June 4, 2009	Contact:	Patricia Cosgrove, Museum Director
For Immediate Release		(253) 288-7437

200 Goats Help Restore Historic Farm tomorrow

AUBURN, Wash. – Mary Olson Farm will welcome more than 200 goats tomorrow to help with restoration efforts of the historic landmark. Healing Hooves will provide the herd of goats for about a week to munch away invasive plant species from the farm’s north pasture, a six-acre floodplain field and several hillside areas. This is the second visit by Healing Hooves to the farm since restoration efforts began in 2005.

The goat-cleared areas will be replanted with hay and native shrubs and trees. A portion of the north pasture will be slated for parking when Mary Olson Farm opens to the public next year as a living history and environmental learning site.

A grant received earlier this year from the Washington State Department of Ecology Coastal Protection Fund totaling $23,600 paid for Healing Hooves and will also help fund field preparation for planting the hay and native plants.

About Mary Olson Farm

The White River Valley Museum is working with the City of Auburn to restore Mary Olson Farm, the most intact 1880s family farm in King County. It opens in late 2009 as a living history and environmental learning site. The farm is a King County Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. Significant features include an 1897 barn, a 1902 farmhouse and two salmon runs in Olson Creek.

About the White River Valley Museum

The White River Valley Museum is a partnership with the City of Auburn and combines history and culture to create an exciting and educational experience for visitors. Museum collections focus on local Puget Sound history, Northwest Indian culture, Japanese immigration and the Northern Pacific Railroad.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and is located at 918 H St. SE in Auburn. Regular hours are noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for seniors and children, and free on Wednesdays. Call 253-288-7433 or visit www.wrvmuseum.org for event information.