Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience:During the reporting period, the main target audience was Little Big Horn College (LBHC) agriculture degree students, who wish to start a ranching/farming operation, plan on transfering to a four-year institution or seek employment with land management agencies. Another target group were tribal members, who wish to manage their own land resources.The greenhouse/teaching garden component aimed at LBHC students with an interest in learning about gardening and greenhouse management,local food production, Crowtraditional food and medicinal plants, or food related health topics; it also aimed at K-12 students and teachers from the regional schools andcommunity members interested in establishing family or community gardens. Further target groups were LBHC faculty and staff, and tribal, state and federal agencies, who are concerned with land resources, health and nutrition. Changes/Problems:Responding to stakeholder input, the equine program development changed course in 2011: Instead of formulating an equine science degree option, an emphasis was placed on offering workshops for children and youth, and possibly developing an equine certificate program, depending on the availability of permanentinstructional facilities.The equity program facilitated three horsemanship demonstrations during the annual LBHC Ag & Science Expos, a two-day and a five-dayclinic on Crow traditional and contemporary horse care, and a one-day workshop at the Busby School Summer Program. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The program director, a greenhouse manager, an adjunct faculty member and a student majoring in animal science attended annual FALCON conferences. The PD and an ag advisory committee membertook part in Indian Land Working Group (ILWG) symposia.Greenhouse managers attended a Native food sovereignty summit and a training on community food assessmentsthrough the FNDI Community Food Project. Additional professional development opportunitiesincluded a workshop on new BIA regulations, two biological weed control workshops, and a training on sage grouse habitat restoration. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Dissemination activities included recruiting efforts at the high schools, at an annual AG & Science Expo on campus, at rodeos and through ads in the local newspaper, updated brochures for the two degree options in agricultural science, and flyers announcing the various presentations. Gardening guides were distributed to interested community members, and relevant information and survey results were shared at advisory meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During the grant cycle, Equity funds enabled Little Big Horn College to expand its agriculture degree program, and thereby increase career options in agriculture related fields for LBHC graduates. In addition, equity funds provided opportunities for practical learning opportunities through internships, hands-on work projects, and field trips. Students, who were involved in the Equity Greenhouse/Teaching Garden Project, gained insight in community service and community advancement. They participated ineight gardening workshops for community members. Crow specific land tenure issues were shared with the community insix lectures/workshops. At the end of thefunding cycle, the positive impact of the Equity grant was mostly visible in the high percentage of LBHC agriculture students, who continued in their chosen field of interest, either workingin production agriculture,obtaining employment inland management agencies, or pursuing a higher degree at a four-year institution. Six LBHC alumni with advanced degrees returned as adjunct instructors in the ag degree program. Objectives: 1.The entire coursework of the Rangeland Ecology & Management option was reviewed and approved by MSU Bozeman for transfer equivalency. Instead of incorporating the course "Identification of Seed Plants", the courses " Economics of Agricultural Business" and "Fundamentals of Public Speaking " were added. The implementedchange in the program of study accomodates LBHCgraduates who wish to transfer into MSU Bozeman's Pre-Veterinary Program. With the support of Equity funds, LBHC was able to enhance classroom instruction with eight student field tripsand five hands-on projects. The Equity Greenhouse/Teaching Garden Project was utilized by three faculty members for coursework in soils science, nutrition, and education), and provided five semesterand six summer internships. Crow land tenure topicswere integrated into two agriculture courses (AG 210; AG 230). 2. At the beginning of the grant cycle, the Animal Science: Livestock Management & Industries degree option was added to the academic catalog. Curriculum was aligned with MSU Bozeman requirements, and all courses, including the newly developed Ag Economics course,have been accepted in an official transfer agreement with MSU Bozeman. At the end of the grant cycle, the majority of incoming Ag freshmen chose the new Animal Science option, which offers a variety of business courses preparing students for the management of their own land resources. 3. Because Equity funding enabled LBHC to fill the greenhouse management position on a year-round nearly full-time basis, the experiential learning project expanded greatly. The greenhouse manager reached many diverse stakeholder groups during her employment. She established working relationships with regional schools, assisting with three new school garden projects and offering presentations, greenhouse/garden tours and hands-on activitiesto the schools (53 visiting 3rd, 4th and 5th graders), youth groups (12-15 youth per group) and the LBHC Summer Reading Program. Because of the constant presence of the greenhouse staff/interns, the number of visitingcommunitymembers asking foradvice or wishing to obtain plants grew steadily. Stakeholder surveys (81 participants) regarding access to healthy foods, which were conducted on campus, duringtwo open house events (60 visitors) and at a harvest feast (36 attendees) provided more insights into the needs and concerns of students and the community at large. As a result, the garden area was expanded, the variety of traditional food and medicinal plants was increased, and a booklet with Crow traditional and contemporary favorite recipies was compiled. As the project interns gained more knowledge about Crow traditional plants, they initiated the "Native American Botany Club", for which 30 students signed up. The increased visibility of the greenhouse/teaching garden project through regular activities, events and visits from community members contributed to the launching of the "Healthy Living through Gardening" Project under the LBHC Extension Program, which started a community garden adjacent to the campus greenhouse. The two projects coordinated gardening workshops and tours, and by the end of the funding cycle the projects were merged under the oversight of the Extension Program with a focus on community outreach. 4. Topics relating to food systems and agricultural businesshave increasingly beenaddressed in business classes (BU 101, BU 241), esp. since the start of the new Livestock Management option. With the support ofthe business faculty Ag students majoring in this optionhave becomeeligible for business and entrepreneurial scholarships through the Johnson Foundation. The LBHC Directed Individualized Studies Program (DIS) allows students who wish to pursue a BS in Agricultural Business/Farm and Ranch Managementat MSU Bozeman,a seamless transfer. LBHC students majoring in education, health and human services, and business participated infive different student field trips and projects relating to agriculture and environmental stewartship. Afterinquiringabout professional development opportunities with Sheridan College Horticulture faculty and with MSU faculty of the newly developed Sustainable Food and Bio-Energy Systems Program, the Equity greenhouse manager received a training in greenhouse plant propagation and food systems management practices at the MSU Towne's Harvest Garden and Horticulture Farm. The Equity Program established a working relationship with MSU faculty regarding the development of a sustainable Crow food system, Indian land tenure coursework development, harvesting practices of traditional Crow food plants, and grasshopper control. The greenhouse/teaching gardenproject facilitated a Level1 Master Gardener Class (24 participants completed theclass), which was taught by the County Extension Office. Collaborativeefforts were inititiated with the NRCS (two restoration projects), the regional and local BIA offices (to compile up-to-date landowner resource materials), the Crow Tribal Land Management Office (integrated pest management), and the Montana Ag Department (instructional materials for ag literacy in the classroom K-8).
Publications
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Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: During the fourth year of the grant program, the main target audiences were Little Big Horn College (LBHC) students, who are pursuing an AS degree in agriculture. The project also addressed LBHC students of other degree programs, who are interested in gardening, greenhouse management, food related health topics, and Crow native food and medicinal plants. Further target groups were Crow landowners and ranchers/farmers, and community members with an interest in gardening. High school students and teachers were also addressed during this time period. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The PD attended the Annual FALCON Conference in Washington D.C. A vested stakeholder and the PD took part in the Annual Indian Land Consolidation Symposium in Spokane/Washington. The greenhouse manager attended the Native Food Sovereignty Summit in Green Bay/Wisconsin. A Crow allottee participated in training workshops on rights of way contracts. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Land tenure related knowledge, gained at the conferences, trainings and visits with the BIA offices, have been disseminated at landowner meetings, and to students, college staff and faculty, esp. in agriculture related departments. Gardening teaching materials, plant guides, invitations to workshops have been disseminated to greenhouse visitors, at the various school - and community garden projects, and made public through flyers and on facebook. Formal and informal Information about the agriculture degree program has taken place at the LBHC Ag&Science Expo, at career fairs, at trainings and workshops. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Due to unforeseen personal circumstances, the PD has not been able to finish the evaluation process within the timeframe of the four-year project. The completion of the evaluation, which is being conducted with the help of an external evaluator, will be the focus of our efforts during the no-cost extension year. In addition, the outreach to Tribal agencies in the area of nutrition and health will be renewed.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Little Big Horn College serves the Crow Indian reservation, an area of approximately 2.3 million acres, and its surrounding communities. Principle land use is agriculture: Range and pasture for cattle and horses, and crop land. At present, the majority of Crow lands are being leased out to Non-Indian farmers and ranchers. Only a very small percentage of Crow Tribal members manage their own lands for agricultural purposes, primarily pursuing a ranching operation. The difficulties for Crow landowners in successfully managing their resources are mostly due to the effects of the allotment policies and federal probate, resulting in highly fractionated landownership. The overall goal of the Equity grant program is to offer formal and informal education that supports Crow Tribal members in their effort to benefit from the vast economic potential of their lands. In FY 2013, seventeen students enrolled in the agriculture degree progam. Four of the seven newly recruited students chose the new Livestock Management option. One student graduated and transferred to a four-year institution. Supported by Equity funds, LBHC awarded one semester scholarship, two semester internships, and three summer internships. One summer intern worked in the Crow Tribal Farm and Ranch Department under the site supervision of a former LBHC agriculture graduate. The remaining interns worked in the Equity greenhouse/teaching garden project. An adjunct (an LBHC alumni with an MS from the University of Montana) was hired for the one credit lab "Applied Techniques in Livestock Management - Beef Cattle". The Equity program facilitated a horsemanship demonstration during the 3rd Annual LBHC Ag&Science Expo. 1. objective: Expand and further improve the Rangeland Ecology and Management degree option. Currently, Montana State University Bozeman is finishing the process of reviewing all LBHC agriculture courses for transfer equivalency. Classes were enhanced by two semester field trips, providing practical learning opportunities at a local meat processing facility and with a veterinary center. Students were able to actively engage through job-shadowing the veterinarian at a large cattle handling facility. The greenhouse facilities were utilized for student research on native food and medicinal plants. 2. objective: Develop the Animal Science degree option: Livestock Management. This newly offered option has drawn the interest of the majority of incoming agriculture students. In order to prepare students for success as agricultural entrepreneurs, the classes "Economics of Agricultural Business" and "Accounting Procedures" have been incorporated into the program of study. Relevant Crow land tenure topics have been integrated into the Ag Econ class. 3. objective: Expand the experiential horticulture/nutrition component of the program.The newly hired greenhouse manager supervised three student interns, three work study participants, and a volunteering former LBHC graduate. The amount of plant varieties grown from seed in the greenhouse was increased, the garden area was expanded. The students learned about different season extension techniques, container gardening, seed saving, and composting. Different varieties of native prairie wild flowers were grown in the "outdoor classroom". A Crow Tribal Elder, presenting on the use of native medicinal plants, shared various seeds for propagation. The project donated plants to two school garden projects and the Crow Nursing Home. Plants were also donated to the new Pryor community garden project, which was established with the help of the greenhouse intern. 4. Strengthen collaboration within the institution as well as the wider community. Faculty of the following departments have incorporated agricultural topics into their coursework: Business, Education, Mathematics, Human Services, Science: Community Health. The collaboration between the Equity Horticulture project and the Extension Garden project has been ongoing during the growing season. Gardening workshops and outreach projects were increasingly alligned. Resources were shared (greenhouse facilities, tools and equipment). The PD actively supported four Crow Tribal members, who are interested in making informed decisions about their landholdings, in gaining access to vital documents and maps from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. As a result, the working relationship between the college and the local and regional BIA has been strengthened. The Equity program facilitated a landowner workshop, which drew 44 Crow Tribal members. The presenter addressed rights of way and access issues, lease agreements, and land management options. Supported by Equity funding, a landowner was able to attend training workshops on rights of way contracts, and to share the gained knowledge with other interested stakeholders. Contacts were established with the non-profit organization "Village Earth" for consultation on a web-based Crow land information system. The collaboration with local schools for recruitment purposes was strengthened through participation in a geoscience workshop for highschool teachers and students, and participation in a teacher training in "Ag literacy in the classroom K-8th grade".
Publications
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Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: During the current recording period, the main target audiences were Little Big Horn College (LBHC) students, who are pursuing an agriculture degree or who are interested in general agriculture, food production, Crow native food and medicinal plants, or food related health topics. The project also addressed Crow landowners and operators, high school students and teachers, tribal -, state -, and federal land management agencies, Crow and Cheyenne community members with a potential interest in healthy foods, gardening, and aspects of local food production and marketing. A further target group were LBHC faculty and staff. Changes/Problems: Responding to stakeholder input, the course of the Equine program development changed in FY 2011. Instead of formulating a degree program in Equine Science, the goal has been to develop a certificate program. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? In FY 12 professional development opportunities included: ILWG Indian Land Consolidation Symposium, Annual FALCON Conference, two Biological weed control workshops including field labs (sponsored by INCA), Special K Ranch/Sage Grouse Habitat Restoration Project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Land tenure related knowledge gained at the Indian Land Working Group (ILWG) Symposium has been disseminated to the Crow Land Management Office, shared with LBHC faculty and staff, and at a landowner advisory meeting. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Fractionation and checker boarding are the biggest obstacles for Crow landowners to managing their own lands successfully. Many landowners do not know any more, where their various land interests are located. Since it is very difficult, esp. for young Tribal members, the future landowners, to identify with their land or their undivided interest in land, and furthermore to imagine being able to use their individual share for agricultural purposes, the focus will be on helping students (grade school to college level) reconnect with the land by developing age appropriate instructional materials. The materials will include GPS mapping, demarcation, and fractionation/consolidation topics. By utilizing remote sensing technologies and by applying basic math principles, we hope to not only further math and science curiosity and competency, but to validate a sense of cultural and personal identity and belonging, an essential basis for true stewardship of the land. With the support of Equity funds, a qualified consultant will be hired to assist the PD in the development of the materials and to provide instruction.The equine related activities in FY 2013 depend largely on the availability of suitable grounds. The Equity program will continue to utilize the “Community Food Sovereignty Assessment Tools”, developed by First Nations Development Institute, for the purpose of further expanding linkages and coalition building opportunities within the Crow community.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
In FY 12, the Ag coursework was enhanced by a variety of student field trips that directly tied into the respective classroom teaching. With the support of Equity funds, LBHC was able to offer four field trips: Spring Creek Coal Mine: Habitat restoration efforts (in coordination with the NRCS); MSU Extension Service: Livestock Feeds & Feeding; Dayton Meat Processing Facility; Billings Livestock Auction. Student feedback was very positive, and AG faculty is working on further excursions for the coming year. Contact has been initiated with Lisa Lone Fight (Mandan, Hidatsa, Sahnish) from the Spatial Sciences Center at MSU Bozeman for the purpose of developing intercultural GIS instruction materials and preparing a train-the-trainer workshop for teachers. Due to budget restraints, the course “Identification of Seed Plants” has not yet been added to the curriculum. The objective to develop an inquiry based course for credit in “Basic Crow Land Literacy” has been revised, as the 3 credit course “Strategic Land Planning”, newly offered through the LBHC Extension Program, covers land tenure related topics. The “Land Literacy” course materials, which have been developed so far, are currently being integrated into the existing class. The development of an Equine certificate program has been slower than anticipated; this is due mostly to the lack of permanent facilities. Contacts made with the previous Tribal government in regards to securing land in a reasonable distance to the college, are currently being reestablished with the new Tribal administration.The previous greenhouse manager has been very successful in her outreach efforts. She established working relationships with schools, helping with new school garden projects. The visibility of the greenhouse project through events, plant sales, surveys contributed greatly to the launching of the “Healthy Living through Gardening” project under the LBHC Extension program. The greenhouse manager established contacts with the Tribal legislature in regards to local food security, and worked with MSU faculty on developing a sustainable Crow food system. Overall, the Equity program was able to greatly expand collaboration with faculty and other agriculture related programs at the college. Monthly “LBHC Ag Committee” meetings with updates on the various projects have positively impacted coordinating and resource pooling within the institution. The two new gardens are located adjacent to the greenhouse and the Extension project is utilizing the existing facilities and equipment. Gardening related workshops are being coordinated between the two programs. The new greenhouse manager is involving the two student clubs (Native American Botany Club, Range Club) in the continuing expansion of the Native Landscaping project on campus. The students are learning about medicinal and food plants, including natural habitat and growth habit, and seasonal stages.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Student recruitment/retention: Little Big Horn College (LBHC) recruited 12 new students majoring in agriculture. During four LBHC campus tours and at local rodeos, students from four regional high schools were introduced to the agriculture degree program and the experiential garden/greenhouse project. At the end of February, an Ag and Science Expo will take place with 25 relevant land management agencies and two universities participating. 90 students from six regional high schools are expected to attend. Up to this point, one semester internship and five semester scholarships have been funded through the Equity program. We expect to provide two summer internships. We are preparing two student field trips during the spring semester (Northern Arapaho Tribal Ranch; Slaughter Facility specializing in organic beef and game processing). Curriculum design and materials development: The new degree option Livestock Management and Industries has been incorporated into the 2011-13 academic catalog. Responding to stakeholder input, the course of the Equine program development has changed. Instead of formulating a degree program, an emphasis has been placed on offering workshops for children, youth and adults during the current funding year. These workshops are covering a variety of topics: Basic horse care, rodeo, racing, small pasture management, natural horsemanship. Ongoing stakeholder meetings and the outcome of the workshop series will determine which certification programs will be developed. Land tenure curriculum: A workgroup consisting of 13 Crow landowners has been established; it has been meeting on a monthly basis shaping the development of the "Basic Crow Land Literacy" curriculum. The inquiry based 3 credit course is being developed in collaboration with the Native American Coordinator at MSU Bozeman. Faculty and staff development/student experiential learning: A previous LBHC USDA-TCEG program director, who has since obtained a BS degree in AG education-extension and a MS degree in science education, has returned to LBHC as an AG instructor. Supported by Equity funding, she is currently teaching 17 credit hours. The greenhouse manager evaluated the results of a stake holder survey relating to the greenhouse/teaching garden project. During the fall semester, she supervised an AG intern and a student worker, who prepared the garden for the coming season and started to compile a booklet with Crow traditional and contemporary favorite recipes. The greenhouse manager gave a presentation as part of the Montana Child and Adult Care Food Program Director's Training. Level I and II Master Gardener classes, taught by the County Extension Office will be offered at the college. Dissemination activities: Flyers for the Level I class, which will start at the end of February, have been distributed throughout the community. Information materials for the Ag program have been updated (brochures, posters, and the web-link). Advertisements for the Ag and Science Expo have been placed in the local newspaper, which will cover the event. Up to this point, three Ag Advisory meetings have been held. PARTICIPANTS: During FY 2011, the program director has been managing the overall grant program on a fulltime basis. She has recruited and advised students, gathered stakeholder input, networked within and outside the institution. She is working on further improvement of the new Livestock Management option with the LBHC Business and Crow Studies Programs; she is collaborating with the Tribal Meth Program, the Tribal History Project and Cultural Director, and the Native American Coordinator at MSU Bozeman. In collaboration with a Crow land owner and operator, who has been working as an AG adjunct and is currently completing his MS in business, she is developing a strategic plan for sustainable, organic livestock production on the reservation. She has established contact with MSU Bozeman (Sustainable Livestock Production degree program) for instruction purposes and with the Food Cooperative in Billings/Mt. for marketing purposes. Together with the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Program (OASDFR), the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA), she has been coordinating the AG and Science Youth Expo. As an introduction and recruitment tool for the future equine program at LBHC, hands-on activities in natural horsemanship will also be offered at the event. The instruction will be offered through the Tribal Meth Program. Collaborating with the OASDFR Program and the Tribal Meth Program, the PD has initiated contact with the Carroll College Anthrozoology Program and the Groom Elite Horsemen's Education Program for the purpose of collecting information about possible certificate programs and AAS degree options at LBHC. The PD is also overseeing the college greenhouse/teaching garden project. LBHC has been able to employ the current greenhouse manager on a nearly fulltime basis for the entire second funding year. The greenhouse manager is currently participating in First Nations Development Institute's Community Food Project. She attended their Training Institute in conducting food sovereignty assessments. She established contact with Chief Dull Knife College for a possible joint grant proposal to the USDA Community Foods Projects Competitive Grants Program (CFPCGP). She has established a working relationship with the Entomology Department of MSU Bozeman, regarding technical assistance in grasshopper control. She will receive a three-day training in greenhouse management at MSU's Towne's Harvest Garden Project. She is currently supervising two student workers and one semester Ag intern. She will work with three regional school garden projects during this year's growing season, and will supervise an Ag summer intern and two student workers. In FY 2011 the Equity grant has funded an adjunct position with 17 credit hours. The goal is to retain the instructor as a permanent faculty member. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for the AG degree program are mainly tribal members who wish to manage their own resources; students, who want to start a ranching or farming operation, who seek employment with land management agencies, or who plan on obtaining a higher degree at a four-year institution are supported through scholarships, internships, experiential and outreach learning opportunities. The outreach component of the grant aims at K-12 teachers and students, at school garden projects, at community members, who wish to establish a community garden, or who would like to start a family garden, and at tribal agencies who are concerned with health and nutrition. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Responding to stakeholder interest, LBHC will not incorporate a formal equine degree option into its programs of study at this time. We are presently focusing on workshops and the development of certificate programs.
Impacts
Sixteen students are currently enrolled in the degree program; two students are on the honor roll, and two students are on the dean's list; one student is expected to graduate at the end of the spring semester, he is planning on pursuing a BS degree in Rangeland Ecology and Management at MSU Bozeman. As interns or student workers in the greenhouse/garden project during FY 2011, five students have gained interest in and knowledge of Crow traditional food plants. Overall, the improved staff retention (AG adjunct faculty, greenhouse management) has contributed greatly to the stability, expansion and success of the Equity grant program. Stakeholders have recognized the institutional commitment to community development in the field of agriculture. Because of the consistency of program goals and reached objectives, the number and diversity of stakeholders has increased; these stakeholders (students, faculty, community members, tribal and federal agencies) have become increasingly active in their involvement in the various aspects of the program development (land tenure curriculum, equine studies, gardening/healthy foods). Four Tribal members with advanced degrees, who have obtained employment with various Ag related programs at LBHC within the current funding year, are collaborating with the Equity grant program on a consistent basis. The pooling of resources within the college and the growing recognition of the program outside of the community are contributing factors towards its long term sustainability.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11
Outputs
The focus of the program during the first year of the award was on student recruitment, curricula design and materials development, faculty development and teacher preparation, student experiential learning, and community outreach. The activities and accomplishments throughout said year are listed below according to the main objectives stated in the grant proposal.1) Expand and improve the Rangeland Ecology and Management degree option: The course Identification of Seed Plants has been developed, aligned with MSU Bozeman requirements, and will be incorporated into the academic catalog. Four AG classes were enhanced with hands-on learning opportunities and two presentations by tribal Elders. With USDA Equity funding, LBHC students, faculty and PD have been able to participate in five field trips and a regional seminar on Native range management. The program director visited two local high schools (two agriculture classes, one equine science class, and three food science classes) for recruitment purposes. The PD attended the FALCON Conference, which focused on Supporting Tribal Sovereignty through 1994 Land Grant Programs. The PD is currently developing instructional materials for a series of short courses on land tenure issues, using a publication by the Indian Land Tenure Foundation Cutting through the Red Tape as the primary basis for course contents. Material on Crow specific laws and regulations is being incorporated. 2) Develop and implement curriculum for two Animal Science degree options: Livestock Management and Industry; Equine Science: The PD obtained the syllabus for the course Economics of AG Business from MSU Bozeman and aligned LBHC coursework with MSU's current requirements. Since the course Today's Livestock Industry is not required by MSU anymore, it will not be offered at Little Big Horn College. The Livestock Management Option will be added to the upcoming college catalog. In May, the PD recruited a local veterinary technician as an instructor for a workshop on basic horse care for children, to be followed by an advanced workshop on rodeo and racing for youth. Because of severe flooding, which isolated many communities and forced 150 community members to evacuate their homes, the workshops had to be postponed. 3) Expand the Horticulture Project: LBHC received a no-cost extension for the previous USDA Equity grant. Because of unspent funds for salaries and wages, a new greenhouse manager could be hired on a full time basis until the end of the growing season. She is an LBHC graduate and is in the process of completing her BS degree in Environmental Sciences. Together with a summer intern, she is maintaining the greenhouse and teaching garden. She held an Open House, which was attended by around 50 community members. With the money proceeds from the ongoing plant sales, a feast is being planned for a stakeholder meeting at harvesting time. On that occasion a formal questionnaire will be distributed, in order to gain insight about the preferences and needs of the community in regards to gardening and food production. The native landscaping project will be expanded with the summer intern towards the end of summer. PRODUCTS: With USDA Equity funds eight semester scholarships, two semester (horticulture project) and three summer internships (two on local ranches, one in the horticulture project)have been awarded. The program has recruited two adjuncts for three labs and one 3-credit course. Both adjuncts are tribal members who graduated from LBHC. They received their BS degrees in Environmental Science, and one is currently pursuing an MS degree. Six students participated in a cottonwood restoration project on the reservation, implemented by NRCS, which will continue until the spring of 2012. The project included a presentation by a respected community member on Crow history and the importance of the cottonwood to the Crow people. Five students of the Range Livestock Production class, Faculty, PD and a Crow rancher took part in a workshop about Native American Ranges, sponsored by the Society for Range Management in Billings/MT. Also in the spring semester of 2011, six students, faculty, PD visited a local bull testing facility and the Northern Arapaho Tribal Ranch. They learned about the tribe's grass-fed organic beef production, marketing strategies for local food production and the successful incorporation of traditional values. Two Agriculture Advisory Meetings were held (October, March); two more are planned for this funding cycle, one pertaining to land tenure topics, and one to the horticulture project. The program facilitated a lecture on the History of Western Water Law, which was attended by 40 LBHC students and community members, and a presentation on Hydraulic & Legal Issues of the Crow-Montana Water Compact and Crow Water Rights Settlement Act, which drew 70 participants. In March, eight Community Service Students from the Northern Colorado University helped the PD to prepare the greenhouse and teaching garden for the coming growing season. They weeded, tilled and propagated the first seeds. A teacher and six students of Lodge Grass High School visited the greenhouse and learned hands-on about greenhouse seed propagation for their new school garden project. As a result of the positive feedback from the students and teachers, the PD offered a noon hour workshop on propagation for interested college staff, students and community members. Five faculty and staff and six students participated. Interest has been expressed to offer noon hour workshops on a regular basis. In May, the position of GHM was filled. She and the summer intern planted the raised beds with a variety of common and traditional Hidatsa vegetables (corn, squash, and beans). Principles of companion planting and crop rotation were incorporated. Corn, tomatoes, and peppers are grown in containers for community members who are interested in growing food plants, but do not want to start a garden. Since the previously planted perennial flowers and shrubs are drawing a lot of positive attention, more perennials have been added to the teaching garden. OUTCOMES: 16 students majoring in Agriculture were enrolled at LBHC during the first year of the award; 14 chose AG as their first or only major. One student graduated and transferred to MSU Bozeman, pursuing a Bachelor's of Science (BS) degree in Rangeland Ecology and Management; he was awarded a USDA Tribal Scholarship, and is employed by NRCS. A former LBHC AG student, after taking a family break, has begun her studies at MSU Bozeman in the Multicultural Scholarship Program (MSP), pursuing a BS degree in Agricultural Education. The majority of AG graduates are continuing in their chosen field of interest (either in land management positions or pursuing a higher degree at a four-year institution. The program created employment opportunities for Crow Tribal members, mostly adjunct positions. The Agriculture Advisory meetings are increasingly being seen as productive by the stakeholders, since their input is being considered and followed upon. Stakeholders had suggested a forum with guest speakers from the BIA and the Crow Tribe Leasing Office, who would specifically address leasing laws and regulations on the reservation; the forum took place in June; it was facilitated by the 'Outreach & Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers & Ranchers' program and drew 60 participants. Responding to stakeholder input the Equity program offered two presentations on water and land rights topics, which are of direct relevance to the Crow community. The success of the presentations drew a wider circle of stakeholders to the second Advisory meeting of the funding year. The student field trips and place-based learning activities, made possible through Equity funds, were highly valued by all participants. They proved to be a substantial motivational factor for student academic achievement. Esp. the trip to the Northern Arapaho Ranch sparked interest not only in LBHC students of other degree programs, but in individuals outside the college; a staff member of the Intertribal Agriculture Council as well as four staff of the Crow Tribe Farming & Ranching Department joined AG students and staff. As a direct result of the various activities and events, the collaboration within LBHC and with other entities has been noticeably strengthened. The visibility of the horticulture project has increased with the outreach efforts targeting local schools. The students were excited about the seed propagation workshop; they were kept up to date with the progress of their plants, and planned on planting them in their school garden before the end of the school year. Unfortunately, the school had to close due to the flood disaster. LBHC staff and students, who participated in the second seed propagation session, have inquired about future workshops to be offered on a regular basis. The garden is well kept, filled with a diversity of plants and has become a magnet for the community. Because of the GHM's and intern's constant presence, the number of visitors who ask for advice or want to purchase plants is growing steadily. A group of six neighborhood children has been eager to learn about the plants and insects in the garden and has been a reliable help with weeding and watering. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: Recruiting efforts have continued at the various high schools, at rodeos, and through ads in the local newspapers. A brochure promoting the Rangeland Ecology and Management degree option as well as the new Livestock Management option is currently being designed for distribution before the start of the fall semester. Flyers announcing the different presentations, lectures and the Open Greenhouse were distributed throughout the reservation and announcements were made in the local newspapers. The progress of the program with its various events and activities are being recorded through pictures and/or videos; a poster will be designed towards the end of the funding year for recruitment purposes. The greenhouse manager designed guides for caring for the various vegetables and flowers, and has been distributing them with the sale of plants or to interested community members who come to the greenhouse for advice. Tours of the greenhouse and teaching garden have been offered to schools and youth groups. The PD and the office manager of the Big Horn County News discussed the possibility of an article on the development of the horticulture project. The interview was to be held before the Open greenhouse, in order to draw attention to the event. Because of the flood disaster, which affected the county, the interview is being postponed until harvesting time. Contact has also been initiated with the local radio station for an interview about the AG program and the important role it plays in the economic development of the community. The GHM is working on a power point presentation that will be shown in the various districts and at local schools. FUTURE INITIATIVES: Our program will continue to infuse various AG courses with Crow knowledge and scholarship. Non Crow faculty members, who are not familiar with the rich traditional knowledge and value systems, will be assisted in this effort by Crow faculty and community members. Equine workshops will be offered for children and youth. They will focus on instruction on basic horse care and horsemanship, and will incorporate education about the traditional importance of the horse to the Crow people. The Agriculture Advisory Council who will meet approximately on a 3-monthly basis and will be instrumental in the further development of the Equine program. Indian land tenure coursework will be developed and implemented. An introductory workshop on 'Land Literacy' will be offered and evaluated by the stake holders. The collaboration with the BIA and the Crow Tribe will be strengthened; their staff will be invited to inform about laws and regulations specific to the Crow community. In collaboration with the 'Cultural Enrichment' series, the AG program will facilitate presentations by Crow Elders about traditional food systems and food preservation. Contact has been made with two community members, who would like to share their knowledge. Due to the work and motivation of the new greenhouse manager and the summer intern, the horticulture component of the Equity program is steadily evolving. In the fall, the results of the current funding year will be analyzed through questionnaires and at the Community Advisory meeting. We expect stakeholder input from the local schools, engaged LBHC students and staff, and community members. Depending on the input, we will continue to expand the program. With the opportunity to revise the budget for the second funding year, we will be able to employ the greenhouse manager on a part time basis during the winter. Additional funding sources for her position will be sought in order to ensure the continuity and success of the horticulture project.
Impacts
Agriculture graduates are continuing their education at 4-year institutions. They will return to the community as faculty or start careers in land management. The implementation of land tenure curriculum will give community members the necessary tools for understanding the complicated reality of Crow land ownership and property rights. An increasing number of stakeholders will learn how to navigate through the maze of federal and tribal laws and regulations, and will have an understanding how these laws evolved. The knowledge gained will enable them to utilize their real estate assets and become successful agricultural entrepreneurs. Tribal employees are interested in utilizing agriculture courses for educational and professional advancement. The collaboration and partnership between Little Big Horn College and the agencies will be strengthened and support LBHC in its goal to acquire land for an agricultural research station from the Crow Tribe. It has become apparent that especially the young community members have a vested interest in healthy foods; they are concerned about the effects of pesticides, and show interest in organic beef production. They are the parent generation, who will have a positive impact on their children's diet. Their interest in better access to healthy, local, sustainably harvested food will improve the local food economy.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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