edibleportland.com | 5 Wildlife Corridors and Building Biodiversity One of the core pillars of regenerative organic agriculture is sustaining a vibrant, diverse ecosystem. “We also wanted to encourage natural predator control,” says Turner. In the tall Douglas fir and oak trees around the vineyard, they installed raptor perches along with kestrel and owl boxes. All of these birds of prey eat common agricultural pests such as rodents, voles and gophers. “There's a couple places along one of the fence lines where the bottom has been dug out and coyotes come in,” says Turner. “I say, that's great. Come on in and enjoy our 100% organic voles.” Other ongoing projects on the property include native plant restoration and attracting a variety of bird species. “We have what birders would call a birdhouse list,” says Turner. Essentially, an ongoing record of bird species observed in a specific location. So far, she’s spotted 50 different species at Ambar Estate, including white-crowned sparrows and house finches. Earlier this year, they added bluebird boxes. (Western Bluebirds are listed as a sensitive species in Oregon, and providing nesting boxes can help address issues like habitat loss and nesting competition.) Another pillar of regenerative organic farming centers around animal welfare. And while they don't raise any animals on the estate, they do welcome sheep into the vineyard every winter. “Sheep mow down the cover crop and provide us with free fertilizer — and they're adorable,” says Turner. “So we're really happy when the sheep come in.” Last winter, the vineyard hosted a flock of about 50 Shetland sheep along with two guard dogs. Wine as a Force for Good “One of the great things about wine is how it can unlock curiosity,” says Townsend. Whether that translates to exploring the remarkable variety of wines, the terroir found in different regions around the world or the broader conversations sparked by wine. “It's a never ending quest for discovery,” he adds. And one that led them to adventure to countless wine regions and eventually launch their own winery. In many ways, this curiosity around wine can act as a change agent, which is what they hope to share with winery guests. “We're in a really unique position because we're one of few agricultural products where people come exactly to the place where the product is grown and they want to know all about the vineyard and how you’re farming,” says Turner. It’s an educational opportunity she celebrates. Along with environmental and animal welfare, the ROC (Regenerative Organic Alliance) certification emphasizes social equity — this includes fair wages and benefits, good working Left: Pam Turner and Rob Townsend of Ambar Estate. Right: Bluebird nesting boxes.
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