Know who did the work.

Thomas McOsker

Thomas McOsker works across agricultural economics, botanical research, and market design. His master’s research at Harvard Extension School examined the economics of coffee leaves and fruit as additional farm resources. He founded Copper Hill Research Station to connect these questions with practical field investigation.

Contributors in context.

The project records distinguish Station work, collaborative field programs, academic research and external literature. The publication library lists published work by associated researchers separately from research by outside scientists, with original bylines. Field contributions are credited in each project record.

People behind the field record.

Field inventories and conservation plans for the property were prepared by independent consultants (see Study 06 and Study 11).

Programs and organizations.

• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Copper Hill has carried out conservation work under contracts with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), 2019–2024, with cost-share for terracing, cover cropping and erosion control. An NRCS conservation planning activity (CPA 106, Environmental Quality Incentives Program) was prepared by an independent consultant in June 2026 for part of the property. Copper Hill is working with AgroforestryX (NRCS) and is among the first to implement it. Study 05
• USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities. Copper Hill took part in SMART AG PR, a climate-smart coffee project under the USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities. Study 01
• Independent environmental consultant. Forest management plan, vegetation transects and wildlife survey (NRCS CPA 106 plan, 2026). Study 11
• Independent forestry consultant. Forest Stewardship Plan 2022–2032, including forest, plant and bird inventories. Study 06
• Related published research: University of British Columbia, Faculty of Land and Food Systems. Publications

References to USDA, NRCS or other agencies describe contracted conservation work and do not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or any government agency, or any consultant, university or organization named on this site.