Small family farm uses holistic practices to improve soil health, protect fish

CUSTER, Wash. - Steve and Sarah Pabody never planned on becoming farmers. In fact, they moved to Western Washington for Steve to pursue a job opportunity in sales and IT.

But when that job didn’t work out, they found themselves being asked to manage an apple orchard for a season or two, and they were hooked... READ MORE

​Farmers in Whatcom County lead the way in environmental protection

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - ​For generations, Whatcom County's family farmers have taken stewardship of the land seriously.

In recent years, local family farmers have led hundreds of projects to restore streams, conserve water, protect salmon and so much more.

​Here are some of the highlights... READ MORE

Whatcom County dairy farmer, university professor and environmentalist Karen Steensma (left) explains environmental protection measures she's implemented on her Lynden-area farm.

​​Farmers and conservation partners work to restore Fishtrap Creek

LYNDEN, Wash. - Over 200 miles of stream in Whatcom County have been restored by farmers and their partners in conservation.

​Farmers continue to lead the effort to restore Whatcom County's Fishtrap Creek, working with the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) and Lynden Christian High School biology students to rebuild the riparian zone along this important Nooksack Basin salmon stream... READ MORE

Lynden-area farmer diverts irrigation water to help save stranded salmon

LYNDEN, Wash. - In mid-August Jeff Littlejohn noticed something strange. He lives near the Double Ditch stream a bit south of the Canadian border.

The stream normally flows year round even in summers with little rainfall as this year. But the stream was slowing to a trickle and that meant that the fish and aquatic life in the stream were dying. He contacted the Fish and Wildlife... READ MORE

Family farmers' restoration work breathes new life into Whatcom County's Four Mile Creek

LAUREL, Wash. - Farmer-led restoration work has resulted in strong fish returns on Four Mile Creek in central Whatcom County.

Dorie Belisle, who owns family farm Bellewood Acres with her husband John, says the farming community came together to help the struggling stream and the work so far... READ MORE

THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF HUNDREDS OF FARMER-LED ENVIRONMENTAL SUCCESS STORIES

Whatcom’s family farmers have been showing strong leadership in environmental performance for years:

• Restoring fish-friendly riparian zones
• Helping plant over 1.5 million stream-side seedlings
• Augmenting stream flow in Bertrand Creek in late summer when natural flow is lowest and  the fish need cool, clean water
• Protecting water quality so nitrate levels from 50 years ago are now going down
• Adding fish-friendly floodgates
• Hosting our visiting winter waterfowl
• So much more

It’s time that farmers let you know what we’ve been doing to keep this the best place possible to live by providing real environmental action and leadership.

​It’s not just empty talk. It’s REAL: Real Environmental Action and Leadership.

Community Partners: