South African court dismisses a major lawsuit by 140,000 Zambian women and children against Anglo American for Kabwe lead poisoning. A setback for affected communities enduring the lasting impact of lead contamination.
Ebey’s Landing, a natural treasure where rural traditions are kept alive in Washington State
Home to breathtaking views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains and nestled between the waters of the Puget Sound, Ebey’s National Historical Reserve, located on Whidbey Island in the US state of Washington, is a thriving rural community, with a history of exploration and settlement. Originally populated by the Lower Skagit Native American tribe, land use has remained
Home to breathtaking views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains and nestled between the waters of the Puget Sound, Ebey’s National Historical Reserve, located on Whidbey Island in the US state of Washington, is a thriving rural community, with a history of exploration and settlement. Originally populated by the Lower Skagit Native American tribe, land use has remained mostly unchanged since the settlers claimed the territory in the 1850s under the Donation Land Claim Act.
The evolution of Ebey’s Landing
Captain George Vancouver explored Whidbey Island in 1792, but it wasn’t until the 1850s that settlers such as the Ebey family arrived on the island. The Skagits populated the land as they had done for centuries, living on salmon, shellfish, berries, deer and waterfowl. Their cultivation methods were sustainable and in full harmony with nature. A prominent public figure, Colonel Isaac Neff Ebey was among the first permanent settlers. His home, which still overlooks the prairie bearing his family name, along with 5.6 kilometres of scenic trails, is accessible to visitors year-round.
Preservation for generations to come
Following citizens’ protests to halt a housing development, Ebey’s Reserve was authorised by the US Congress in 1978, in an effort to preserve and protect a living rural community, as well as maintain connections with the natural and historic landscape. Unlike National Parks, Reserves aren’t regulated by a single agency, and in the case of Ebey’s Landing, 85 per cent of the land is privately owned. Land donations, land use regulations and the cooperation of property owners are essential for its success.
Agriculture in the past and present
Many of the farmsteads established in the 1800s and early 1900s are still operating. While the Skagits only cultivated native species, the settlers also had success with non-native crops, as stated by Island County Historical Society’s director Rick Castellano: “In a period during the late 1800’s the prairie produced the highest yield of wheat in the country at the time”.
While sustainable practices, such as crop rotation, are still a reality, the nature and use of crops changes according to demand. The hay and grains grown today are used locally and statewide as livestock feed, while succulent squashes are available locally, as well as through natural food giant Whole Foods Market. Ebey’s farms also produce cabbage seed, seed peas and grass seed exported as far as Europe and Japan.
Conservation efforts continue
Environmental organisation The Nature Conservancy is working with University of Washington researchers and US park and wildlife agencies to restore native prairie plant species in the Ebey’s Landing area, while removing non-native species, in order to guarantee a better environment for the rich local flora and fauna. The site, which includes Perego’s Lake, one of the least disturbed coastal wetlands in the state, is home to the rare and threatened golden paintbrush plant, as well as the majestic bald eagle, osprey and quail, among many other species. While Ebey’s National Historical Reserve is protected by law, its long-term success is in the hands of all who enjoy this piece of paradise.
Siamo anche su WhatsApp. Segui il canale ufficiale LifeGate per restare aggiornata, aggiornato sulle ultime notizie e sulle nostre attività.
Quest'opera è distribuita con Licenza Creative Commons Attribuzione - Non commerciale - Non opere derivate 4.0 Internazionale.
Controversial African land deals by Blue Carbon face skepticism regarding their environmental impact and doubts about the company’s track record, raising concerns about potential divergence from authentic environmental initiatives.
Majuli, the world’s largest river island in Assam State of India is quickly disappearing into the Brahmaputra river due to soil erosion.
Food imported into the EU aren’t subject to the same production standards as European food. The introduction of mirror clauses would ensure reciprocity while also encouraging the agroecological transition.
Sponsored article
Sikkim is a hilly State in north-east India. Surrounded by villages that attracts outsiders thanks to its soothing calmness and natural beauty.
Sikkim, one of the smallest states in India has made it mandatory for new mothers to plant saplings and protect them like their children to save environment
Chilekwa Mumba is a Zambian is an environmental activist and community organizer. He is known for having organized a successful lawsuit against UK-based mining companies.
What led to the Fukushima water release, and what are the impacts of one of the most controversial decisions of the post-nuclear disaster clean-up effort?
Nzambi Matee is a Kenyan engineer who produces sustainable low-cost construction materials made of recycled plastic waste with the aim of addressing plastic pollution and affordable housing.