Tips, tricks, and a quick peek into the everyday life of the conservation district.
Many Snohomish County and Camano Island residents have horses, but not all are aware of the effects these equine companions can have on our environment. Horses can overgraze their pastures and compact the soils, and if manure isn't managed properly it can contribute to water pollution.
Read MoreYou can count on Pacific Northwest winters being cold, wet, dark, and windy. During many winters you can add snowy and icy to that description. For horse owners this usually means struggles such as slogging through mud to do chores with less time to ride or exercise horses. As it is with most everything, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Read MoreTrack paddocks are an excellent way to keep your horses moving and interested when they aren’t on pasture. Track paddocks can also help protect water quality by avoiding overgrazing and compaction of your pastures that may become vulnerable to mud and runoff during the wet season.
Read MoreSarah and Jeremy Vecchi worked with Snohomish Conservation District to implement a manure management system that protects water quality and transforms their horse manure into a valuable asset: compost!
Read MoreHealthy pastures are an important key to a healthy ecosystem.
Read MoreWho would have thought that carnivorous bog plants, such as sundews and pitcher plants, would have a place on a horse property?
Read MoreFall is officially here. Are you and your horses ready? Now is the time to prepare for the upcoming rainy season here in western Washington. Here are a few tips and tricks to beat the winter weather this year and establish more permanent solutions for next year.
Read MoreFor our 80th anniversary, we're highlighting some of the amazing staff and partners who we’ve worked with over the years. Our Sound Horsekeeping program wouldn't be what it is today without the support of community members and the horse owners who have been willing to partner with us.
Read MoreWhether you board horses, run a training facility, or just have one horse at home, using best management practices can make your operation run smoother and protect your horses. But which ones do you do first? Is there a sequence that’s best? How do you prioritize?
Read MoreIt’s a privilege to be a part of new beginnings, and we’re fortunate to have stories like the Rhinevaults to share with others starting out. Most of the people we work with would say that their farms and livestock ventures are a work in progress, and we’re available to help every step of the way.
Read MoreWondering how to avoid muddy paddocks next year? Farm planner Michael Hipp explains in detail how to create mud-free, easy-to-clean paddocks.
Read MoreWinter’s darkness can be just as challenging as the rain when tending to livestock. Read on for creative ideas to see well enough to keep up with farm chores and tend to a sick or injured animal.
Read MoreWhile our winters are beautiful with clean air and occasional sunny skies, an overabundance of darkness, mud, and manure can overwhelm anyone, and horse boredom is a common issue owners have to deal with.
Read MoreLaminitis in fall? Michael Hipp explains…
Read More2019’s Country Living Expo and Cattlemen’s Winter School is in the books with Dr. Temple Grandin as the special guest. Bonus: Check out our two Facebook Live videos!
Read MoreA wrap up of the 2018 Manure Spreading Season from our Sound Horsekeeping Manager, Michael Hipp.
Image credit: The Oatmeal
Read MoreHorses have the ability to be and do many things, and one of the things we have found they can do is to help save our orcas.
Photo credit: Creative Commons, Kat Kellner
Read MoreToday we understand the importance of preserving habitat for other species and how those can actually benefit livestock on the range. One of the most prominent species in need of habitat preservation in our region is salmon.
Read MoreThe smoke around Snohomish County has not let up and is still affecting our livestock and horses. Here are some more timely tips from Michael Hipp, our Sound Horsekeeping Program Manager.
Read MoreHere’s a quick amendment to having one’s horses wear fly masks during smoky weather.
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Snohomish Conservation District | 528 91st Ave NE, Lake Stevens, WA 98258 | 425-335-5634
