Carnation Tree Farm takes several initiatives to be Green
 

Green Farming Practices

For over twenty years the most substantial green initiative on the farm has been the control of erosion and weeds by planting grass between the trees versus the use of toxic chemicals.

We are also experimenting with drip irrigation systems and sheet-mulching which provides the following environmental benefits:

  • Water conservation
  • Weed control
  • Enhances soil quality

Most of the mulch is made from trees either from the farm itself or through our Christmas tree recycling program.

 

Green Partners

 

We partnered with King Conservation District (KCD) in 2006 to improve and protect the wetlands along the farm’s southern boundary. As a result, we have:

  • Removed invasive blackberry
  • Planted native trees and shrubs
  • Prepared a Farm Conservation Plan to help manage the farm in an environmentally conscious way
  • Preserved and enhanced the surrounding natural wildlife habitat

 

Visit http://www.kingcd.org/ for more information.

 

Green Recognition
Wildlife Habitat Farm of the Year

Due to our Green Farming Practices and Partnerships, in 2007 the Carnation Tree Farm was named 'Wildlife Habitat Farm' of the year by King Conservation District. Additionally, in 2008, Roger Thorson, owner of Carnation Tree Farm, was named Washington State’s “Wildlife Steward of the Year”. Nominated by the King Conservation District (KCD), the award is part of a joint recognition program by the Washington Association of Conservation Districts, the Conservation Commission and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Certified Salmon-Safe Farm

In 2007 Carnation Tree Farm was the first Christmas tree farm in the Northwest to be certified as Salmon-Safe, recognized for practices that:

  • Protect local waterways
  • Prevent soil erosion
  • Use natural weed and pest control methods
  • Practice water conservation
  • Encourage a diversity of plant and wildlife habitat

 

The Future is Green

Moving forward, the Farm will establish native hedgerows along our west boundary and continue planting native plants. By maintaining buffers, field borders, cover crops, and native trees and shrubs, we are:

  • Promoting on-farm biodiversity
  • Creating a wildlife habitat
  • Contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gasses in our local environment.

 

Bringing Community Together in a Green Way

It’s not only important to maintain green farming practices, but it’s equally important to bring the community together in a green way.

The Old Barn Loft is used to host retreats, workshops, classes and community meetings, such as the Sno-Valley Tilth which is made up of the organic farmers. This very active group supports sustainable farming and provides local foods for the Carnation Farmers Market. The Northwest Earth Institute is another organization which holds meetings in the loft with the goal of helping others take action towards a more sustainable future.

 

The knowledge gained from these meetings inspired Carnation Tree Farm and members of the Carnation community to start the Nootka Rose Community Garden on the Farm.

 

A "Green” Letter from Roger Thorson, owner of Carnation Tree Farm