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Inside...Conservation Corner•NativePlantSaleOrderForm

On the Farm•FarmManagementWorkshops•LowCostBMPsforSmallFarms•SeniorFoodBoxes

In the Stream•FallStreamPlantings•StreamMonitoringTraining•NaturalYardCareGardenParties•LocalGrantOpportunities•SalmonHomecomingEvent

Other•HarvestFest•CalendarofFallEvents

Volume 6 - Issue 3Fall 2009

C O n S e r V a t I O n a C r O S S P I e r C e C O u n t y

Pierce Conservation District promotes resource conservation through innovation and cooperation.

Pierce Conservation

District Mission:

ThissummermarkedthelaunchoftheUSDAMobileMeatProcessingProject.WithasuccessfulandwellattendedribboncuttingceremonyonJune19,operationoftheunitbythePugetSoundMeatProducersCooperativebeganinJuly.Ribboncuttingattend-eesincludedlocalfarmers,butchers,andchefs,aswellasagreatnumberofagencyandgovernmentofficials.

TheUSDAMobileMeatProcessingUnit(MMPU)isa45-footlongtrailerthattravelstolocalfarmsandranchestohumanelybutcheranimalstoUSDAspecifications.TheMMPUthentrans-portstheanimalcarcassestoacutandwrapfacilityforfurtherprocessing.TheMMPUisself-containedandismannedwithacrewoftrainedpro-cessingpersonnel,includingaUSDAinspector.ThemobilemodelmakesgoodsenseforthePugetSoundregionduetoitscloseproximitytobothruralfarmareasandurbancommunitiesandconsumers.ThisunitisbasedinPierceCountyandisanticipatedtoserveproducersinPierce,King,Kitsap,Thurston,Lewis,andMasonCounties.

Designedtohelpfarmersaccesslocalretailopportunitiessuchasfarmersmarkets,restaurants,andotherretailoutlets,thisprojectwillhelpincreaseagriculturalprofitabilitybymakingiteasierforfarmerstostayinbusinessontheirland.TheMMPUisdesignedtorevitalizeanage-oldindustrybyreplacingamissingpieceofneces-saryinfrastructure,energizingandrevivingtheremainingelements(i.e.localbutchershopsandbutchers),andprovidingamissingproduct,“LocalMeatforLocalMeals.”Thistoolwillnotonlyprovidefarmersgreatercontroloverproductionschedulesandcosts,qualityofendproduct,andretailprice,butalsoprovidepurchasersandconsumersgreatercontroloverthequality,cut,andavailabilityoflocalmeat.Additionalbenefitsofthisprojectincludeincreasedfoodsafety,supportforhumaneandsustainablelivestockproduction,andincreasedlocaldollarscirculatingwithinthecom-munitiesinwhichtheyweregenerated.

FormoreinformationontheservicesprovidedbytheMMPU,visitthePugetSoundMeatProducersCoopera-tiveonlineatwww.psmpc.com.

Pierce Conservation District Executive Director, Monty Mahan, cuts the ribbon on the newly constructed USDA Mobile Meat Processing Unit.

Cheryl Oullette, local farmer and operations manager of the Puget Sound Meat Producers Cooperative, was honored for her ability to bring people together and create a brighter future for agriculture in Pierce County. At the June 19 ceremony, she received a Certificate of Appreciation from Pierce County Councilmem-bers Joyce McDonald, Dick Muri, and Terry Lee for her community service.

local Meat for local Meals –Mobile Meat Processing unit update

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COntaCt uS:PIerCe COnSerVatIOn dIStrICtPhone:(253)845-9770Fax:(253)845-4569Toll-free:(866)845-9485KeyPeninsula:(253)884-9474E-mail:admin@piercecountycd.orgWeb:www.piercecountycd.org

PIerCe StreaM teaM:Phone:(253)845-2973Fax:(253)845-4569Toll-free:(866)845-9485E-mail:streamteam@piercecountycd.orgwww.piercecountycd.org/streamteam.html

MaIl FOr bOth the dIStrICt and StreaM teaM Can be Sent tO:543066thAvenueEastP.O.Box1057Puyallup,WA98371

Duringlowtideeventsthispastsummer,PierceCountyresidentsandvisitorswereoutinforcetoexaminetidepools,gentlyliftrocks,andwadeintorecedingwatersaseelgrassbedsandotherhidingplacesforshorecrab,welks,andotherslowmovingmarineorganismswereexposed.

InJune,ShellfishPartnersheldtheirfifthannualguidedbeachwalktohelpshowcasetheactivitiessupportedthispastyearthatpromotewaterqual-ityprotection.Ourillustriousguide,AlanRammer,entertainedthecrowdbydetailingtheexceptionaladaptivecapabilitiesrequiredofanimalsthatcallthenearshorehome.Fascinatingcharacteristics,includinghowthebarnaclecatchespreywithitstoes,ortheseacucumberthatcanregurgitateitsinternalorgansasadefensemecha-nism,weredescribed.Eachanimalwascollectedwithcare,discussed,andreturnedbacktoitsplacebyeventpar-ticipantswithanewfoundrespectfortheenormouseffortittakestosurviveinthemarineenvironment.

Asthewalkturnedbacktowardshore,Alanrecalledastoryaboutayounggirlwhoaskedwhyhecaredsomuchabouttheocean.Heheldupalargejarofplasticwrappers,trash,andshinypoptopsandexplainedthathecaredbecausehewasworriedthatopportuni-tiestosafelywalkonthebeach,swim,orharvestresourceswerenotgoingtobethereforherasshegrewup.

Trashandpollutedstormwaterhavehelpedfoultheoceans.Nowisthetimeforeachofustodoourparttopickupthepaceincommunity-wideeffortsthatreducewasteandkeepsurfacewatercleanofoils,pharmaceuticals,sediment,excessivefertilizers,andchemicals.ShellfishPartnershashelpedencouragethesecorrectiveactionsthroughtheeffortsofthePierceCon-servationDistrict,Tacoma-PierceCountyHealthDepartment,andPierceCountySurfaceWaterManagement.Forinfor-mationonhowyoucanhelpchangethetideandcleanupPugetSound,pleasecontactthePierceConservationDistrict.

low tide beach Walk

Over 100 South Sound residents participated in the 2009 guided beach walk on the Purdy Spit to explore the low tide and learn about the marine environment.

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Nativeplantshaveevolvedtogrowinthesoils,topography,andclimateofwesternWashington.Thisgivesthemdecidedadvantages,includinggreaterresistancetopestsandbetterabilitytowithstandwetwintersanddrysummers.Usesfornativeplantsincludenaturescaping(low-waterrequirementlandscapes),raingardeninstallations,wildlifeenhancement,reforestation,wetlandandstreamenhancement,erosioncontrol,andlandscapingaroundhomesandfarms.Itisforthesereasonsthatconser-vationdistrictsacrossthenationpromotetheuseofnativeplants.

NativeplantspurchasedthroughtheDistrict’splantsalearebarerootstock,whichmeanstheydonotcomeinpotsorburlapbags.TheplantsaregrownorbrokeredfromtheWashingtonAssocia-tionofConservationDistrictsnurserylocatedinSkagitCounty,andareharvestedfromthefieldinwinterwhendormant.Theseconservationgradebarerootplantshavewell-developedrootsandareeasytohandle,transportandplant.Westrivetoprovideyouwithlargequantitiesofhighqualityaffordablebareroottreesandshrubs.

Alsoavailableforsalearetreetubestoprotectyoungplantsfromrodentdam-ageanddeerbrowse,andPlantskyddAnimalRepellentsolublepowder,whichisaveryeffectiveodor-basedherbivorerepellant.Itlaststhreetofourmonthsduringthegrowingseasonanduptosixmonthsduringthewinter.AlsobesureandcheckoutWoodbrookNursery’sselectionofpottednativeplantsavailableonlyonthepick-updays.

To Order:OrderswillbetakenuntilJanuary31,2010.Simplyfillouttheenclosedorderformandmailitalongwithyourcheckto:PierceConserva-tionDistrict,Attn.TreeSale,P.O.Box1057,Puyallup,WA98371.Intheeventwecannotfillallorpartofyourorder,aplantsubstitutionwillbeofferedorarefundwillbeavailable.

Payment:Allordersmustbeprepaidtosecurethem;anexcep-tiontothisisforgroupsorothercustomersusingpurchaseorders.

Plant Pick-Up:Customerswillbeabletopick-uptheirplantorderonFebruary19and20atthePierceConservationDistrictofficelocatedat543066thAve.E.inPuyallup.Amapandscheduletopick-upyourorderwillbemailedwithyourreceipt.Everyeffortismadetoensureyourplants’rootsremainmoist.However,theycannotbeguaranteedpastthedesignatedpick-updays,soordersnotpickedupthenwillbedonatedtolocalnon-profitsonWednes-day,February24,at12p.m.Therearenorefundsforordersnotpickedup.Ifyoudoexperiencehighmortalitywithyourplantssoonaftertheyarepickedup,pleasecalltoobtainareplace-mentplantcouponforthe2011sale.

Quantities and Availability:Allshrubswillbesoldinbundlesof5plants.Newthisyear,broadleaftreeswillalsobesoldinbundlesof5plants.Allconifertrees,groundcovers,andtreetubesandstakeswillstillbesoldinbundlesof10.Allplantsareheldonafirstcome,firstservedbasis.Quantitiesofsomespeciesarelimited,soorderearlyforbestselection.

Questions:Ifyouhaveanyques-tionsregardingyourorderorourplantmaterials,pleasecallRenéat(253)845-9770ext.106.

HelpusspreadthewordaboutthebenefitsofplantingnativeplantsandtheConservationDistrictbarerootsalebytellingallyourneighbors,friends,relatives,andco-workersaboutit!

The showy blooms of creamy-white flower clusters make the Pacific ninebark plant an attractive addition to your home’s landscaping.

PCd’s 19th annual native Plant Sale

Salal is a native ground cover whose black berries provide food for wildlife.

Fullsun Partialshade Shade Evergreen Deciduous Flowers Fruit Seeds RainGardenlegend:

COMMOn naMe GEnUS SPECiES heIght ClaSSIFICatIOn(S) habItat & grOWth CharaCterIStICS. tyPICal uSeS & deSCrIPtIOn.

COnIFer treeSDouglasFirPseudotsuga menziesii 250’ Well-drainedsoils.Windbreaks,firewood,lumber.Fastestgrowingconifer.

GrandFirAbies grandis 250’ Moisttodrysites.UsedasChristmastrees,lumber.Fragrantneedles.Rapid

growth.5-10cmgreenconesborneuprightonbranches.NobleFirAbies procera 250’ Foundinmoist,deep,richsoils.Bluish-greenneedles.10-15cmconesborne

uprightonbranches.UsedasChristmastrees,lumber.ShorePinePinus contorta var. contorta 50’ Highlyadaptable.Foundinbogs,dunes&rockyhilltops.Goodriparianrestora-

tionspecies.Rapidgrowth.WesternRedCedarThuja plicata 150’ Prefersmoistsoils.Usedforlumber,firewood.MajesticJ-shapedbranches.Does

nottoleratefullsunwhenyoung.SitkaSprucePicea sitchensis (weevilresistantvar.) 200’ Growsonmoistsites,butnotpoorlydrainedsoils.Usedforlumberandriparian

restoration.Stiff,bluish-greenneedlesnotlikedbydeer.PonderosaPinePinus ponderosa(PierceCountyvar.) 100’ Dry,coarse-texturedsoils.Usedforlumber.5”needlesinbunchesof3.Platey,

buffcoloredbark.WesternHemlockTsuga heterophylla 160’ Fairlydrytowetsites.Foundonhumusaswellasmineralsoils.Graceful,

down-sweepingbranches&featheryfoliage.StatetreeofWashington.PacificSilverFirAbies amabilis 150’ Prefersmoistsoilsandseepageareas.Usedforlumber.3-6”purpleconeson

femaletreesborneuprightonbranches.

brOadleaF treeSPacificMadroneArbutus menziesii 75’ Foundondry,sunny,oftenrockysiteswithcoarsetexturedsoils.6-7mm

fragrantwhiteflowersinclustersandorange-redberriespopularwithbirds.OregonWhiteOakQuercus garryana 60’ Dry,rockyslopesorbluffs,sometimesondeep,rich,well-drainedsoilalong

seasonalcreeks.Cantolerateflashfloods.Acornsprovidewildlifefood.PacificDogwoodCornus nuttalli 60’ Moist,welldrainedsoils.Achallengetogrow,butwellworthit.Flowerswith

large,showywhitebracts.Redberriesprovidewildlifefood.CascaraRhamnus purshiana 30’ Fromwettodrysoils.Goodriparianrestorationspecies.Berriesfavoredby

birdsandstemsprovidebrowsefordeer.SitkaAlderAlnus sinuata 10-30’ Nitrogenfixerinwetandpoorlydrainedsoils.Shrubbyformalongstreams,

butatalleruprightforminopensites.HookerWillowSalix hookeriana 10-25’ Foundinsaturatedtomoistsoilconditions,sogreatforstreambankstabiliza-

tionandrestoration.Multi-stemmedplantwithhairycatkins.BlackHawthornCrataegus douglasii 15’ Foundinmoistopenplaces,forestedges,andriparianareas.Edibledarkpurple

berriesprovidefoodand1.5”thornsprovideprotectionforbirds.

ShrubSRedOsierDogwoodCornus stolonifera 15’ Welldrainedsoilstowetstreambanks.Whiteclusteredflowerswithbrightred

twigsinwinter.Toleratespruning.VineMapleAcer circinatum 10-30’ Drytowetareas.Tallandrangyinshadeandcompactinthesun.Seedspro-

videwildlifefoodandstemsprovidedeerbrowse.Vibrantfallcolors.RedFloweringCurrantRibes sanguineum 3-8’ Drytosomewhatmoistsites.Chainsofpinkflowersareahummingbirdmagnet.

Fruiteatenbybirds.SnowberrySymphoricarpos albus 3-8’ Growsindamp,marshysitestorockyareas.Itswhiteberriespersistthrough

thewinter.Spreadsbyrhizomes,makingitagoodsoilstabilizer.NinebarkPhysocarpus capitatus 15’ Prefersmoistsoils.Providesseedsandcoverforbirds.Attractivewhiteflower

clustersandpeelingcinnamoncoloredbark.MockOrangePhiladelphus lewisii 10’ Foundinawidevarietyofsoilconditions-wettodry.Showy,fragrantwhite

flowers.Birdseatwoodyfruitcapsules.TwinberryLonicera involucrata 12’ Prefersmoistsoils.Fastgrowing.Smallyellowflowers.Theblackberriesare

eatenbysomebirdspecies.NootkaRoseRosa nutkana 5-15’ Foundinawidevarietyofsoilconditions-wettodry.Pinkfivepetalflowers

arefragrant.Redrosehips.AmericanCranberryViburnum opulus 10-12’ Foundinmoistsoils.Whiteflowersandreddrupeberrieseatenbybirds.Nota

cranberryasthenameimplies.RedElderberrySambucus racemosa 15’ Foundinmoistsoils.Creamywhiteflowers.Thebrightredberriesareeatenby

birdsandareediblewhencooked.BeakedHazelnutCorylus cornuta var. californica 3-10’ Moist,butwell-drainedsites.Spreadsbysuckers.Catkinsappearbeforeleaves

inspring.Nutsedible,butquicklyeatenbyjaysandsquirrels.EvergreenHuckleberryVaccinium ovatum To6’ Shorterandbushierinfullsun.Tallandleggyinshade.Pink,bellshaped

flowers.Sweetpurplish-blackfruit.

grOund COVerSKinnikinnickArctostaphylos uva-ursi 20cm. Well-drainedsoils.Spreadsbyrootingbranches.Erosioncontrol.Redberries

providewildlifefood.SalalGaultheria shallon

2-7’max.

Drysoils.Spreadsbysuckering.Erosioncontrol.Blackberriesprovidewildlifefood.Glossyleaves.

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2010 19th annual native Plant Sale Pre-Order FormPIerCe COnSerVatIOn dIStrICt

5430 66th Ave. E.P.O. Box 1057

Puyallup, WA 98371

(253)845-9770ext.106renes@piercecountycd.orgwww.piercecountycd.org

NAME___________________________________________________ PHONE___________________

ADDRESS_______________________________________________________ ZIP_______________

EMAILADDRESS_________________________________________________

NewCustomer? Yes NoIfyes,howdidyouhearaboutthesale?___________________________________WouldyouliketobeaddedtotheDistrict’snewslettermailinglist? Yes No

Pleasecompletetheaboveorderformandmailitandyourpaymentto:Pierce Conservation District, P.O. Box 1057, Puyallup, WA 98371 by January 31, 2010.PleasecallRenéSkaggsat(253)845-9770,ext.106withanyquestions.PurchaseOrdersaccepted.

Pre-orders accepted now until January 31, 2010, for pick up on February 19 & 20, 2010 at 5430 66th Ave. E. in Puyallup. Due to the fragile nature of bare root plants, orders not picked up on the specified dates will be donated to local non-profits on Wednes-day, February 24, 2010 at noon. There are no refunds for plant orders not picked up. These are conservation grade native plants.

QUANTITY SPeCIeS SIze PrICe Per bundle (#ofbundles) SubtOtal

COnIFer treeS DouglasFir 12”BareRoot 10treesfor$6 GrandFir 8-10”BareRoot 10treesfor$6 NobleFir 8-10”BareRoot 10treesfor$11 ShorePine 8-10”BareRoot 10treesfor$6 SitkaSpruce 6-8”BareRoot 10treesfor$6 WesternRedCedar 12”BareRoot 10treesfor$11 PierceCo.PonderosaPine 6”BareRoot 10treesfor$4 WesternHemlock 8-10”BareRoot 10treesfor$11 PacificSilverFir 6”BareRoot 10treesfor$6

brOadleaF treeSPacificMadrone 6-10”Plugs 5treesfor$21 OregonWhiteOak 12”+BareRoot 5treesfor$9 PacificDogwood 12”+BareRoot 5treesfor$6 Cascara 12”+BareRoot 5treesfor$8 SitkaAlderNew! 18”+BareRoot 5treesfor$8 HookerWillow 36”Cuttings 5treesfor$6 BlackHawthorn 18”+BareRoot 5treesfor$6

ShrubSRedOsierDogwood 12”+BareRoot 5shrubsfor$6 VineMaple 18”+BareRoot 5shrubsfor$8 RedFloweringCurrant 12”+BareRoot 5shrubsfor$6 Snowberry 12”+BareRoot 5shrubsfor$6 Ninebark 12”+BareRoot 5shrubsfor$6 MockOrange 18-36”BareRoot 5shrubsfor$7 Twinberry 12”+BareRoot 5shrubsfor$6 NootkaRose 12”+BareRoot 5shrubsfor$6 AmericanCranberry 6-12”BareRoot 5shrubsfor$6 RedElderberry 12”+BareRoot 5shrubsfor$6 BeakedHazelnutNew! 6-12”BareRoot 5shrubsfor$10 EvergreenHuckleberry 4”Plugs 5plugsfor$13

grOund COVerSKinnikinnick 4”Plugs 10plugsfor$21 Salal 4”Plugs 10plugsfor$20

extraSTreeTubes&Stakes 24” 10tubes/stakesfor$17 PlantskyddAnimalRepellent 1lb.solublepowderconcentrate $23/lb. Subtotal 9.3% Tax TOTAl

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JudgingbytheoverwhelmingresponsetotheChickenManagement101classlastMay,residentsofPierceCountyandbeyondareveryinterestedinforayingbeyondbackyardgardeningandintohomeeggproduction.Theclasswasdesignedbothforhomeeggproducersandthoseinterestedinbeginningtheirowneggsales.

Co-sponsoredbythePierceConservationDistrictandWSUPierceCountyExtension,theworkshopinvitedadiverseteamofexpertstospeaktotheclassparticipants.Top-icscoveredinthethree-hoursession

included:municipalityregulations,coopdesign,breeds,feedandwater,diseasesandinsects,wastemanage-ment,andeggmanagement.

Severalinterestedpeoplehadtobeturnedaway,asthe120personmaximumcapacityoftheclass-

roomwasquicklyreachedbypre-registrants.Duetohighdemand,thecoursewilllikelybeheldagainnextspring.Ifyoucannotwaituntilthenandwouldliketoobtaintheclassnotebook,

itisavailableforpurchasefromthePierceConservationDistrictfor$5.CallRenéat(253)845-9770,ext.106.

Chicken Management 101: Small-Scale egg Production Class a huge Success

Over2,800boxesoffreshlocalproducearebeingdeliveredthisyeartolow-incomeseniorsinPierceCountywiththehelpofPierceCountyAgingandLongTermCareandthePierceCounty

Council.TheSeniorFoodBoxProgramworksinconjunc-tionwithfundingtheDistrictprovidestoAgingandLongTermCaretosup-porttheSeniorFarmersMarket

in the shadow of Mt. Rainier, some of the world’s best rhubarb, greens, peppers, and corn are grown by Richter Farms and used to fill senior food boxes around Pierce County.

NutritionProgramvouchers.Underthisprogram,low-incomeseniorsareeligibleforvouchersthatcanbeusedforfreshfruitsandvegetablesatlocalareafarmersmarkets.

Foreligibleseniorswhoareunabletogettolocalfarmersmarketstousetheirvouchers,theDistrictdeliversboxesoflocalproduce.Thisyear,PuyallupfarmerTimRichtersuppliedboxespackedwithproducefromhisopera-tionaswellasotherlocalfarms.Theboxescontaineditemssuchascorn,peppers,squash,lettuce,cabbage,celery,beets,zucchini,andcucum-bersforahealthyvarietyoflocallygrownvegetables.AnadditiontotheprogramthisyearwasdirectfundingtoseniorcentersinBuckley,Milton,Orting,BonneyLake,andSumnertopurchasefreshlocalproducetobegiven(andinsomecasesevencooked!)totheseniorstheyserve.2009marksthethirdyearofthisprogram.

Senior Food boxes – another good year

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the abC’s of Paddock FootingPierce Conservation District Demonstra-tion Farm, South Prairie Saturday, September 26, 10-11:30 a.m.

Winterisjustaroundthecorner,butyoustillhavetimetoinstallfootingmaterialinyourlivestockpaddockstopreventknee-deepmudfrombog-gingyouandyouranimalsdownagainthisyear!TakeatouroftheDistrict’sdemonstrationpaddockstolearnaboutdifferenttypesoffootingmaterialscurrentlybeingused.Youwillalsolearnhowtoinstallthemcorrectly,soyouwillonlyhavetodothisjobonce.Demonstrationpaddockshavebeensetupusingthreetypesoffootingmaterialsinfivedifferentcombina-tions,sothefeaturesofthedifferentmaterialscanbecomparedsidebyside.

Small Farm bMP tourFox island Sunday, September 27, 2-4 p.m.

Lowcostbestmanagementpractices(BMPs)willbehighlightedatthisWSUMasterGardener’ssmallfarm.Wewillreviewhowtoinstallnewpastures,fertilizerschedules,andhowtopreparefallpasturesforproduc-tivespringgrowth.Twodifferentpaddocksystemswillbeexamined,withanemphasisoninstallationandmaintenancetipstokeepwintermudproblemstoaminimum.

Composting and Small Farm tourRocky Bay, Key Peninsula Sunday, October 4, 1-3 p.m.

Tourthissmallfarmaswediscussthebenefitsofcomposting.Fromsimplebindesigntocollection,storage,andreap-plicationontogrowingandhealthypas-

tures,thisprocesswillbebrokendown(pardonthepun)intoeasycomponents.Thisworkshopwillgiveyoutheinfor-mationnecessarytoevaluateyourownbindesigndetailsandoutlinethestepsnecessarytocookupsomeblackgold.

Paddock Paradise tour Mackey Farm, RoySunday, October 11, 2-4 p.m.

VisittheMackeyfarminRoy,wherehorses,donkeys,goats,andsheephavebeenlivingina“PaddockParadise”structureandhavebeenrotatedthroughanaccompanyingpasturestripgrazingsystemforthepastyear.Paddock Paradiseisbothatermandaconceptusedtodescribenaturalhorseboarding.IntroducedbyveteranhoofcareprofessionalandnaturalhorsecareadvocateJaimeJacksoninhis2006book,“PaddockParadise,AGuidetoNaturalHorseBoarding”(StarRidgePublishing),naturalhorseboardingisdesignedtoencouragemovementthroughthecreationofaseriesofpaths(tracks)withaquantityofvari-ousstimulisuchasstrategicallyplacedfeedingspotsandwateringholesthatareincorporatedwithinoralongsidethetrack.HearandseewhattheMackeyshavedone,learned,andplantoimproveontheirPaddock Paradisejourney.

golden given Farm tourWear Farm, TacomaSaturday, October 17, 9-11 a.m.

Tourthe4.4acre,3horsefarmthatNormandMyrnaWearhavedramati-callyimprovedsincepurchasingfiveyearsago.Theyconstructedapaddockareanexttothebarnwheretheyhaveinstalledsandfootingoverdrainrockandgeotextilefabrictopreventwinter

mud.Theyre-plantedthepasturesandhavesetupathree-pasturerotationalgrazingsystem.Theyestablishedalanetobothmovethehorsesontheirlongnarrowpropertyandtoprovideanadditionalexercisearea.Theyalsocompostthemanurecollectedfromthepaddocksandspreaditonthepastures.Andtheyplantednativeplantsaroundthepondedareaintheirpasturetoprovidewildlifehabitat.Comeseehowfartheyhavecomeinfiveyears,andgetsomeideastotakebackhometoyourownfarm.

Fencing 201: troubleshootingVaughn Sunday, October 25, 12-3 p.m.

Learnhowtoavoidorfixcommonproblemswithelectricfence.Wewillreviewbraceandfencebasicsandcovergrounding,howtolocateshorts,andelectricityoutagecon-cerns.Electricfenceoptionsandpredatorcontrolwillalsobecoveredinthishands-onworkshop.

getting your Farm ready for WinterGig Harbor Sunday, november 1, 1-3 p.m.

Thiseducationalpresentationwillguidelivestockownersthroughthecorebestmanagementpracticesofmud,manureandpasturemanage-ment.Learnhowtokeepanimalsoutofthemuckandreduceyourfarm’simpacttosoilandwater.

Fall Farm Management Workshops

Please call René or Erin at (253) 845-9770 to register for the work-shops. A map will be sent to you upon registration.

tractors: Choosing the Correct Size, Implements, and Safety ConsiderationsSumner Tractor, Wednesday, September 16, 6-8 p.m.

Soyouhaveafarm,livestock,andthechoresthatgowithmaintainingeachofthem.Ifyouareconsidering,orhavealreadypurchasedatractorandimple-mentstomakefarmlifeeasier,moreenjoyable,andproductive,thisistheclassforyou!JasonJohnsonofSumnerTractorwilldiscussthethingstoconsiderwhenchoosingthecorrectsizetractorforthejobsneedingtobedoneonyourfarm.Hewillalsogothroughthelistofimplementsthatmakefarmchoreseasier,andbasictractorsafetytoeliminatedebilitatingandsometimesfatalaccidents.

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Whilethebestthingsinlifemaybefree,manysmallfarmbestmanage-mentpractices(BMPs)arecertainlylowcost.Implementingthesewalletsavingpracticescannotonlyfacilitateahighreturnratethroughincreasedfarmproductivity,theycanalsoimprovepropertyaesthetics,reducepollution,andimproveanimalhealth.

• Soil testing is an inexpensive tool you can use to identify nutrient deficiencies and overages in your soil which allows you to refine your fertilization schedule and maximize pasture productivity. By knowing how much and what type of fertilizer to apply, and when to apply it, you can potentially reduce product costs. Farm technicians from the Pierce Conservation District are avail-able to help collect a soil sample, send it in for analysis, interpret the results, and develop a nutrient management schedule based on your pasture management goals.

• Composting is easy and the struc-tures used to contain and facilitate the process can be very low cost. Collected livestock waste, uneaten

feed, and soiled bedding can be kept under a tarp or confined into pallet or straw bale bins. As long as the manure and other materials main-tain a balanced carbon to nitrogen ratio, it will all break down into rich compost. By collecting and compost-ing waste under cover, nutrients in the pile are prevented from leaching into groundwater or being carried away by stormwater. And as microbes in the pile generate heat during the decomposition process, some of the weed seeds and pathogens die. nutrients are broken down into more accessible forms that will be readily taken up by grasses in the spring and fall when they need it most.

• Proper manure fertilization can represent a significant savings to your farm operations. You’ve paid for the feed already, so why not make it work for you? Reapplying composted/aged livestock waste to actively growing pastures can sometimes eliminate the need to purchase additional fertilizer products. in addition, applying composted manure back on your pastures may eliminate the need for costly waste removal. Adding organic matter also improves drought resistance, thereby reducing

Soil samples can accurately identify plant nutrient needs to help fine tune your fertilizer strategy.

Even inexpensive com-posting structures will help reduce pile size, kill some weed seeds and pathogens, and

create an amendment more accessible to

growing forage.

low Cost best Management Practices for Small Farms

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the need to water and pushing your grass to grow longer into the summer season. While this practice can be accomplished with a shovel, wheel-barrow, and a little elbow grease, the PCD now has a small manure spreader available to rent that can be pulled by a riding mower or ATV.

• Pasture overseeding with aggressive new varieties of forage grasses can oftentimes rejuvenate those tired, older pastures without the need for major renovation. After testing the soil and amending it per the recom-mendations, broadcast 15-25 pounds of seed per acre in the early spring or fall and harrow lightly. Keep animals off the seeded area until the roots have established and cannot be pulled out. Mow to encourage tillering and remember to keep the stubble height at or above 3”.

• Vegetative Filter Strips, a.k.a. Buffers, are strips of herbaceous veg-etation established between livestock areas and environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, streams, or ditches. Grazing, as well as fertilizer, pesticide, and herbicide application, is usually discouraged in these areas. These buffers can be complimented with native plants to provide shade, food, and habitat for wildlife, while also increasing the uptake of nutri-ents and filtering sediment out of stormwater runoff. Check out the PCD native plant list for varieties that will do well on your property.

Buffers filter sediment laden runoff to pre-vent stormwater pollution, while providing wildlife habitat.

Controlling mud around high traffic areas like troughs, gates, and shelters can reduce chore time and keep animals healthier.

Farmequipmentcanmakeowninglivestockandmanaginglandmucheasier.Forgrowersorhobbyistswhoconfinetheirlivestockinwinter,wastecanquicklypileupinbinsandundertarps.Whileawheelbar-rowandshovelworkfinetoreapplynutrientsbackonthefieldsduringthegrowingseason,amanurespreadercanalleviatemuchofthisbackbreakingjob.

• Improve Footing in high traffic areas to prevent mud accumulation. Mud is a great place for pathogens and pests to congregate. it can also lead to pulled muscles, tendons, and muck boots. Reduce water in the barnyard by rerouting roof runoff, or improving the footing in areas that tend to get muddy: around gates, water troughs, and in front of shelters or stalls. The first step to improving footing is to scrape away the existing loose soil. next, lay down an inter-face layer material to distribute the

Tohelpsmallfarmsimplementoneofthecomponentsintheirmanuremanagementcycle,thePierceConserva-tionDistrictispleasedtoannouncethearrivalofa25-bushelmanurespreaderavailableforrenttoPierceCountyresidents.Thisgrounddrivenspreader,purchasedthroughawaterqualitypro-tectiongrant,isidealforfarmsstoringlessthan50yardsofagedmaterial.

Work Smarter, not harder – new tool available from PCdWhileafarmmanagementplanisnotrequired,thoseinterestedinrentingthemanurespreader($50rentalfee)willneedarecentsitevisitfromafarmplannerandacurrentsoilsampleshowingnutrientdeficienciesonthelandtobeamended.Formoreinformation,contactRenéorErinat(253)845-9770.

load of livestock and vehicles to pre-vent sinking. Both hog fuel and wood chips should have a thick layer of newspaper, straw, or 4” crushed rock underneath. The top layer of footing material should be no less than 12” deep as it will quickly mat down to 6”. Sand, pea gravel, or crushed rock should also have an interface of larger crushed rock, grid, or geo-textile fabric, and should be spread 4-6” deep. Raking this area and keeping it clean will extend its life.

Workaroundthefarmisneverdone.However,bysavingalittlemoneywiththesecosteffectiveideas,you’llhavemoreleftoverforlife’sbestthings.Formoreinformationonhowtoinstallthesepracticesonyourfarm,orevenmoreideasonhowyoucangetthemostfromyourfarm,contactyourConservationDistrictfarmresourcetechnicians.

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WorldWaterMonitoringDay(WWMD)isaninternationaleducationandoutreachprogramthatpromotespublicawarenessandinvolvementinprotect-ingwaterresourcesbyencouragingcitizenstoparticipateinbasicmonitor-ingoftheirlocalwaterbodies.

IncelebrationofWWMD,StreamTeamwillbesubmittingdatacollectedbyourvolunteerstreammonitorsduringthe

Fall Water Quality Monitoring ScheduleQuarterly stream monitors:ThesummermonitoringwindowendsonSeptember14,2009.Thefallmoni-toringwindowwillbeginSeptember21,2009,andendsonDecember14,2009.Bi-monthlyvolunteersarescheduledtomonitorduringSeptem-berandNovember.

Don’t Forget!LatesummerorearlyfallisthetimetodotheStream-walkAssessment.Nomatterwhichmonitoringscheduleyoufollow,youshouldcompletetheStreamwalkinoneofthefollowingmonths:August,September,orOctober.

Stream Monitoring trainingAreyouinterestedinlearningmoreaboutstreamsandwaterqual-ityissues?StreamTeammonitorsprovideanimportantservicebybeingthe“eyesandears”ofourlocalwaterways.Waterqualitydatacollectedbyvolunteersprovidesbaselineinformationaboutastream,andmonitorsaresometimesthefirsttonotepossibleproblemsinlocalstreams.AstreammonitoringtrainingworkshopwillbeheldonSeptember26,9a.m.-12p.m.Toregisterorformoreinformation,contacttheStreamTeamofficeat(253)845-2973orbye-mail:isabelr@piercecountycd.org.

WrapupyoursummerbyhostingaNat-uralYardCareGardenPartywithhelpfromtheTacoma-PierceCountyHealthDepartment,PierceCountyMasterGar-deners,andPierceCountySolidWaste.Thesepartiesareafunandcasualwaytolearnaboutnaturalenvironmentalpracticesforyourlawnandgarden.

TheNaturalYardCareGardenPartieswillgivePierceCountyandTacomaresidentstheopportunitytohostanaturalgardeningworkshoprightinyourownbackyard.Partyhostsinvitefriendsandneighborsandproviderefreshmentsfortheguests,andeachhostmaychoosefromamenuofgardeningtopicstobepresented.Allparticipantsreceivenaturalyardcareproducts(suchasnaturalorganicfertilizerorless-toxicpestcontrolproducts).The program is free.

ThenumberofworkshopswillbelimitedthroughoutthemonthofSeptember,socallearlytogetyournameonthelist!Tolearnmoreabouthostingagardenparty,callGeoffRinehartat(253)798-4587.

1. BOOk A DATECall the natural Yard Care Pro-gram at (253) 798-4587 to book a date and time for your garden party and let us know what topic you would like presented. This summer, we are offering workshops on natural lawn care, basic soils management, back-yard composting/worm compost-ing, “Right Plant, Right Place” garden design, and integrated pest management, to name a few.

2. SEND OUT INVITATIONSPromote the program in your neighborhood and get together a group of 15 friends and neighbors. Workshops will be tailored to meet your needs. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department will pro-vide customized invitations for the host to distribute to their guests.

3. HAVE THE PArTYProvide a fun, casual location for the workshop. For example, if you’re having a party in your backyard, you may want to sug-gest that your guests bring lawn chairs. On the day of the workshop, the instructors will bring along the workshop resource materials and samples of natural yard care products for you and your guests.

World Water Monitoring dayfalltotheWWMDprogramdatabase.Ifyouwouldliketoparticipate,pleasecontacttheStreamTeamofficeforawaterqualitykit.

Ifyouarenotcurrentlyastreammonitorbutareinterestedinbecomingone,StreamTeamwillholdastreammonitoringtrain-ingonSaturday,September26.

natural yard Care garden Parties

Steps to Hosting a Natural Yard Care Party:

11

native American flute player Rona Yellow Robe performs with guitarist Bruce Witham.

Stream Team is a coalition of volunteers whose goal is to improve the quality of streams in Pierce County for the benefit of fish, wildlife, and people through public education and action projects.

Stream Team

Mission:

Whilespringbringstheexcitementoffirstbloomsandtheendofcoldweath-er,fallisactuallythebesttimetoplantnativetreesandshrubsinwesternWashington.Fallprojectsallowplantsachancetoestablishrootsandbecomeacclimatedtotheirnewhomebeforethefirstgrowingseasoncomesalongthefollowingsummer.Thisfall,StreamTeaminvitesvolunteerstohelpwithplantingsinthePuyallup,Nisqually,andClover-Chamberswatersheds.

October 3–Afterseveralyearsofdiligentknotweederadicationefforts,approximately1,000feetalongSouthPrairieCreekarereadyforreplant-ingattheDistrict’sBeeSpitHoneypropertynearOrting.Knotweed,anaggressiveinvasiveplantthatcre-atesamonocultureanddoeslittletostabilizestreambanks,hastakenovermanyriparianareasinthePugetSound.Thisplantingwillre-introduceadiversityofnativetreesandshrubstohelpkeeptheknotweedatbay.Thisplantingisacontinuationofrestora-tioneffortsbegunlastspringwiththeinstallationofmorethan3,000

plantsinotherareasofthesite.

October 17–Anotherroundofrestora-tionisalsounderwayalongTanwaxCreekbetweenEatonvilleandMcKenna.LedbytheNisquallyTribe,thisplantingwillcontinueworkdonein2007and2008toestablishadiversityofnativeplantsthatwilleventuallygrowuptoshadeandminimizethereedcanarygrassthatthreatensthestream.

October 31–TheghostsofearlytwentiethcenturyalterationstotheOhopCreekvalleywillbegintodisap-pearnowthatamassive,six-milerestorationprojectnearEatonvilleisunderway.Duetobecompletedinstagesoveranumberofyears,worktoreshapethestreamchannelandconvertpasturesintoriparianhabitatbeginsthisfallonpropertyman-agedbytheNisquallyLandTrust.

November 7–UrbanstreamrestorationtakesplacealongCloverCreekatPark-landPrairieonapilotprojectoverseenbytheSouthPugetSoundSalmonEnhancementGroup.Decadesago,partsofCloverCreekwererelocatedandthestreambedwasreplacedwith

dig In, lend a hand, and help restore local Streams

2009 Salmon homecoming eventalder baked Salmon and roasted local Corn galore!OnSaturday,September26,9a.m.-2p.m.,thePierceConservationDis-trict,PuyallupTribe,PierceCounty,andthePuyallupWatershedCouncilwillcelebratetheannualreturnofsalmontoSouthPrairieCreek.RonaYellowRobe,atalentedlocalsingerandNativeAmericanfluteplayer,willalsobeperformingattheevent.YellowRobedescribesherselfasaCreewomanoftheChippewaCreeTribeofRockyBoy,Montana.Inherwords,hermusicoffersa“messageofhealing”andcombinesnativespiritual-itywithnaturethemestoproduceabeautifulandserenepresentation.Anotheraddedattractionthisyearwillbethebiennialreturnofpinksalmontotheriver.ThesalmontrailandthebridgecrossingSouthPrairieCreekoffervisitorsanopportunitytoseesalmonwhentheyarespawning.

Donationswillbeacceptedforlunch,whichwillbeginatnoon.RSVPforlunchtoMontyMahan,253-845-9787,montym@piercecountycd.org.

All plantings are scheduled from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., rain or shine. Plant-ing projects are subject to change or cancellation at any time. Please contact Stream Team directly to confirm planting details and obtain directions and other information: (253) 845-2973 or streamteam@piercecountycd.org.

asphalt,whichresultedinnumerousnegativeconsequencestothestreamecosystem.A620’sectionofasphaltwasremovedthispastsummerandstreambankplantingwilltakeplacethisfalltocompletethesiterestoration.

November 21–Enhancementcon-tinuesalongtheMashelRiverinEatonvilletostabilizestreambanksandimprovesalmonhabitatforthisimportanttributarytotheNisquallyRiver.TheNisquallyTribehasinstalledlogjamstopreventerosionandcreatepoolswheresalmoncanrestandtakerefuge.Plantingwilltakeplaceintheseareasdisturbedbyconstruction.

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StreaM teaM InQuIrIeS:

JaymeGordon,Stream Team Coordinatorjaymeg@piercecountycd.org

IsabelRagland,Stream Team Assistantisabelr@piercecountycd.org

MelissaBuckingham,Urban Conservation Program Coordinatormelissab@piercecountycd.org

543066thAvenueEastP.O.Box1057Puyallup,WA98371(253)845-2973

Fantastic Fun at the Puyallup FairIt’sthattimeofyearagain,whenstudentsbeginthinkingofschoolandeveryonebeginsthinkingofthePuyallupFair.StreamTeamandthePierceConservationDistrictwillbebackinfullswingattheFair,display-inginformationonwhatwedoandhowthepubliccanbecomeinvolvedwithourupcomingprojects.OurboothwillagainbeintheNorthwestOutdoorsBuildingwherewearesurroundedbyothernaturalresourceorganizations.Plus,StreamTeamwillhostthreesessionsinthebuilding’sHands-OnArena:theStuff-A-FishactivityonFriday,September18(12-5p.m.)andtheEdibleAquiferactivityonSeptember17and24(5-7p.m.bothdays).TheHands-OnArenaisopenfrom11a.m.-7p.m.daily–comevisitandseewhat’sgoingon!

The Puyallup/Clover-Chambers Small Grant Program helped fund the planting of native trees and shrubs at the Kobayashi property in University Place by members of the Tahoma Audubon’s after school Osprey Club. (Photo courtesy of Stephanie Swaim, Tahoma Audubon Society.)

Twentysmallprojectswerefundedin2008throughthefirstroundofthePuyallup/Clover-ChambersSmallGrantsProgram.HalfofthemfocusedonthePuyallupRiverWatershedandhalffocusedontheClover-ChambersWatershed.Grantswereawardedtoprojectsthatimprovedwaterqualityandsalmonhabitat,andalsoinvolvedcommunityoutreachandeducation.

Grantfundsareavailablefororganiza-tions,schools,andindividualstoworkcollaborativelywiththeKeyPeninsula-GigHarbor-Islands(KGI)WatershedCounciltoaddressdrainage,waterqual-ity,andhabitatissueswithintheKGIWatershed.ThepurposeofthegrantistoencouragecitizeninvolvementinprojectsthatimplementtheKGIWater-shedActionPlan.Suchprojectsmayincludewatershededucation,enhance-mentandrestorationactivities,andthepurchaseofequipmentandsuppliesforprojectsthatimprovethewatershed.

$45,000 awarded to Small Watershed Projects

Now,manyoftheseprojectsarecomingtoacloseasanotherroundofgrantsisbeingconsideredforlate2009-early2010,basedonavailablefunding.

Projectsfundedinthefirstroundincludednativeplantings,invasivesremoval,educationalfilms,stormdrainmarking,raingardeninstallation,anddevelopmentofeducationalmaterials.Theseprojectswerecompletedthroughhardworkbyschools,non-profitorganizations,localjurisdictions,andcommittedvolunteers.Projectsponsorswillhavetheopportunitytosharetheiraccomplishmentswiththepublicinearlyfall2009.

PierceConservationDistrictpartneredwithPierceCountySurfaceWaterManagement,CityofLakewood,andtheWatershedResourceInventoryArea(WRIA)10/12CommunitySalmonFundtoofferthisgrantprogram.FormoreinformationaboutthePuyallup/Clover-ChambersSmallGrantProgram,gotowww.piercecountywa.org/sgporcontactMelissaPaulsonatPierceCountySWMat(253)798-4686.

lu Winsor Memorial grant – KgI WatershedThemaximumgrantamountis$2,000perproject,butyouareencouragedtoapplyforlessifyourprojectdoesnotrequirethefullamount.

Thisgrantisonlyavailableforproj-ectsintheKGIWatershed.Toapply,completethebrief2009LuWinsorMemorialEnvironmentalGrantApplica-tion(http://www.piercecountywa.org/KGI)byFriday,October30.FormoreinformationabouttheLuWinsorMemo-rialGrant,pleasecontactBarbaraAnnSmolkoofPierceCountySurfaceWaterManagementat(253)798-6156.

13

One of the 10 teams who volunteered on June 27 place curb markers in the Wapato Lake watershed in south Tacoma. Each team was responsible for marking 45-50 catchbasins.

TheCityofTacomahasidentifiedtheWapatoLakewatershedasaresourceinneedofhelpandhasbegunthestepstocreatealong-termmanagementplanfortheentirewatershedandlake.Onemajorcomponentofmanagingthesystemisstormwater,ortherainfallthatdoesnotabsorbintotheearthandinsteadrunsofflandandimpervioussurfaces.Thistypeofpollution,alsoknownasnon-pointsourcepollution,isthebiggestcontributortowaterquality

impairmentinmanyofthenation’swaterbodies.Pollutionfromstormwa-terisdifficulttocontrolbecausetherunoffaccumulatesthingssuchasoilandgrease,chemicals,nutrients,heavymetals,andbacteriaasittravelsacrossland,intoourstormdrains,andulti-matelyintoplaceslikeWapatoLake.

Partofcleaningupthewatershediseducatingthecommunitywithinthatwatershedthattheiractivitiesimpactthebodyofwaterintowhichtheircatchbasinsdrain.Placingcurbmarkersbearingthe“DumpNoWaste”messagenexttoeachandeverystormdrainisasurewaytocreatethatconnectioninpeople’sminds.

StreamTeampartneredwiththeCityofTacomaforthe“WakeupforWapato”eventonJune12,where17volunteersplaced130curbmarkersintheWapatoLakewatershed.ThenonJune27,StreamTeamreturnedwithCitizensforaHealthyBayand40volunteerstomarkanadditional471catchbasinsthatdraindirectlyintoWapatoLake.

TheGreenPartnershipFundbeganin2004tofurtherthegoalofimple-mentingnaturalresource,agricultur-al,andlocalfoodsupplyconservationforthecitizensofPierceCounty.ThefundwasestablishedthroughthecooperativeeffortsoftheTacomaCityCouncil,thePierceCountyCouncil,andthePierceConservationDistrict

BoardofSupervisors,andtodaythefundismanagedbytheGreaterTacomaCommunityFoundation.

Theupcoming2010fundingcyclebeginswithaLetterofIntentthatisduebySeptember30,2009.Atotalof$100,000isavailablefordistributionin2010,withamaximum

allocationof$10,000perproject.IfyouareinterestedinapplyingforGreenPartnershipfundsorhavequestionsaboutwhetheryourprojectmeetsthegrantqualifications,pleasecontactSherranaKempton,GreaterTacomaCommunityFoundation,at(253)383-5622.

raising awareness to Keep Wapato Clean

Project Funding available through the green Partnership Fund

1. Do not dump anything into stormdrains. They flow untreated into the nearest body of water.

2. Avoid using too much fertil-izer on lawns and gardens. Test your soil to determine the correct amount of chemical to apply and only apply when necessary.

3. Repair auto leaks.

4. Clean up pet waste from your yard. nutrient over-loading is common in high pet density areas.

5. Wash vehicles at a car wash or on your lawn. Commercial car washes clean their water before it enters into the stormwater system and lawns help filter many pollutants associated with cars.

6. Dispose of hazardous mate-rial at a designated center.

Simple Things YOU Can Do to Help!

Specializing in small jobs • Fast and friendly service

(253) 691-8185

14

Roy, WA253-843-2455

Full Care Horse Boarding

Kathy Richardson, CHA Certified InstructorWestern/English Riding LessonsBirthday Parties Available

www.rustybarranch.com

Employees of Agri-Plas inc. and volunteers sort through and load materials dropped off by Full Circle Farm at the Ag Plastics Recycling Event held in May.

TheAgPlasticRecyclingEventheldonMay16attheWSUPuyallupResearchandExtensionCenterwastheplacetobeifyouwantedtorecycleplasticsthattraditionaldrop-offrecyclingcenterscannotaccept.LowerfuelpriceshavedepressedrecycledplasticmarketsandhavedecreasedthearrayofplasticsthatcanbeeconomicallycollectedbyspecializedcompaniessuchasAgri-PlasInc.However,theywerestillabletosendatruckandatwo-mancrewtocollectplasticsthatfarmerstraditional-lyhavetopaytodisposeofatlandfills.

FarmssuchasLeftFootOrganicsinOlympiaandFullCircleFarminCarna-tiontookadvantageoftheeventtodropoffnurserypotsandtraysanddriptapeusedforwaterconservationirrigationthateventuallybecomes

cloggedwithminerals.Livestockownersdroppedoffbrokenbuckets,feedsacks,andhaytwine.Andhomeownersbroughtinitemssuchaskiddypoolsandfoodcontainers.

ThankstoAgri-PlasInc.forsendingthetruckandcrew,WSUPierceCountyExtensionforallowingthecollectioneventtotakeplaceattheirPuyallupfacility,andGirlScoutTroop#40814andDaleThompsonforhelpingsortandloadthematerialsastheycamein!

TheConservationDistricthasrequestedtobecomeadrop-offcollectionsiteforAgri-PlasInc.whenplasticsrecyclingmarketsimprove.Wewillcertainlyletyouknowifthathappens.

ag Plastic recycling event re-Cap and Future Possibilities

ThefirstSaturdayinOctoberistheannualHar-vestFestFarmTour.Theself-guidedHarvestFesttourrunsfrom10a.m.to4p.m.withmanyfunandinterestingfarmdestinationstoexploreacrossPierceCounty.PickupaHarvestFestGuideatafarmersmarketorattheConservationDistrictofficethroughoutSeptember.FindoutmoreaboutHarvestFestatwww.PierceCountyWa.org/HarvestFest.

Save the date!

15

Who We are:bOard OF SuPerVISOrSErnieBay,ChairAndersIbsen,Vice ChairDaveSeabrook,AuditorJeanetteDorner,MemberJaniceBryant,Member

aSSOCIate MeMberSTedBottiger RoyLampson KarenWillardGaryGrant JohnOlson

dIStrICt StaFFMikeBaden,Technician/Grant AdministratorMelissaBuckingham,Urban ConservationProgram CoordinatorSelenaCorwin,Financial AdministratorErinEwald,Small Farm PlannerSarahGaritone,Ag. Assistance Program CoordinatorJaymeGordon,Stream Team CoordinatorMontyMahan,District ManagerIsabelRagland,Stream Team AssistantRenéSkaggs,Farm Resource Specialist

natural reSOurCeS COnSerVatIOn SerVICeMonicaHoover,Soil ConservationistChuckNatsuhara,Soil ScientistPaulRogers,District Conservationist

Our SponsorsThePierceConservationDistrictwouldliketothankthefollowingbusinessesforhelpingspon-sorthepublicationofThe Tahoma View.Ifyouoryourbusinesswouldliketobecomeasponsorpleasecall(253)845-9770.

rocky bay equine hospital•12604189thAve.KPN(253)858-4529•(360)876-1544

Woodbrook nurseryGrowing Pacific NW Natives

GigHarbor,WAOpenTuesday-Saturday10a.m.to4p.m.

Forinfocheckwebsite:www.woodbrook.netOfficephone:253.265.6271•Cell:253.225.1900

SeptemberSt-PCd bOOth at the PuyalluP FaIr.VisitusintheNorthwestOutdoorsBuilding!

Sept11-27

traCtOr WOrKShOP,Sumner,6-8p.m.Call(253)845-9770toregisterandformoreinformation.

Sept16

StreaM MOnItOrIng WOrKShOP,9a.m.-12p.m.,locationTBA.Call(253)845-2973toregister.

Sept26

PaddOCK FOOtIng WOrKShOP,SouthPrairie,10-11:30a.m.Call(253)845-9770toregister.

Sept26

SalMOn hOMeCOMIng,SouthPrairie,9a.m.-2p.m.Call(253)845-9787formoreinformationandtoRSVP.

Sept26

SMall FarM bMP tOur,FoxIsland,2-4p.m.Call(253)845-9770toregisterandformoreinformation.

Sept27

letter OF Intent deadlIne forGreenPartnershipFundgrantapplications.Call(253)383-5622formoreinformation.

Sept30

novemberWInter FarM WOrKShOP,GigHarbor,1-3p.m.Call(253)845-9770toregisterandformoreinformation.

Nov1

ClOVer CreeK PlantIng,Parkland,9a.m.-12p.m.Call(253)845-2973formoreinformation.

Nov7

MaShel rIVer PlantIng,Eatonville,9a.m.-12p.m.Call(253)845-2973formoreinformation.

Nov21

Octoberbee SPIt PlantIng,Orting,9a.m.-12p.m.Call(253)845-2973formoreinformation.

Oct3

PIerCe COunty harVeStFeSt,10a.m.-4p.m.Visitwww.Pierce-CountyWa.org/HarvestFestformoreinformation.

Oct3

COMPOStIng and SMall FarM tOur,KeyPeninsula,1-3p.m.Call(253)845-9770toregisterandformoreinformation.

Oct4

PaddOCK ParadISe tOur,Roy,2-4p.m.Call(253)845-9770toregisterandformoreinformation.

Oct11

SMall FarM bMP tOur,Tacoma,9-11a.m.Call(253)845-9770toregisterandformoreinformation.

Oct17

tanWax CreeK PlantIng,McKenna,9a.m.-12p.m.Call(253)845-2973formoreinformation.

Oct17

FenCIng 201 WOrKShOP,Vaughn,12-3p.m.Call(253)845-9770toregisterandformoreinformation.

Oct25

lu WInSOr grant aP-PlICatIOnS dueforKGIWatershed.ContactBarbaraAnnSmolkoformoreinfor-mation(253)798-6156.

Oct30

OhOP CreeK PlantIng,Eatonville,9a.m.-12p.m.Call(253)845-2973formoreinformation.

Oct31

C O n S e r V a t I O n a C r O S S P I e r C e C O u n t y

NonProfitOrg.U.S.PostagePAID

Tacoma,WAPermitNo.356

Upcoming Events...• StreamPlantings• FallFarm

Workshops• StreamMonitoring

training• Salmon

homecoming

addreSS SerVICe reQueSted

Pierce Conservation District &Pierce Stream Team5430 66th Ave. E.P.O. Box 1057Puyallup, WA 98371

Printed on paper containing 50% recycled fiber content with 20% post consumer recovered fiber. Please recycle when you are done or pass it on to a friend.

The Tahoma Viewispublishedquarterly.Call(253)845-9770toreceivethisfreepublication,orifyouwishtoberemovedfromthemailinglist.

Editors:RenéSkaggsandJaymeGordon

PierceConservationDistrictisasubdivisionofstategovernmentcreatedtopromotetheconservationofnaturalresourcesinPierceCounty.

PierceConservationDistrictprogramsareavailabletoallwithoutdiscrimination.