Going Green
   
   

Carnation Tree Farm was recently certified as Salmon-Safe, an emerging Northwest eco-label that recognizes farmers who protect water quality, fish and wildlife habitat and on-farm biodiversity. We are proud to be the first Christmas tree farm in the Northwest to receive the Salmon-Safe designation.

Salmon-Safe certification recognizes agricultural practices that protect local waterways, prevent soil erosion, utilize natural weed and pest control methods, practice water conservation and encourage a diversity of plant and wild life habitat.

Located in the beautiful and ecologically productive Snoqualmie Valley, the Carnation Tree Farm is less than one third mile from where the Tolt River empties into the Snoqualmie, creating one of the most productive salmon spawning areas in the region. We recognize that how growers treat the land affects the health of our waterways, soil and wildlife.

There have been many changes at Carnation Tree Farm since the first tree seedling was planted in 1978. Back then only Douglas fir was grown on the farm. Now we grow many classic varieties including Noble, Nordmann, Fraser, Korean, Grand, Douglass fir and Norway Spruce.

In the last few years we have also changed the way we grow our trees. We did not like the heavy use of chemicals to fertilize and maintain the trees so we began researching and refining methods to conserve water and develop soil tilth. This is why we are committed to sustainable practices that protect and preserve the environment.

For over 20 years we have controlled erosion and enhanced the soil food web by planting grass between the trees. This vegetation is maintained by a custom mower that rolls around each tree which greatly reduces the need for toxic chemicals.

We are also experimenting with drip irrigation systems on the smaller trees to conserve water. Sheet-mulching is being used with these same trees to reduce the irrigation needs and maintain weed control. We chip tree limbs from the farm for most of the mulch.

We promote on-farm biodiversity with buffers, field borders, cover crops, native trees and shrubs; thus creating wildlife habitat that makes our farm a pleasant place to visit.

In 2006 we partnered with the  King Conservation District (KCD) to improve and protect the wetlands along the farm's southern boundary by planting native plants.

A Farm Conservation Plan has also been prepared with KCD to help manage the farm in an environmentally friendly way by creating specific wildlife habitat, reducing soil erosion and incorporating low herbicide weed control. Since wildlife habitat is being lost at an alarming rate as development expands into rural areas, farms and land owners alike can help offset this loss by setting aside areas to be managed primarily for beneficial wildlife. We believe maintaining and enhancing wildlife habitat is an important part of farmland conservation.

You may also visit  http://www.kingcd.org for detailed information about KCD's other activities.
Salmon-Safe designation recognized  our efforts to restore our wetland, incorporate innovated methods such as sheet mulching around our trees, use only minimal amounts of chemicals and establish a diversity of plants and trees around our property. The certification also recognized our dedication to prevent soil erosion, use water efficiently and make continual improvements throughout our entire operation.

The Salmon-Safe Program was founded in Oregon in 1997 and has since been recognized as one of the most reliable eco-labels in the country. Stewardship Partners, a non-profit conservation organization, has launched the program in Washington working with farmers across a ariety of sectors in different watersheds around the state. More information about this program can be found at their website: www.stewardshippartners.org
Updated 12/11/2007