River Garden Farms works with the U.S. Geological Survey to help provide suitable habitat for the endangered giant garter snake. As part of the research to determine how rice fields play a role in the migration, behavior and health of giant garter snakes, River Garden Farms works with scientists to closely monitor the water in drainage canals and manage vegetation along the banks.
Proper vegetation along the canals is vital to the health of giant garter snakes, so River Garden Farms maintains diverse plant life to provide cover and adequate habitat for food sources for the reptiles. Typically, the banks would be cleared to reduce unwanted vegetation growth into fields, but River Garden Farms has adopted a more natural approach, farming in harmony with native wildlife.