Good morning friends and fellow farming colleagues! My name is Joanie Firnstahl-Koorn and I live in Arlington, Wa. I am a 3rd generational tree farm owner of two family tree farms (timber production). The first is a 40 acre farm which I co-own with my sister Teresa, The second tree farm neighbors the first and is about 300 acres, which I am a partner in an LLP with my sister and 4 uncles. I am delighted to be a part of this community and learn more about food forests, gardening/forestry/permaculture/irrigation/sustainability. As our climate is heating up and changing, it is important to think about ways to help our earth heal and thrive. We have several acres of field/agriculture open space which currently we use for hay production. I am here to learn more about what other uses we can do on these open spaces and how to do it. I appreciate all input and am grateful to be a part of this community.

Is anyone else interested in soil crusts? The Walla Walla Valley may be an oasis, but my acres are on a dry riverbed with no natural water source, so we wouldn't naturally be a riparian zone. We have good water rights and get irrigation water from the Walla Walla River and have a well for our home water use, but when I think of permaculture's "zone 5" (that's the zone left natural correct🤔) I am not sure what to aim for. 20 years ago I lived in sage brush terrain (shrub steppe?) and had a view of it from my kitchen window. I was amazed by the way the colors changed when it rained. It wasn't until just recently that I started reading about soil crusts and realized that some of that amazing color must have been from the crust waking up in the moisture! I grew up in Los Angeles, CA - so I didn't grow up hiking in this area, and also because this valley has been farmed for so long, I'm not sure what it was like in is natural state! I do see mosses that dehydrate when dry but spring back to life when it rains or I turn on the hose so I've wondered if I could foster a semi-arid/high dessert/shrub steppe type border along the road edges of our land. (We have a street on two sides of us.) Could I transplant in some mosses & lichen? Could I responsibly take a small sample from existing biocrust somewhere and help it get established? I've read that it can take centuries for it to form naturally! This is not an urgent question as it is a long term goal I'd like to aim for, but I have been wondering about it for a while and most people just give me a blank stare when I try to work it in to conversation.😅 I'm attaching photos of "natural" areas of our acreage vs irrigated areas so you can see the contrast. Fyi, we did not get the berries mulched this year as they are a "side hustle," so time is limited. (Anyone else recognizes the evil genius taking root in the 4th photo? 🌱😈🌱) https://www.usgs.gov/centers/southwest-biological-science-center/science/science-topics/biological-soil-crusts

Hi All! My name is Mary (she/her), and I live in Arlington, WA on a beautiful 20 acre farm, Pragtree Farm. I have been co-stewarding this land with three of my friends for a couple of years now and am honored to be a part of this intentional community. This farm has a rich history of many hands contributing to caring for this space in a way that helps to regenerate the earth. Tending to the land is truly one of my passions. I am excited to connect with you all and be a part of this collective, where we can share what we are working on and what we are learning and get feedback from others on how to best take care of the land (and each other). I am a landscape/farm designer who is passionate about regenerative farming practices. I love bringing designs to life by embracing my artsy side, but really, it is my goal to help others and put my all into this "work." I want to continue learning how I can help land owners, fellow stewards, enthusiasts, and daydreamers explore the tools it takes to create a sanctuary that fully embodies permaculture ethics and is soothing to the soul. We are in this together and can't wait to meet you! P.s. Say hi to your dog for me.

Snapped with phone before i left for Cape Town. We are in the Karoo . We are in the first year of rain in our 7 year cycle.6 more to come😎

Let's get to know our neighbors! Come to these sessions prepared to share about yourself and your journey in permaculture. You'll have the opportunity to learn about fellow community members and enjoy the start of the weekend together. Every Friday at 4:00p.m. Pacific Time Zone Share in the comment section something you would like to learn about your fellow community members!