Kokomo Farms Practices
Sustainability
Sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability is upheld by three different pillars: social, economic, and environmental.
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At Kokomo Farms we have:
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• Solar Panels • Reuse • Propagation
• Foraging • Rainwater Collection • Composting
• Hydroponics • Native Plants • Recycling
Symbiotic Relationships
There are multiple types of symbiotic relationships depending on which organism is benefited, harmed, or mutually helped by the relationship. Some pollinators on our farm include bees, wasps, butterflies, and wasps. Pollinators on the farm have a symbiotic (mutualism) relationship with flowers. Pollinators gain food from flowers and flowers are pollinated in return.
Symbiotic Relationships on our farm:
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Chickens: chickens provide fertilizer for crops and eggs for human consumption.
• Bacteria & Insects: bacteria and insects help break down organic materials, and their presence in soil is important for plant growth.
• Pollinators: pollinators gain food from flowers and flowers are pollinated in return.
Agritourism
Agritourism combines tourism and agriculture to help benefit both industries. Visitors attracted to the farm gain entertainment and or education, which also helps to generate income for the farm or business owner. There are unique accommodations on our property that immerse our guests in the natural ecosystems and landscape of the farm, all while educating guests on the impotance of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Find out more about your booking options at Kokomo Farms on our Rooms & Rates page!
Ecosystems and Their Benefits
Ecosystem management involves provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural servicing. Provisioning services include the material benefits that people get from nature. This includes products that we consume, such as fruits, vegetables, livestock, and products that we use, such as timber and oil. Regulating services include the basic services that keep the environment functional. This involves purifying the air and water, decomposition, pollination, erosion and flood control, and climate regulation. Supporting services include the natural processes that support life and are the precursors to the other services. This includes photosynthesis, nutrient cycling, the creation of soils, and the water cycle. Cultural services include the nonmaterial benefits that people gain from nature. These include recreation, cultural traditions, and inspiration for creative pursuits, such as music and art.
Environmental Stewardship
At Kokomo Farms, we practice caring for the environment in many ways.One of the ways we do this is in our Live Oak hammock. Live Oaks are a keystone species, which means that are an essential part of their ecosystem, and they create the backbone for the ecosystem by providing habitat for hundreds of mammals, birds, insects, and other plants, we foster their health and environment by allowing natural growth and wildlife habitats. The largest oak trees are between 200-400 years old and the oldest oak tree at Kokomo Farms is 336 years old!
Pollination Efforts
Did you know that one in every three bites you eat were made possible by pollinators? Some pollinators on our farm include bees, wasps, butterflies, and wasps. Pollinators on the farm have a symbiotic (mutualism) relationship with flowers. Pollinators gain food from flowers and flowers are pollinated in return.