NW Washington

Five Loaves Farm has been selected as a finalist in the De Loach community garden award. The farm is 1 of 15 gardens around North America to be selected for a chance to receive $4,000 and publicity in Organic Gardening Magazine. We need your votes! Please vote for Five Loaves Farm then pass on the link to people who might have an interest - or post it on your facebook page.

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Here in the United States, and specifically in Whatcom County, we are working to partner with local conservation organizations, agencies, and community groups to connect with and care for local watersheds, organize community gardens, promote sustainability and initiate species conservation projects.

Bertrand and Fishtrap Creeks
Community Watershed Restoration Project

Bertrand Creek and Fishtrap Creek are adjoining trans-boundary streams originating in British
Columbia’s lower mainland and flowing through the agricultural lands of north Whatcom County in Washington State. They are important tributaries to the Nooksack River Basin System, which flows into Bellingham Bay and Puget Sound. Several salmon species and other rare fish are found in these streams. The number of species using these streams is high relative to other lowland tributary streams in the region. The wetlands within the watersheds serve as essential habitat for wildlife and excellent water storage for humans, which helps to mute flooding in the winter and to recharge the creek during low flow summer conditions. They also serve as natural pollution filtration areas.

These watersheds, however, are under significant stress. Over time, the watercourses have been
straightened, re-routed and dredged for agricultural and urban uses, resulting in reduced water for streams and fisheries resources during dry months. Yet these streams reach flood stages very quickly in rainfall because the once extensive wetlands, which absorbed overflow, have been so drastically reduced. In recent years the decrease in water flow and extensive pollution from development and agriculture have led to increases in water temperature, fecal coliform bacteria (from failing septic tanks and livestock manure), pesticides, and decreases in in-stream water flow, dissolved oxygen and aquatic habitats and aquatic life. This increased pollution and decreased water availability is putting significant stress on all aspects of the watersheds. Fish species and wetland wildlife that depend on these watersheds are in significant decline (some even threatened with extinction). In short, if these vital watersheds are going to continue to sustain the human and non-human communities that depend on them, their long-term viability must be restored.

Within these watersheds, A Rocha has launched a training program, hands-on projects and technical assistance with which to engage churches, businesses, landowners, farmers and individuals. A particular focus of the efforts is on educating and engaging youth through rigorous projects such as storm drain marking, wetland and riparian re-vegetation and restoration, stream clean-ups, and water quality monitoring.

The Goals of this Project are to:

• Mobilize individuals, churches, businesses and community groups to become more active in local watershed conservation efforts

• Monitor water quality, vegetation and wildlife populations that are dependent on these watersheds

• Organize and implement habitat restoration projects within these watersheds

• Provide resources, information and support to people interested in watershed protection

Fishtrap Creek State of the Watershed Report (13384 KB)

Five Loaves Farm

Since 2008, on two locations, Five Loaves Farm has produced thousands of pounds of fresh, organically grown produce to local food banks, volunteers, and community members. Additionally, we have organized 3 community plot-style gardens in Lynden, WA. Finally, we have gathered intensive productivity data to test the possibility of feeding our local population using sustainable methods of production.

2010 Farm Statistics

3,500 lbs of food distributed locally
52 families with individual plots
Productivity data showing we can feed (daily 2,500 caloric intake) 3 people/acre using these methods.

American Kestrel Population Enhancement Project

This ongoing conservation project is studying the possibility of enhancing American kestrel (a small raptor) populations near local blueberry farms to help ward off European starlings within the berry fields.

Starlings are a major agricultural pest, ruining up to 30% of the blueberry crop. American kestrels are territorial and will chase off starlings within their territories.

Using nest boxes designed for kestrels, we are studying the viability of this method as a pest reduction option.

Email Dave Timmer to learn more or to get involved with NW Washington A Rocha and
follow us on facebook.

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