one by one®: ALUS Norfolk
ALUS Norfolk supports the conservation and restoration of marginal and ecologically sensitive agricultural lands on a long-term basis. The organization aims to conserve and restore trees, native grasslands and wetlands. These efforts are backed by a profound respect for the land and a collaboration with those who know it best—farmers.
Mission and methodology
Community-developed and farmer-delivered, ALUS’s approach is not one-size-fits-all. ALUS Norfolk is one of more than 30 communities across Canada with unique priorities. “Our Norfolk community might focus on planting trees, whereas a community in western Canada might prioritize grasslands,” explained Cynthia Tosswill, outreach coordinator.
This flexibility allows each ALUS community to address its unique environmental challenges and opportunities. Projects not only provide essential habitat and food sources for wildlife but also yield larger benefits, such as cleaner air and water.
Working hand in hand with the local community
A project begins when a farmer expresses interest in enrolling a portion of their farm. “We conduct a site visit to walk the land with the farmer, look at the management issues they want to address and talk about what project is best for them,” Tosswill said.
After a thorough evaluation, projects are presented to a partnership advisory committee (PAC), which is comprised of farmers and local community leaders who support and advise the landowners. If approved by the PAC, the project gets underway.
Apparel for a cause snags attention
ALUS Norfolk staff and volunteers host and attend events to help spread the word about their work. They used a one by one grant to purchase ¼ zip pullovers featuring embroidered logos for team members to wear at events. “The sweatshirts are a nice way for attendees to easily recognize our staff,” Tosswill said.
A note from Cheryl
Learning how ALUS Norfolk supports both agriculture and conservation is fascinating. 4imprint was honored to provide apparel for a cause that helps the organization stand out at events. To learn more about a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca.