4.6.22

Around The Farm

by Russell Botulinski, Undergraduate Student in Restoration Ecology & Environmental Horticulture, Former Student Staff and Intern

In 2016, as part of her Masters of Environmental Horticulture capstone project, Nicolette Neumann oversaw the design and installation of the Agricultural Hedgerow at the southern edge of the UW Farm. The primary purpose was to improve native pollinator habitat and act as a riparian buffer zone. The function of a riparian buffer zone is to reduce the impacts of adjacent land use on nearby waterways; in this case, the goal is specifically to reduce the impacts of farming on Lake Washington.

Throughout the lifetime of this hedgerow, it has been subject to challenging soil and hydrology conditions, colonization of invasive Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), and natural selection. From the original planting in 2016, only about half of the species remain.

Throughout the Winter of 2022, I have been working to restore the hedgerow as part of my Honors Capstone Project for Restoration Ecology & Environmental Horticulture. The overall aim of the restoration effort is to improve ecosystem services by restoring wildlife and pollinator habitat, increase the effectiveness of the riparian buffer, reduce site maintenance over time, and improve human health through exposure to nature. In order to accomplish this, I have conducted a thorough site assessment exposing the impaired ecological functions, and the likelihood of autogenic (self-producing) repair. The results indicate that soil and hydrology conditions at that location are particularly challenging for plants not adapted to the saturated soils in the winter and dry soils in the summer. There is also the challenge of low rooting depth, nutrient deficiencies, and soil erosion from heavy rainfall. 
 

In the Spring of 2022, work will begin to install newly selected native fruit-bearing shrubs on the site such as Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus), Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), Pacific serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), and others. The new species selection was conducted in partnership with the Wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ food sovereignty liaison Sarah “Sarai” Myer. In a novel approach to restoration, I will be utilizing kelp from aquatic farmers in order to improve soil fertility, increase carbon sequestration, and help reduce ocean acidification. Kelp will act as an unprocessed fertilizer because it is rich in nitrogen, carbon, and organic matter. Adding kelp as a fertilizer can be traced back to indigenous practices in the Shinnekock Nation of the Atlantic Northeast (Levin, A. 2021) and the Nuxalk of the Pacific Northwest (Naar, N. 2020). I will apply a thick layer of wood chips to the entire site which will help to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, reduce soil erosion, provide organic matter to plants and soil organisms, and moderate soil temperatures (Cahill, et al., 2005). 

By June 2022, the site will have had invasive species removed, newly selected plants installed, and kelp and coarse wood chips applied. From that point, the site will transition to a maintenance phase for the next few years guided by the caring hands of the UW Farm.

The utilization of kelp to amend the soil will aid in the success of the plants that will eventually provide a harvestable crop in the future. The addition of the new fruit-bearing species will be an excellent enhancement to the sustainability of the farm. 
 

This Friday will be our last tour guide training! See details below:

News and Noteworthy:

Agriculture Work Opportunities in Washington:

• Red Dog Farms – Field Crew
• Oxbow Farm – Multiple
• WSDA Organic Programs – Inspectors
• One Leaf Farm – Farm Crew
• Viva Farms – Farm and Education Assistant
• 21 Acres – Multiple
• Common Ground – Farmer
• Tonnemaker – Field and Farm Stand Crew
• Tilth Alliance – Summer Children's Educator

UW Botanic Gardens is Hiring!

Check out these amazing opportunities below:

•  Community Outreach Coordinator
• Summer Internship Coordinator
• Summer Camp Naturalist

Food Access Resources

The UW Farm donates regularly to the UW Food Pantry. During peak season we also donate to food banks close by. The links below are resources to help you or someone you know with food access.  

• UW Food Pantry: The UW Food Pantry | Any Hungry Husky (washington.edu)
• Northwest Harvest Food Donation sites: Public Drop Sites – Northwest Harvest
• University District Food Bank: Donate Food and Items – University District Food Bank (udistrictfoodbank.org)
• Food Lifeline: Volunteer – Food Lifeline

Help The Farm Grow!

Every year, we have the capacity to grow more food and increase our educational and research program at the UW, but not without your support. Every contribution goes to work immediately, helping us better serve students. Your support can sustain our momentum and help seed new opportunities for student internships, academic work, and future growth. Please consider making a gift to the Farm online

Copyright © 2022 The UW Farm, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
The UW Farm
3501 NE 41st St, 
Seattle, WA 98105

On campus mailbox
Box 354115

NEW email address:
uwfarm@uw.edu