Animal Haven educates youth on ethical farming

CASHMERE—Amongst the sagebrush and orchard trees of the Cashmere area stands a hillside refuge for animals rejected by their owners and the agriculture industry. The Ridge 2 River Animal Haven operates as both a sanctuary for nine different species of critters and a crucial educational resource for teaching local youth about ethical agricultural solutions. 

When chicken farms hatch roosters or when dairy farms deliver bulls, they often sell or kill them as rejects to be thrown away. Anna and Eric Gullickson founded Ridge 2 River to confront issues like this and educate the next generation of consumers on the dangers of the unethical livestock industry. 

Anna Gullickson previously worked in a large dairy operation, where she witnessed the ins and outs of animal treatment within the massive agricultural industry. At first, Gullickson didn’t pay much attention to the abusive systems that ensured a constant flow of milk for consumption. But, as she looks back, she feels horrified for the mothers who they would separate from their newborn calves to be harvested for their milk. 

“I was very fortunate to have the experiences,” Gullicskon explained. “and I never once was like, ‘Is this fair? Should we be doing this? Is this necessary?”

It was only after Gullickson became more curious and asked questions about the experiences of animals that she would begin to rethink the ways in which she wanted to work with them. Because of this, Gullickson aims to inspire the same curiosity and compassion within local youth, hoping to leave a lasting impact on the future of agriculture and animal treatment as a whole.

As part of this drive for education and awareness, Ridge 2 River participates in the LEAP (Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet) program, offered as an alternative to programs like FFA and 4H. Through the LEAP program, Ridge 2 River plans to host five local students for the 2024-25 school year, providing hands-on lessons and interactive training in an ethical agricultural environment. 

Ridge 2 River also hosts various camps centered around teaching local kids about the importance of compassion, identifying inhumane systems, and developing ethical solutions for the animals.

Though trying to help so many animals that have been abused and rejected takes an emotional toll on Gullickson, the educational side of Animal Haven gives her hope for the future. 

“We have kids camps,” Gullickson shared. “And one girl told us at our last camp for the summer, ‘I have never learned so much in five days in my entire life.’ And it was a reminder of how great it is to make positive change and do good, and how impactful we are to influence kids for changing their choices and what they buy and what they do, in five days, and it’s just incredible.”

Ridge 2 River also travels to nearby schools with their volunteer program, providing presentations on humane education and making connections within the local community. A major community connection for Ridge 2 River is the Confluence Rotary Club which visited the Animal Haven for a plant-based potluck at the beginning of August as a show of support for the hard work and dedication of the Ridge 2 River team.

Additionally, Ridge 2 River operated an internship program with Peshastin Pinnacles Prep as a means of providing local youth with further first-hand experience, leadership skills, and understanding of the needs of animals. 

Though the Ridge 2 River team deals with so much physically, mentally, and emotionally draining work, the rescued dogs, hens, and roosters at their haven embody an invitingly relaxed attitude, displaying their comfort and happiness as they approach their caretakers in a gentle crowd of critters. 

Sadly, the Ridge 2 River Animal Haven is often at capacity for their animals, financially and physically unable to take in more animal residents. However, they are always happy to help educate visitors and provide those who are curious with a plethora of information on the best ways to help locals raise and care for their animal friends in humane and ethical ways. 

For more information about Ridge 2 River Animal Haven, visit their official website at ridge2river.org 

Will Nilles: (509) 731-3211 or will@ward.media