Wood chips have been commonly used as a mulch for many years yet this usage is based on misconceptions and a very narrow understanding of the function of wood in and on soil.  A more strategic use of wood chips in ecosystem restoration and ornamental landscapes in the Pacific Northwest has the potential to be importantly transformative.  This presentation explores the mechanisms through which wood chips remediate soil compaction, enhance soil nitrogen cycling and soil nutrient availability, diversify soil food webs and support healthy plant growth.  Diverse plant communities comprised of healthy plants resist pests, diseases, and invasion from noxious weeds—resulting in reduced need for application of herbicides and other chemicals.  Put wood chips to work!   They’ll leverage greater success in your gardening and forest restoration activities!

Clay Antieau M.S. Ph.C. is a horticulturist and botanist who enthusiastically combines these disciplines to offer unique abilities and perspectives in ecological restoration, environmental education and science communication.  Employed with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) since 2000, Clay has been a project manager, supervising environmental planner, strategic advisor and subject matter expert for permitting and SEPA environmental review.  Clay is a long-time Instructor and Advisor with the University of Washington’s Professional and Continuing Education Certificate Program in Wetland Science and Management. Clay is a Fellow, Past-President and previous Chapter Chair of the Washington native Plant Society; Past-President of the Northwest Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration and former member of the Board of Directors of the Washington Trails Association