04-07-10
An Intelligent State of Mind
Washington has some darn good ideas. Like this one, published by Cooler Planet:
Called zHomes, the 10 units, scheduled for completion in the spring of 2011, will feature townhomes that generate as much energy as they use, first by using cutting-edge construction technologies to reduce each unit’s energy use by almost two-thirds (or 5,255 kilowatt-hours per year, as compared to an average 13,989). These technologies also take advantage of large amounts of recycled material, as well as materials with lower VOCs (volatile organic compounds) for healthy indoor air.
But the crowning achievement is the installation of solar photovoltaic panels to provide for the entire reduced energy footprint, energy-efficient appliances to keep that footprint small, and water conservation policies that mean residents also use 60 percent less water than similarly-sized homes by recycling rainwater and using all water-efficient appliances.
These homes will also be affordable, demonstrating to builders, buyers, and policymakers that this is possible and that even “average wage earners can live sustainably.”
If you are considering purchasing land in Washington, please consider implementing these water saving techniques. With the area’s rainfall, utilizing rain barrels and other systems, water use could be dramatically reduced. Washington residents are increasingly hopping on board with these progressive and effective ideas. Come see what change looks like!
04-04-10
WA Agriculture: Variety is the Spice of Life
Because of the variety of climate zones in the state, Washington has the ability to produce a range of varied crops. The rain shadow, courtesy of the Cascades, splits the state in terms of rainfall, with the eastern steppe receiving often less than 18” annually, while west of the mountains, rain fall is abundant, averaging roughly 40” per year. What makes Washington stand out in terms of soil is the fact that much of the area has been formed, albeit 6-17 million years ago, by a series of powerful volcanic eruptions. This means that the soil is still today rich and loamy in the valleys. As farmers will tell you, the chemical content of volcanic soils is some of the best in the world (see: plants love nitrogen).
As explained by the Washington Agricultural Department, over 10,00 years ago receding glaciers across the state scraped the topsoil, creating valleys, rivers and streams, washing many tons of fertile soil into the flood plains. Known as the Columbia River Valley today, the region is famed for its vineyards and capabilities to produce some of the world’s best Pinots and Cabernets.
Farmland covers roughly 35% of the state and comes in second only to California is terms of variety of crops produced (about 230). Perhaps not surprisingly, Washington’s highest cash crop is apples. Each year, 57% of the nation’s apples are shipped from the state.
If you’re interested in purchasing farmlands to begin your own agricultural endeavors, Washington offers a myriad of options. From flood plains, to fertile valleys, dry deserts, to the steep eastern steppe, the state’ economy is fixed firmly to the land. A characteristic that means that the population is highly aware of it’s value, and works to protect it.
04-03-10
Buying Washington Land: Brrrr….
Washington is cold. Often. I’d say from experience, Washington isn’t what most people would call “warm” for about eight or nine months out of the year. The temperature begins to drop in around mid-September, hovers around the 30s from late October through around March, then picks up to the 50s until mid-May. June through Auguest, though—wow. Worth every penny. The joy of the climate shift in the Pacific Northwest is the shift in the people. When the sun comes out, even if it’s not particularly strong, everyone is outside. The joy and excitement in the seasonal shift is palpable. This phenomenon is unique to the region. Late spring, summer and early fall Washington truly comes alive. Gardens are sown, parks are restored, and outdoors games such as Ultimate Frisbee (popular in the region), baseball, and weekend football are commonplace in public spaces. Artists take their canvases outside. Writers pen in the parks. Farmers markets abound and the land’s rich and delicious produce is sold to hungry and eager communities. Every drop of sun must be absorbed, for it is indeed fleeting.
One must be prepared for the grey months ahead. But don’t let this discourage you. These are times for preserving the summer’s bounty: canning, making jams from cascade berries (Reiner cherries, anyone?) and making stocks. It is an exciting time in a Washingtonian’s life, and there is real camaraderie shared within the region. Enjoy the Washington summers—they are gorgeous, not to mention precious.
03-31-10
Profile: Southeastern Region
The eastern portion of Washington is largely known for it’s moderately arid low-laying grasslands. Yet there is life in them thar hills. The Snake River, along with a number of smaller tributaries, wind their way around buttes and through the valleys—contributing to the region’s natural beauty and wildlife. The reason for the region’s relative dryness is due to the Columbia Basin, one of the highest lava plateaus in the world, covering much of the southeastern portion of the state.
Though dotted with mostly smaller towns—originally settled by pioneer families over 150 years ago—the area does have more metropolitan cities. Walla Walla, for example, sits just north of the boarder between Washington and Oregon, and just handful of miles to Idaho. Its current population of nearly 35,000 is growing every year as the region becomes more popular for its access to the outdoors, wineries, and privacy—not to mention home to the prestigious Whitman College.
Slightly west is the Tri-Cities Metro area of nearly 250,000 folks, made up of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland. Like many frontier lands in this country, many of Washington’s urban and historical sites are controversial and dredge up difficult and painful feelings for much of the population, especially the Spokane, Palouse and Coeur D’Alene Native Americans. I recommend that before seriously considering purchasing a share of Washington land, discuss the sale with some of the locals or members of the local Indian land council. When moving to a new area, the most important thing, and something which is often looked over, is respecting not only the land, but those who came before. Check out the 500 Nations website and familiarize yourself with the history and traditions of those who have lived on the land for generations. This is an exciting opportunity to gain as much knowledge as you can and connect with new people. Take advantage, learn, connect, grow, and check out Southeaster Washington—a land rich with possibility and culture.
03-28-10
Look Before You Leap
While the prospect of buying land is exciting and while you may just want to snap up the first piece of gorgeous Washington land you see, it’s more prudent to hold your horses and evaluate what you’re really acquiring. Purchasing land is an agreement—one that is important we all respect. We become stewards of the land and are charged with protecting it.
Before you buy, learn as much as you can about the climate and threats such as erosion and flooding, seismic activity, and history of forest fires in the area. These questions are not meant to scare you away from the idea of investing in Washington, but to help you better understand your investment. For example, the Pacific Northwest has a reputation for rain, yet while Washington receives an annual rainfall of approximately 27.6 inches, there are a myriad of other regions in which rainfall is nearly double that (see: The South).
All these factors will help dictate what you should build and where you should build it. Learning as much as possible about the area will inform how you should construct the foundation of your home/barn. When building, we must be careful we’re selecting, for example, the correct septic tank for the topography and soil. Once you learn the facts you are free to begin serious contemplation about the pros and cons of investing in Washington. An investment, you may come to decide, is well worth your while.
03-25-10
Top Five Reasons To Invest In Washington
5. WOW Factor
Driving up Interstate 5 or flying into Sea-Tac Airport, it is impossible to miss: Mt. Reiner. And it hits nearly everyone, regardless of having seen it many times before: Wow! Whether it’s the Olympic National Forest, the Snoqualmie Pass, the dramatic coastline, or the splendor and expanse of the Puget Sound, one simply cannot deny Washington’s WOW!
4. Arts and Culture
From the Samish, Puyallup, and Skokomish to the Yakama and Spokane, the tribal and cultural diversity in the region is unmatched. Washington is rich with heritage and history, and this timeline is marked by the art created by the various nations, much of which—for example, to the west—speaks of a culture rooted in the land and connected to the waters. Everywhere, one can find traditional art speaking of the bounty this land has to offer, from the elk in the forests, to the salmon in the rivers.
3. Adventure
Truly, in this arena, Washington has it all: snow sports, surfing, rafting, backpacking, desert camping, and more. The immense amount of variety offered by the land affords us every opportunity to explore. One could go ice climbing one day, and then harvest clams on the beach for dinner. The possibilities for discovery are endless. Got your attention? Check out reasons two and one…
2. Climate
I know what you’re thinking: “What?! You’re crazy.” Sure, it’s no Miami Beach, but Washington’s climate yields more important fruits (aside from those delicious Colombia Valley grapes which make that awesome Pinot Noir). The rain that falls west of the Cascades provides the land with incredible wildlife and greenery. Think of it as our own rainforest. And when the sun comes out in summer, oh what joy! During those gorgeous warm months, people savor the days as long as they can, and feelings of community and kindness are palpable.
1. Commitment to Sustainable Living
Sure, the mountains are spectacular and the forests pristine, but what good is all this if our children’s children can’t grow up to enjoy them as well?
Washingtonians have these crazy ideas about respecting the land, cutting back on carbon emissions, working with the forestry department to employ sustainable harvesting and farming methods to reduce clear cutting, and other such wacky environmental notions. Don’t you want to be a part of a community that’s affecting change? I do.
03-22-10
Washington Profile: Northwest Region
King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Skagit counties, along with others, make up Washinton’s Northwest region—the beauty of which is unrivaled. With the San Juan Islands to the west and the Mt. Baker and Wenatchee National Forests to the east, the possibilities for adventure are limitless. If you’re looking to invest in land, Washington offers some of the most spectacular views and fertile soil in the nation. And oh, water is never scarce.
While the Pacific Northwest has quite a reputation for rain, consider the following: rain fuels life. The flora and fauna in Northwest Washington is not to be ignored when looking to purchase land. The purity of and respect for the environment is what makes Washington so special.
If a rural investment isn’t your cup of tea, check out the Puget Sound’s coastal towns: Bellingham, Port Townsend, or Gig Harbor (along with a host of other beautifully quaint and vibrant urban centers). Explore the idea of owning your own slice of paradise. These welcoming communities offer wonderful art, opportunities for outdoor excursions, world-class dining, and views of the expansive Sound, rimmed by the Cascade foothills.
Whatever your pleasure, it is a near guarantee that Washington has something to offer. Check out the Land Central site for inexpensive and exciting land purchasing opportunities. Let us do the research for you. Worried about road access? Septic tank compatibility? Soil fertility? We’ve got you covered. Good luck and stay tuned for more on this beautiful, welcoming, and exciting state!
03-19-10
Washington, Huh?
Searching for unparalleled access to the outdoors? Enjoy a glass of local wine after a day of hiking through lush wilderness? Love discovering new local treasures every day? You’ve come to the right place.
As a four year veteran of calling this state home, I can say that Washington’s “Evergreen” title is justified. Forest covers much if not most of the state and the ecological effects are palpable. The state is highly aware of the role it plays in lowering our national carbon footprint and therefore is active in many statewide programs to protect our wildlife and natural resources, control air quality, and make roads more accessible for bicyclists, among many others.
With the Cascade Range and the Olympics, the phrase “I’m bored” simply does not exist in Washington’s vocabulary. Looking to settle down? Washington is a fantastic place to raise a family. Teach the next generation about the importance of being stewards to the land by taking a trip to one of the regions’ popular destinations: discover Snoqualmie Falls, hike Mount Reiner, or marvel at the stunning beauty of the San Juan Islands.
Is relaxing in style more your speed? During the past several decades, the state has become world renowned for its wines and varietals. Check out the Puget Sound and indulge in some of Seattle famous cutting edge cuisine.
But what makes Washington truly special is the people. The Northwest has that special characteristic, difficult to describe, but ever present: Washington folks care greatly about the land in which they live. If you’re in search of clean air, rich soil, delicious wine, craft breweries, incredible mountains, and breathtaking views, Washington is the place for you.
