Glendale Farm is in Chimacum Washington. They aren't farming much these days but a neighbor runs some cattle on the pastures. Chimacum Creek runs though the middle of the pastures.
There have been a couple attempts to plant this long stretch of creek in the past. This stretch of Chimacum Creek is in CREP (conservation reserve enhancement program) managed by the Jefferson County Conservation District. Not only that, the landowner recently signed a conservation easement with the Jefferson Land Trust. The land owner now receives some financial compensation for both being in CREP and for the conservation easment.
First we prep. We clear 3 foot diameter scalps down to dirt. In order to plant effectively we need to get bare ground. Sometimes we do this with hoes this time we used our brushcutters. rough on the equipment but faster. The scalping also helps stunt the growth of competing reed canary grass that dominates the site.
Then we plant and plant and plant. It is a great deal of work. If you have ever volunteered at a tree planting, picture that for 10 hours a day all week long...and then again next week somewhere else.
We will then return and put tree protectors around each tree and support them with bamboo stakes. After this, provided our partners have the funding, we will return to maintain the site. This part of the project is crucial for success. We will beat back the competing reed canary grass with brush cutters, and DR mowers then spray a 3 foot diameter circle of glyphosate around the tree protector. This glyphosate kills the grass in the immediate area, allowing for a competition free root zone during the growing season. This can be the difference between a new riparian forest and a failed attempt at a replant. We grow forests. In a way, we are like farmers you gotta have some farmhands mind the crops or weeds take over. After 3-5 years of treatment the site should be on its own (native plants should be emerged fully above canary grass permanently.) Another riparian forest brought to you by the WCC.
