At Edensgate Farm, pastures that are both beautiful and functional are preserved through rotational grazing and sustainable farming practices.

The Boulter family has worked alongside the Snohomish Conservation District on some immediate projects to minimize the environmental impact of horse ownership, as well as some longer range plans.

Phase 1, already completed, involved restoring the waterway at the back of the farm to its more natural state. This included removing non-native plant species, fencing to exclude livestock and planting 1,500 native shrubs and trees on the near side bank of the creek. This will create habitat, mediate flooding and provide shade for young steelhead trout.

Phase 2 of the project involves removing non-native plant species, further fencing, and planting native plants. Future plans include building a bridge and culvert over Reilly Slough to enable farm equipment access to the far side of the stream while minimizing disturbance to the waterway during crossings.

Manure and mud management are practiced to minimize the environmental impact to the land. This also reduces the fly, mosquito, and parasite populations. If you are interested in learning more, visit Horses for Clean Water.

The staff at the Snohomish Conservation District serve as an ongoing resource for farm planning and environmental impact minimization.

 

design by Triangle Ranch Communications, (c) 2008 Edensgate Farm