Join Zak Smith, of Salix Solutions, and Daniel Collins, of Nicoterra, for a 2-for-1 presentation.

Zak will take us on an exploration of our native willows and their crucial function in our PNW ecosystems. Including:

• The role willows play in a healthy riparian/wetland ecosystem

• The relationship between willows and beavers

• Resource concerns addressed using willows (why they are used)

• Methods of implementation (how they are used)

• Descriptions of different willow products and their specific uses

• Cultivation of native willows

• Coppice and pollard pruning approaches

Then Dan will dive deeper into, live willow stake spiling, a restoration technique with a long human history and a practical solution for our degraded PNW waterways. Willow can offer a living barrier that can improve slope stability and enhance biodiversity - creating a secure yet flexible bio-engineered structure that grows stronger with time.

Dan has installed spiling at four project sites in recent years and is eager to share his learnings and the many benefits of this willow-forward restoration technique.

A robust Q&A to follow!

About your presenters:

Zak Smith was born and raised in the south Puget sound area and spent much of his formative years in and around the forests, fields and streams of rural Thurston County where he developed a deep love for nature and the wonderous, interconnected web of life of which we are all a part and on which we depend for our survival. He and his wife, Heather started Salix Solutions LLC in 2016 out of a desire to contribute to the repair and regeneration of life-supporting ecosystems that have been damaged and disrupted by human activities and to help combat climate change and species loss due to habitat destruction. They believe that willows have immense potential as a tool to further these goals.

Daniel Collins is Northwest native spending the first half of his life in Spokane and was influenced by the stories over there of ecological damage: silver mining and logging. He studied urban planning and then worked for King County in Community Development and later as a bridge inspector for the County. He found horticulture late in life and decided to devote his time to arboriculture and riparian restoration. As a sole proprietor of Nicoterra and partner with restoration firms: Dirt Corps and Green River Coalition in King County his restoration work centers around the Green River and it’s tributaries. Riparian restoration is a creative field where new and old methods are worthy of bio-engineering.

Seating is first come, first serve.

FEBRUARY IN THE GREENHOUSE: The Sky Nursery Greenhouse is typically 10-15 degrees warmer than the outside temperature. Plan accordingly - wear layers, perhaps a cushion to sit on, or buy a toasty beverage at the Cafe.

Please use the RSVP form below. This is a FREE event but RSVPing helps us know how many guests to expect.