Supporting food production, land conservation, and healthy ecosystems
Our Agriculture Program specializes in helping people manager their soils for healthy crops, livestock, and ecosystems. From home gardeners to homesteaders to full-time farmers, we strive to provide personalized advice to everyone we work with.
Program Activities
Technical Assistance and Conservation Planning
We provide technical assistance and conservation planning for landowners and food producers on best management practices, access to financial assistance, and maximizing land potential–all informed by local knowledge and expertise from the Kenai Peninsula.
Soil Testing
We test soil to determine the amount of nutrients available for your plants, the amount of fertilizer and amendments required, and soil health practices to maximize both the quality and quantity of crops. Our recommendations are tailored to your site and needs. Soil testing is fundamental for gardeners, farmers, and landowners alike.
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Our once per month Ag UPdates newsletter includes farm, garden, and food system events and grant opportunities.
Agriculture Events
Agriculture Team
Monica Kopp
Agriculture Program Coordinator
monica@homerswcd.org
Monica was originally hired for our NRCS Soil Survey field work because of her excellent background in botany and soils. Her passion for agriculture and her dedication to the soil of her own new farm is why she is in charge of soil nutrient recommendations and technical support to producers.
Nicole Arevalo
Outreach Coordinator
nicole@homerswcd.org
Nicole was hired in 2018 to conduct a local Food Systems Study, bringing 18 years of work experience in food service and a BA in Anthropology. Since then, she’s been our Ag outreach person and the executive assistant to the President of the Alaska Association of Conservation Districts.
Victoria Monsaint-Queeney
Natural Resources Specialist
victoria@homerswcd.org
Victoria joined the team in 2024 to help our soil testing program provide nutrient recommendations to local farmers. During her time here, she has also gotten involved in data analysis for several research projects with our collaborators. She recently received her PhD in soil microbiology.
Megan Stoll
Grazing Lands Conference Coordinator
megan@homerswcd.org
Megan Stoll recently has transitioned to the HSWCD Native Plants program after 20+ years of self-employment in arboriculture and tree service. With a background in nursery work, landscaping, and tree care, she is enthusiastic to apply her experience to promoting the use of native plants. Megan will also be utilizing her experience with grazing animals and selling hay to run the state’s first Grazing Lands conference in the winter of 2025 thanks to a grant through NRCS and their Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative.
