Ruby Habitat Foundation

Research and demonstration in line with our conservation demonstration goals, we implemented the cattail creek restoration project. Monitoring and maintenance continued on existing projects including the restoration of clear creek, the heritage apple orchard, pollinator plantings, wetland developments and soil health trials. Multiple groups visited the ranch to view one or more of the existing research and demonstration projects. Staff toured the projects and gave presentations on these efforts and results to-date. Planning efforts were completed for future research projects that will be implemented in 2025 including several soil amendments and crop fertility experiments.

Outreach and education - the foundation continued to contract with ranch resources to provide a full-time outreach coordinator. The coordinator met with hundreds of guests providing outreach and education services including ranch tours, educational events, workshops and meetings, school group events and managed recreational access for fishing and hunting. The coordinator also disseminated agricultural and natural resource information through publication of a book, regular newsletters, a column in the local newspaper, and weekly emails that went to hundreds of subscribers. Outreach efforts also include participation in local conservation groups, field tours and projects.