By Mara Friddle, Farm Manager
May 2023
What a long, strange winter it was, eh? The team on the farm has been toiling away, pulling weeds and planting seeds even on the cold, wet, hailing, and miserable days. Then the sun came out and the flowers started to bloom, almost as though they could sense that our bones were aching for color.
Happy Spring to all. I hope you enjoy these as much as we do!
Finally, we’d like to introduce Isaac Gromacki, our seasonal farm technician.
Here’s a note from Isaac:
I am excited to be helping the Institute for Applied Ecology to preserve and restore many ecosystems throughout Oregon. I have a degree in restoration ecology and some related experience, but native plant farming and seed collection are new pursuits that I am eager to explore. I love all aspects of ecology and since moving to Oregon, have enjoyed getting to know the local flora and fauna as well as their relationship to human communities. I look forward to the learning and growth I can gain from the opportunity to work with such a great organization.
Thank you to the Alliance for Recreation and Natural Areas, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest Service for supporting our work to grow native plants from seed in the Willamette Valley.
