Science Hub

What is the Science Hub?

The SCC Integrated Science Hub for Agriculture and Ecosystems (“Science Hub”) strengthens the scientific foundation of agency programs at the intersection of agricultural viability and ecosystem health. By connecting science, data, and partnerships, the Science Hub advances voluntary conservation and improves natural resource outcomes across Washington.

The Science Hub generates, synthesizes, and applies knowledge to support multi-benefit solutions that protect natural resources, sustain working lands, and advance climate resilience. This work brings together partners across federal, state, county, and Tribal governments, conservation districts, universities, businesses, and non-governmental organizations. Science and data frameworks developed through the Science Hub support adaptive management and guide conservation planning, prioritization, and implementation.

Goals

• Improve ecosystem function on agricultural lands through strategic conservation, watershed planning, prioritization, and monitoring.
• Evaluate incentive approaches to effectively support voluntary conservation.
• Apply adaptive management to strengthen long-term conservation outcomes.
• Close the gap between scientific knowledge and on-the-ground results.

Initial funding was provided through a one-time legislative proviso in 2023 to connect scientists and practitioners, monitor and quantify conservation benefits, and better understand landowner motivations. Funding was renewed in the FY25–27 biennium to continue and expand this work.

How the Science Hub Work is Organized

The Science Hub connects research, data, and on-the-ground conservation through four key areas of focus. These themes highlight what drives conservation participation, how conservation delivers benefits, how science strengthens implementation, and how collaboration supports lasting results.

• Why Landowners Participate: Understanding the economic, social, and practical factors that influence voluntary conservation.
• Conservation Benefits: Demonstrating how conservation practices improve water quality, ecosystem function, and long-term resilience.
• Science in Action: Applying research, data, and tools to guide conservation planning, targeting, and evaluation.
• Collaboration: Supporting locally driven partnerships that bring landowners, conservation districts, tribes, agencies, and communities together to address shared resource challenges.

Together, these areas help strengthen conservation outcomes and improve how programs are designed and implemented statewide.

Partners

The Science Hub is built on partnership. This work brings together conservation districts, Tribal governments, state and federal agencies, universities, researchers, nonprofits, and local landowners to strengthen conservation outcomes across Washington. By aligning science, practice, and community knowledge, these partnerships help ensure conservation strategies are locally relevant, scientifically grounded, and built to last.

Interested in partnering or learning more? Reach out about exploring collaboration opportunities and ongoing work across the state.