Bare-root Native Plant Nursery Seeking Land

Land Seeker Description

Hello, I’m in my mid 20’s and grew up the Northern Willamette Valley. I went to school for environmental science in Bellingham, Washington and currently live with my partner and Grandma in Aurora. I’ve worked in managing habitat restoration projects in Oregon and Southern Washington for the last couple years and currently work independent contractor restoring post fire forests, as a USFS contract botanist, management plan consultant and grant writer. I’d like to start a bare-root native plant nursery to help meet the growing demand that the industry needs in a way that reduces plastic and is kind to the land. A work trade agreement would work best for me if your land has any natural areas that could use a nudging hand to help direct it towards a becoming a healthy ecosystem.

What features of the property are essential?

Essential features needed would be water rights/rainwater collection with at least 4000 gallon storage, well drained non-clay heavy soil/ability to make raised beds with imported soil, and it would be a huge plus to have a storage cooler on site.

Describe your farming experience

I've been growing food on a 2500 square foot garden patch for the last three years which has been a joy! I helped setup Ash Creeks Forest Management's native plant nursery and I'm currently helping Pudding River Watershed Council develop a native plant nursery/educational space.

Are you currently farming?

What are your short term goals for the land

In the short term I hope to produce around 120,000 seedlings a year in a way that follows permaculture values. I plan on farming the land as an individual without heavy machinery.

What are your long term goals

In the long term, I'd like to have native hedge rows and shade trees planted and use them as a seed source for selling tree seed to conservation districts and watershed councils. I don't plan on farming more than I can take on as 1 person.

Describe your housing needs

I do not need housing

What will you do as a farmer to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone on your farm and in your community?

Sense of community is very important for me. I volunteer my free time leading restoration work days with Marion County Boys and Girls Club, I'm the board chair of the Aurora Parks Committee and aim to work in an environment that goes beyond just being friendly, but truly helping out those around me in an altruistic way.