Habitat Restoration at Oxbow Farm

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Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center inspires people to eat healthy, sustainably grown food and to steward our natural resources for future generations. To this end we grow organic food using sustainable practices, grow native plants using local seeds to maintain genetic diversity, educate children about food and the environment, restore habitat along our river and around the farm, and conduct research in agriculture, conservation, education, and native plant production.

The habitat restoration we do on the farm helps to increase the diversity of plants and wildlife on and around the farm, protects salmon habitat along the Snoqualmie River, helps prevent erosion and improve soil quality, provides habitat for pollinators and pest predators, and provides learning opportunities for our youth education program. The work you do as habitat restoration volunteers helps us to tip the scale back towards our native plants and habitats. We have a systematic plan to get rid of invasive weeds, like blackberry, bindweed, knotweed, and clematis, but we can’t do it without the help of volunteers! Volunteers have already worked their magic on large sections of the farm, turning blackberry monocultures into forests and riparian wetlands. Volunteer with us to enjoy the beauty and calm of the farm and to do your part to restore the land that sustains us as well as the wildlife around us.

The Work: We will be weeding blackberries and other invasive weeds around restored areas to give our existing native plants some room to grow and to make room for more new plants.

Age Restrictions: Any volunteers under 18 years old need have a liability waiver completed by a parent or legal guardian prior to the first event they attend. Waivers can be requested or found on our webiste (http://www.oxbow.org/conservation/restoration/) prior to the event or a parent or legal guardian can attend and complete a waiver prior to the start of the event. Volunteers 15 years and older can attend events without being accompanied as long as they have a liability waiver on file with us, while those 15 years and under should have a trusted adult in attendance as well as having a waiver on file with us.

Other Restrictions: Dogs, other than service animals, are not permitted on the property.

Parking: We will be meeting by the white tent located near our Public Entrance parking area. Our Public Entrance is located off of Hwy 203 at 268th Ave NE, Carnation, 98014. Drive slowly (10 MPH) down 268th Ave NE for about 1/2 mile. It will feel like a long stretch, and you’ll pass some private property areas on your right. Keep driving! Once you see the Oxbow sign at the end of the road, turn left - you’re there! If you choose to use a GPS to navigate here, it may direct you to one of our other entrances, located just south of our Public Entrance, so just make your way north from there.

Work Clothes: We suggest wearing long pants and bringing a long-sleeved work shirt, preferably made of thicker material that can withstand blackberry spines. Boots are best with mud and shovels, but tennis shoes will work. Open-toed shoes are not be appropriate. Keep the weather in mind and make sure to bring sun protection and/or rain-gear if appropriate. You are welcome to bring your own thick leather gloves or gardening gloves for added comfort. Oxbow Farm will provide medium-weight gloves, but they are not as thick as leather gloves. Glasses/sunglasses, a brimmed hat, and a kneeling pad can also provide extra comfort while working, but are not required.

Water: Water will be provided by Oxbow Farm for drinking and washing up. Please bring your own reusable bottle, if possible, to limit disposable cup waste.

Lunch/Snacks: You are welcome to bring your own food with you to eat on the farm during the event.

Tour: We are happy to lead a tour or hike at the end of the event for those that would like to participate. Just ask!