As climate change becomes more of an issue, shelterbelts are being seen to play a major role in sequestering significant amounts of carbon into the soil.

The Stanley Soil Management Association has received about $13,000 in federal funding through the EcoAction program to encourage landowners to renovate existing shelterbelts rather than remove them from their fields.

Technician Richard Warkentin explained why farmers are removing the trees.

Richard Warkentin

"They feel that they're encroaching on their valuable farm land too much," he said. "The biggest reason is, I don't think they realize the benefits of them."

Warkentin says while shelterbelts provide protection from wind and soil erosion, they also serve to improve crop yields by providing a habitat for pest-eating insects and wild pollinators.

The group hosted a workshop last week at the Pembina Threshermen's Museum between Winkler and Morden.