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment tests Result 14. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will receive hands-on farm training. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Water management When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 22 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment tests Result 15. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will receive hands-on farm training. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Soil management When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 22 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment tests Result 16. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will receive hands-on farm training. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Pest, weed, and disease management When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 22 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment test Result 17. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will receive hands-on farm training. Producer action: Develop, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 22 How verified: Workshop activity summary Feedback survey Assessment test Result 18. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will receive hands-on farm training. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Organic production When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 22 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment tests. Result 19. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will receive hands-on farm training. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 22 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post knowledge assessment tests Result 20. Alaska Native beginning farmers and ranchers will receive hands-on farm training. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Farm safety When measured: 10/15/2017 Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 22 How verified: Feedback surveys Pre- and post- knowledge assessment tests

PUBLICATIONS: 2015/12/15 TO 2016/12/14
No publications reported this period.

PROGRESS: 2014/12/15 TO 2015/12/14
Target Audience: Audience Emphasis Small farms Native American Limited resource producers Participants Served Record the total number of unique participants who participated in your program: Total Number of Participants: 40 Enter the actual cumulative number of participants who as a result of your program: Started farming: Target - 30, Actual - 3 Helped prepare to start farming: Target - 140, Actual - 31 Improved farming success: Target - 10, Actual - 7 Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Delivery Total Meetings: 13 Total Meeting Participants: 70 Total Webinars: 0 Total Webinar Participants: 0 Total Website Visits: 0 Total Online Course Participants: 0 Meetings 6/8/2015: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 8 6/9/2015: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 8 6/10/2015: Tyonek, AK -- Number of Attendees 8 6/11/2015: Tyonek, AK -- Number of Attendees 8 10/20/2015: Anchorage, AK -- Number of Attendees 5 8/17/2015: Nondalton, AK -- Number of Attendees 1 8/18/2015: Nondalton, AK -- Number of Attendees 15 8/19/2015: Nondalton, AK -- Number of Attendees 1 10/5/2015: Klawock, AK -- Number of Attendees 6 10/6/2015: Klawock, AK -- Number of Attendees 4 10/7/2015: Klawock, AK -- Number of Attendees 1 10/7/2015: Hydaburg, AK -- Number of Attendees 3 10/8/2015: Craig, AK -- Number of Attendees 2? How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Promotional Materials Tyonek Grown Program Overview Pamphlet This pamphlet was created to provide an overall program synopsis for any interested Alaska Native Community member, Tribal Conservation District, partner, donor, or general public. The pamphlet describes program details to share the Tyonek story and promotes upcoming educational opportunities. This pamphlet is distributed at conferences, workshops, classes, and meetings. Tyonek Grown Summer Class Flier The purpose of the Tyonek Grown Summer Class Flier was to advertise TTCD's hands on class at the Tyonek demonstration farm. The intended audience was Alaska Native rural community members interested in starting a farm or garden in their community. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Steps Planned for 2016 • Complete Tyonek Grown Business Plan and share with other communities as an educational tool. • Complete Tyonek Grown Workbook • Plan, coordinate, and implement a second annual 4 day, hands-on workshop in Tyonek and Anchorage and invite 8 participants. • Survey TCDs and reach out to other Alaska Native Villages to determine which communities to visit in 2016 and 2017. • Visit two communities to provide planning assistance and technical assistance for the development of vegetable growing operations. • Implement two conservation practices: o Staff will coordinate with the community of Tyonek and the local Tebughna School to develop an indoor hydroponics system that can be used as a demonstration project for other communities. o Staff will coordinate with community and Tebughna School to create a raised bed using an old wooden boat as a demonstration project. • Develop outreach materials to share more information on completed conservation practices in Tyonek. • Staff will coordinate with Alaska Tribal Conservation Alliance to hold four teleconferences with other TCDs to encourage collaboration and provide information on gardening.

IMPACT: 2014/12/15 TO 2015/12/14
What was accomplished under these goals? Steps Taken in 2015 • Planned, coordinated, and implemented a 4 day, hands-on workshop in Tyonek and Anchorage attended by 8 individuals from 5 rural communities. • Developed an outline for the Tyonek Grown Business Plan and began drafting this document. • Developed educational presentations and outreach materials. • Implemented multiple conservation practices at the Tyonek Garden to be used as demonstration projects for other rural communities. Practices included: o Efficient water usage o Renewable energy usage o Minimal tilling practices o Nutrient recycling o Season extension with high tunnels • Traveled to two Alaska Tribal Conservation Districts to provide workshops on gardeningand farming: o Nondalton, AK: This community started a vegetable growing operation in 2015. TTCD provided technical assistance and planning assistance. o Prince of Wales Island, AK: There are four communities on this island that are all members of the Prince of Wales Island Tribal Conservation District. Several individuals from these communities are interested in starting a vegetable growing operation. TTCD provided planning assistance. • Coordinated with Alaska Tribal Conservation Alliance to participate in four teleconferences with other TCDs, encouraging collaboration and providing information on gardening workshops. Progress Notes Capacity Building at Demonstration Farm Conservation Practices Five conservation practices were demonstrated on the Tyonek Garden in 2015: minimum tilling practices, nutrient recycling by composting local resources, efficient water use practices, utilizing renewable energy, and season extension with high tunnels. The Tyonek Garden (TG) is a demonstration farm that functions as a working model for rural Alaskan agriculture and training. The TG is located in the remote off-the-road-system Alaska Native Village of Tyonek. In 2015 TTCD implemented an efficient walk-behind tractor and hand operated broad forks for long-term soil and crop health management to demonstrate efficient tillage practices for off-road-system farms. These implements are small enough for transport on a bush plane or barge; the two most common forms of transport of materials to rural Alaskan communities. As an addition to soil health management, TTCD implemented a composting program that will aide in soil building and soil health.TTCD purchased a small chipper/shredder attachment that is compatible with the small walk-behind tractor used for tilling. All disease and pest free crop debris is shredded and incorporated into the composting system in order to increase the efficiency of decomposition. The conservation practices of efficient water usage and renewable energy usage were demonstrated in 2015 through significant improvements to the irrigation system. Without running water or electrical infrastructure at the TG, the irrigation system is entirely run off of two renewable energy resources:sun and gravity.Drip irrigation was installedas an efficient water use conservation practice. The final conservation practice implemented in 2015 was season extension using high tunnels. Participants of the Tyonek Grown Summer Class constructed a high tunnel at the TG. The use of high tunnels not only increases the length of the season, but also with increases heat allows for the production of crops that could not otherwise be grown outdoors. Business Planning TTCD staffbegan developing a Business Plan for the Tyonek Grown Program. TTCD's goal is to create a business plan for the long-term sustainability of this program that will not only guide future efforts at the Tyonek Garden, but that can be used as an educational tool for other new farm businesses in rural Alaska Native villages, particularly those associated with TCDs. By the end of the 2015 reporting period, a draft version of the Tyonek Grown Business Plan was 50% complete. Within the next reporting period, TTCD anticipates that this document will be completed and shared with interested Tribal Conservation Districts and AK Native communities. Outreach Program Mixed Method Training Program: Sharing Tyonek's Story: Helping communities begin their journey The Tyonek Garden has become powerful example to communities and individuals interested in farming in rural Alaska. TTCD has structured the outreach program to includeplace-based information to help people get started working through their vision, goals, logistics, and resources. TTCD has done extensive outreach with program pamphlets, presentations, a video, and website maintenance for interested individuals to learn about the program and determine their next step of involvement. In 2015, TTCD began developing a workbook that will follow the origin story of the TG to demonstrate available resources and solutions to difficult management and logistical decisions. In addition to Tyonek's story, the workbook willprovide up to date educational opportunities about farming topics from other organizations in the State and appropriate opportunities from lower 48 sources including farmanswers.org, start2farm.gov, and other training programs. Rural Farm Startup Facilitation: In collaboration with Alaska Tribal Conservation Alliance (ATCA), TTCD visited two communities in Alaska with Tribal Conservation Districts that had expressed an interest in gardening in 2015: Nondalton and Prince of Wales. The Nondalton TCD is based in the remote community of Nondalton. TTCD and ATCA staff visited Nondalton in August, 2015 for a total of 4 days. As part of this visit, TTCD coordinated with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services Tribal Liaison Kristine Harper to attend and to share information on USDA NRCS programs that could support farming efforts. The Nondalton TCD began a small garden/farm in Nondalton in 2015, and TTCD and ATCA staff visited this site to provide suggestions for long term planning, business planning, andsteps forward.TTCD and ATCA also attended a Nondalton community meeting to provide information on the benefits of gardening and farming in Alaska. TTCD and ATCA staff visited Prince of Wales Island in October, 2015 for a total of 5 days. During this visit, TTCD staff held 2 community meetings, and provided presentations and trainings to 6 residents on the benefits of gardening and farming in Alaska, and the strategies to developing a functional garden/farm in their communities. Several residents expressed interest in growing food in their communities, and 2 residents attended another TTCD workshop on gardening held in Anchorage in October 2015. Hands-on training at Tyonek Garden Tyonek Grown Internship Program: TTCD employs 4-6 Tyonek Youth to work the TG each summer.Interns receive daily hands-on training with composting local resources, setting up and managing drip irrigation, maintaining renewable energy resource infrastructure, and soil management and tilling. Tyonek Grown Summer Training: In June of 2015, TTCD staff coordinated and implemented a hands-on training event in Anchorage and Tyonek, Alaska for individuals from Tribal Conservation Districts and Alaska Native Villages interested in gardening. TTCD staff developed training materials and workshops for a four day workshop. TTCD staff developed fliers to advertise this workshop, developed an application for interested participants, selected participants, and coordinated travel for eight individuals. These eight individuals represented five AK Native communities: Tyonek (3), Togiak (1), Nondalton (1), Montana Creek (2), and Chickaloon (1).

PUBLICATIONS: 2014/12/15 TO 2015/12/14
No publications reported this period.