SCC staff had the opportunity to visit a nursery operated by Kitsap Conservation District, a facility that plays a critical role in supporting salmon habitat restoration efforts. The nursery, funded through SCC's Riparian Plant Propagation Program, houses over 12,000 native plants in a compact space, all cultivated for use in projects aimed at enhancing local salmon habitats.
A key element of the nursery’s success is the innovative growing method implemented by resource planner Jesse. In this process, bundles of bare-root plants are placed in troughs filled with gravel, which are then irrigated using a drip system. This approach significantly reduces water waste while ensuring the plants receive the necessary moisture for healthy growth.
The results have been outstanding—so far, the nursery has achieved a remarkable plant survivability rate of nearly 98%. This success underscores the effectiveness of the techniques employed at Kitsap Conservation District, highlighting the importance of thoughtful and sustainable practices in environmental restoration.
By prioritizing efficiency and sustainability, Kitsap CD is demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to ecosystem restoration. Their efforts in supporting salmon habitat recovery are a model for other conservation districts and a testament to their commitment to environmental stewardship.
Generations of farming along Hangman Creek have faced erosion and water quality challenges. Through a partnership between the Spokane and Pine Creek Conservation Districts and the Washington State Department of Ecology, local landowners are restoring natural stream channels, planting native vegetation, and stabilizing creek banks, all while keeping working lands productive. Together, they’re proving that voluntary conservation benefits both farms and fish.
Generations of farming along Hangman Creek have faced erosion and water quality challenges. Through a partnership between the Spokane and Pine Creek Conservation Districts and the Washington State Department of Ecology, local landowners are restoring natural stream channels, planting native vegetation, and stabilizing creek banks, all while keeping working lands productive. Together, they’re proving that voluntary conservation benefits both farms and fish.
Established in the 1890s and donated to Washington State University in 2020, Vetter Farm is jointly managed by the Stevens County Conservation District and WSU Extension. This 158-acre property serves as a working demonstration farm, supporting soil health research, agroforestry trials, and educational field days that bring local producers together to share ideas and test new approaches.
