Mission & History

Our mission

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center inspires people to eat healthy, sustainably grown food and to steward our natural resources for future generations.

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center is a nonprofit organization located on 240 acres of forest and farmland bordering the Snoqualmie River in Carnation, Washington. Oxbow researches and practices sustainable farming methods, grows food and native plants, and educates people of all ages about agriculture and the environment. Collectively, Oxbow’s work takes real-time action to combat climate change, promote biodiversity, and encourage healthy food systems.

Oxbow connects to the public through special events, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and a Farm Share program. 


Land and history

Oxbow acknowledges that we are on the Indigenous Land of Coast Salish peoples who have reserved treaty rights to this land, specifically the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe (sdukʷalbixʷ). We thank these caretakers of this land who have lived, and continue to live, here since time immemorial. 

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Founded as a nonprofit organization in 2009, Oxbow is comprised of upland forest and a patchwork of working agricultural and forested riparian lands in the lowlands on 240 acres bordering the Snoqualmie River in western Washington. Our namesake “oxbow lake”—a meander of the river that was naturally cut off from its main stem—is a key feature of Oxbow’s diverse, ecologically-important landscape.

Oxbow is dedicated to growing organic food and native plants, to studying and building a resilient, biodiverse ecosystem, and to educating children and the general public about food, farming, and the environment.


Become a Member

Become an Oxbow Member and support our work and mission! Members receive 10% off at the Farm Stand and a host of other benefits. >> Join today!

Program areas

Farming

We cultivate 12 acres of certified organic mixed vegetable crops, herbs, and flowers using agro-ecological principles and engage in research to inform conservation agriculture practices. We grow food for local grocery stores, restaurants, hunger relief, a Farm Share program, and an on-site seasonal Farm Stand.

>> Food & farming at Oxbow

Conservation and restoration 

We carry out ecological restoration projects and partner with scientists, regional planners, and other environmental organizations to learn how humans can benefit from the land while protecting biodiversity.

>> Conservation at Oxbow
>> Oxbow’s conservation partnerships

Native plant production 

We operate a native plant nursery that uses sustainable growing methods to produce plants for habitat restoration projects and urban landscapes. We share our knowledge to encourage increased production and use of natives in the Pacific Northwest, and beyond.

>> About the Native Plant Nursery

Environmental education 

We offer education programs for children pre-K through high school to build environmental literacy and provide students with opportunities to learn about the links between agriculture, conservation, and the environment. Our programs reach over 8,000 children each year.

>> About Oxbow Education

Cultivating Community

volunteersWe offer opportunities for people of all ages to put their values into action as we promote climate resilience and encourage healthy food systems. Oxbow fosters community through volunteer opportunities, Membership, a Farm Share program, workshops & tours, and special events.


Contact us

Email us at thedirt@oxbow.org or call 425-788-1134.


Help us carry out our mission

Become an Oxbow Member or make a Donation today!

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization.

EIN# 26-3848941