More good things will be growing at Assiniboine Community College thanks to a $57,000 gift from the Manitoba Zero Tillage Research Association (MZTRA).

 

Their generous contribution to the ACC Foundation will be used to establish a weed identification garden at the college’s North Hill Campus, with construction and planting starting this fall. The garden will serve as an outdoor classroom near the existing sustainable greenhouse and will include educational signage and supplemental materials to accompany more than 80 annual and perennial weed species.

 

After many years of research, the MZTRA board of directors decided the organization had fulfilled its original mandate and will discontinue its operations. MZTRA is using its remaining operational funds to leave a legacy in Southwestern Manitoba.

 

“We’ve have had a great relationship ACC over the years,” said MZTRA board chair Brad Lewis. “We think it will be great for students, producers, and ag-related individuals and groups across the province.”

 

Established in 1992, MZTRA is a non-profit producer-directed research farm located north of Brandon that conducts research and demonstration activities related to zero tillage—a method of growing that does not involve tilling crop or pasture soil year to year.

 

The college has partnered with MZTRA for many years with students participating in activities on the farm.

 

“The garden will provide students in multiple programs with tangible and real learning opportunities and has the potential for extension to the community,” said Agribusiness instructor Danielle Tichit. “I am looking forward to having this outdoor classroom and resource to enhance the understanding and skill set of our students.”

 

Farm retailers, researchers, students and interested visitors will be welcome to examine the weed specimens throughout the growing season, which stems from early May to late October.

 

The garden will provide an interesting and informative collection for both rural and urban residents, as many lawn and garden weeds will also be in the collection for identification by homeowners. Proper identification of weed species is crucial when making sustainable weed management decisions.