How to Plant Trees and Steward the Land

So many wonderful things come out of sharing food together, including safeguarding our valuable land and soil. At a dinner attended by permaculture aficionados in late 2013, it was mentioned that there might be a possibility for young trees to be adopted the following spring. Sadly, the trees would be coming from the agriculture research station in Kamloops, which was closed by the federal government. (http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/article/20130510/KAMLOOPS0101/130519948/-1/kamloops/feds-to-shut-down-ag-research-station)

As the months progressed, there was a wondering about whether this plan would materialize into something -- circumstances change all the time. Well, with a week’s notice, a group of 20 people mobilized to dig up approximately 2,000 trees from the research station on Good Friday. Golden Ears Farm saw many friends there that day and it’s nice to know that these trees are going to good homes.

Golden Ears planted 175 trees (a mix of Red Oak, Chinese Chestnut, and Black Walnut) over the course of only two days -- an excavator and many helping hands make light work! In terms of land stewardship, the intention behind planting these trees was to make a wind block and to create a shaded lane that borders pasture land for our cows. Also, in the long range, if the farm ever needs to supply its own wood, the oak and walnut will provide wonderful hard wood options.

What incredible things are yet to come from the many potlucks that will be happening this season (in addition to time with awesome folks and amazing farm fresh food, of course)? I know I can’t wait to find out!