Nelson Road Tree Farm Tour May 21, 2022

One of our local tree farmers has an inspirational story to share about forest restoration. In1996, Bob and Kaz Barker purchased 71 acres (Bob’s retirement project) in the Van Zandt area. The intention was to restore this wet lowland marginal pasture land back into a forest. Their property is along the Black Slough, which is a prime aquatic off-channel habitat for the South Fork of the Nooksack River. Bob was one of the pioneers doing restoration work in our area and, over the last 25 years, has turned his Reed Canary Grass infested pasture into a forest. At this event, Bob and his family will share what they have learned over the years and the techniques utilized to make this project a success. Tours of the forest will be conducted so you can visualize what 25 years of hard work can grow.

Plan on joining us Saturday, May 21st, from 1:00- 4:00 pm to hear and see the amazing work that has been done to improve the environment at the Nelson Road Tree Farm, LLC. Light refreshments will be available. Please come prepared for the weather forecast for that Saturday. The hiking trails through the woods will have wet areas. To protect Bob and Kaz, who are well into their 90’s, the family is requiring masks to be worn even outside while not actively eating or drinking.

Parking is not available at the Tree Farm, so we will be meeting nearby at the Alpine Meadow Christmas Tree Farm, 3585 Valley Highway (Hwy 9), Deming. To get there from Bellingham, travel east on the Mt. Baker Highway (SR 542) over the Nooksack River and then on past Deming. Take a right turn onto Highway 9 at the roundabout and go south about 3.5 miles watching for the Alpine Meadows sign on your right. Come in the driveway to park, and a shuttle van will take you a short distance to the event.

This event is sponsored by the Washington Tree Farm Program, Whatcom County Farm Forestry Association, and the Nelson Road Tree Farm family. Please plan on attending and help us recognize Bob Barker for his years of hard work to make the South Fork River a better place. If you have any questions, you can call Tom at 360-966-3605 and leave a message or email tomwestergreen@gmail.com.