Tips, tricks, and a quick peek into the everyday life of the conservation district.
Being fortunate enough to live in the Maritime Pacific Northwest surrounded by the Salish Sea is something that many of us cherish. Our unique marine environment offers habitat to an abundance of marine and terrestrial flora and fauna that support our lifestyles and cultural heritage. However, balancing land use with protecting our natural heritage can be challenging, especially when you own livestock.
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 MoreWe’ve already been to two fairs and there are lots more to come. Read about where we’ve been, what we’re sharing and where we’ll be next!
Read MoreAfter reviewing the performance of the Manure Spreader Program for the 2017 season some proposals were put forward and were accepted by the Snohomish Conservation District (SCD) Board of Supervisors for the 2018 season. Read more about those changes.
Read MoreOn Saturday, March 24, at the Camano Lutheran Church, 33 people from the Livingston Watershed on Camano Island and the surrounding area enjoyed a three hour workshop on pasture management and how unhealthy pastures affect the health and well being of horses.
Read MoreTo honor Ag Week, here is a snapshot in time from each of our farm planners on the Snohomish Conservation District staff. There are lots of good projects in the works or in the ground around Snohomish County and Camano Island.
Read MoreHere's an update on the graduates from the 2017 winter class of the Cultivating Success 8-week New Farmer/Rancher Course, and the 2018 spring class of the Cultivating Success 10-week Ag Business Entrepreneurship Course.
Photo: WSU Cultivating Success Ag Business Entrepreneurship Class
Read MoreIn Washington, there are 14 counties with a Young Farmers and Ranchers chapter. On Saturday, March 10th, at the historical Swiss Hall in the heart of the Tualco Valley near Monroe, the Snohomish County chapter kicked off their inaugural meeting.
Read MoreHere are some highlights from the 2018 Country Living Expo in Stanwood.
Read MoreA group of rural landowners gathered in Arlington at the Co-op Supply Store to learn about rain gardens from our district engineer and one of our farm planners.
Read MoreIf you're looking for a compact and thorough look at urban farming, check out the community garden and cultural kitchen at Edmonds Community College.
Read MoreOur largest rain garden has finally been planted. Check out how small it makes our Vet Crew seem.
Read MoreFirst series of 'Living with Beavers' workshops held and useful for attendees in Tulalip, Stanwood and Monroe.
Read MoreManure & Lime Spreader Program Ending for 2017
Sound Horsekeepers, Adam and Tracey
The spreaders are out at the last cooperators' property and will be picked up Friday and put away for the season. We will not be taking reservations until April 2 for next spring, so mark it on your calendars. There will be some changes coming to the program that Michael Hipp, our Resource Planner / Sound Horsekeeping Program Manager, will be working on over the winter, They are changes related to efficiency so that we can better serve you all. He will let you know what those are as they become official.
A big THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the spreader program this year! 2017 was the busiest and most successful yet.
34 Cooperators (aka landowners / farmers / horsekeepers) used the spreaders; some, multiple times.
3,020 miles driven to deliver the spreaders - that's the distance from Seattle to San Salvador, El Salvador!
Only 1 flat tire on the trailer (thanks to Skagit Farmer's Supply for the assist!)
And there is no way to measure the tens of thousands of pounds of manure and lime spread this year, but it is great to know that all those nutrients are out building good soil. Thank you to our cooperators for not only having Michael out to your property to discuss soil health and good pasture management practices, but also for following through and getting your pastures one step healthier for your horses.
Please remember that if you encounter any new resource concerns over the winter Michael is always here to help. Winter in western Washington is always a challenge with horses, so please don't ever hesitate to contact him any time.
Office: (425) 377-7019 | Email: mhipp@snohomishcd.org
Are you new to the Pacific North-Wet or do you find yourself struggling every year with mud? Do you need ideas for how to keep your horse happy and exercised while pastures rest? Please let us know!
Read MoreThis June we had the opportunity to complete several best management practices (BMPs) at the Holly Farm in Bothell, WA in the Little Bear Creek Watershed.
Read MoreJust posted! Here is the October 2017 through March 2018 schedule of agriculture related classes from Northwest Agriculture Business Center.
Read MoreThe shorter days of autumn inspire us to slow down after a busy summer, but accomplishing a few tasks before the rains set in and the winds start to blow will make winter more pleasant and surprise you with a healthy land and soil-scape next spring.
Read MoreAgriculture Resilience: A Photovoice Exhibition presented a unique opportunity for decision-makers and the public to listen to farmers express their concerns for the future through photography.
Read More
Snohomish Conservation District | 528 91st Ave NE, Lake Stevens, WA 98258 | 425-335-5634
