Lower Nehalem Community Trust

The organization assists landowners and local communities to preserve land of ecological value. The organization supports native plant recovery and the restoration of habitats and ecosystems by removing invasive species and planting native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation on conserved lands. Most of this work is achieved through the efforts of volunteer Community members, school groups, and partner organizations. The organization also develops management plans for all lands held in conservation and monitors those properties on a regular basis.

The organization operates a Community garden known as alder creek farm, at which principles of organic gardening are taught through hands-on learning. Volunteers cultivate fruits and vegetables that are shared with other volunteers and donated to the local food bank and senior lunch programs. The garden infrastructure includes an orchard greenhouse, permaculture demonstration garden, sustainable irrigation system, and barn.

The organization hosts a variety of education and outreach programs for all ages annually. Programs include tours, hikes, and paddles and cover topics such as gardening, local ecology, and conservation. The organization generally hosts an annual harvest festival at alder creek farm with guest speakers and demonstrations. Periodic estuary cleanups provide hands-on exposure to the estuary ecosystem while removing debris that degrades the estuary habitat.