AfroEcology Series: Iron Lion Farm

Date: September 27-28, 2025

This past September, our AfroEcology Series led us to a truly inspiring location: Iron Lion Farm for a special "Camp and Learn Field Day." This dynamic event, rooted in a shared vision of self-sufficiency and ecological knowledge, provided an invaluable opportunity for farmers and growers to get hands-on experience with building sustainable farm infrastructure.

Iron Lion Farms, a brilliant example of regenerative practice and community engagement, hosted a day centered on practical skills that fortify farm operations and protect natural resources.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Iron Lion Farms

We extend our deepest gratitude to the owners of Iron Lion Farm, Christina and Decton Hylton, for their truly wonderful support and generosity in hosting our Field Day. Their passion for sustainable practice and community building is inspirational.

Adding to the dynamic energy of the day, Iron Lion Farm also brought a fantastic group of local youth to participate. These young community members worked right alongside the adults, gaining invaluable early exposure to conservation techniques and sustainable skills. This collaboration beautifully demonstrates how farm stewardship is intrinsically linked to mentorship and building the next generation of ecologically minded leaders.

Building Resilience with NRCS Practices

A core focus of the Field Day was demonstrating how to integrate proven conservation methods from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). By applying these standards, Iron Lion Farms serves as a real-world model for how AfroEcological principles can merge with federally recognized practices to build resilient, sustainable food systems.

We worked directly on implementing and understanding key infrastructure projects:

Livestock Shelter Structure (CPS 576)

• The Practice: Attendees participated in the hands-on construction of a Livestock Shelter Structure (CPS 576). This practice is vital for providing animals with safe, environmentally sound shelter from weather extremes.

• The Impact: This structure is crucial for the health and welfare of the farm's livestock, ensuring they have comfortable conditions. This improves animal well-being, optimizes management, and reduces stress on the land.

The AfroEcology Commitment

These infrastructure builds are more than just construction projects; they are an expression of AfroEcological principles—a deep commitment to stewardship, community, and sovereignty over our food systems. By physically building a shelter, participants gained not only technical skills but also confidence in implementing solutions that increase their farms' resilience against economic and environmental pressures.

The Field Day was a true Camp and Learn experience, connecting the wisdom of our ancestors with modern conservation science to cultivate autonomy and ecological justice on the land.

NRCS Conservation Practice Standards Highlighted

The practical demonstrations at Iron Lion Farms directly covered these critical NRCS practices:

NRCS Practice Standard	Code	Purpose
Livestock Shelter Structure	CPS 576	Provides safe, durable, and environmentally appropriate shelter for livestock.
Micro Irrigation System	CPS 441	Applies water to the soil surface efficiently, drastically increasing water efficiency.
Critical Area Planting	CPS 342	Establishes permanent vegetation on vulnerable or degraded areas to prevent erosion and protect water quality.

Looking Ahead

The success of the Iron Lion Farm Field Day reaffirms the power of hands-on learning and strong partnerships. Through our ongoing AfroEcology Series, Black Sustainability, Inc. is dedicated to linking growers and community builders with the essential knowledge, funding tools, and infrastructure training necessary to cultivate sustainable, sovereign food systems.

We invite you to stay connected with Black Sustainability, Inc. by registering for upcoming workshops, following us on social media, and reaching out to explore collaboration. Together, we continue to sow the seeds of resilience, autonomy, and ecological justice, nourishing both our communities and our land!