Benton Conservation District has been inspiring young minds for 26 years (and counting!) through its annual Salmon Summit event.
Each spring, local elementary school students gather at Columbia Park in Kennewick to release salmon they've raised in their classrooms into the Columbia River. Alongside this unforgettable experience, students participate in engaging educational activities that deepen their connection to conservation and the natural world.
This year, Benton Conservation District’s dedication was nationally recognized when they received the Outstanding Stewards of America's Waters Award for Public Education from the National Hydropower Association.
This event’s success is a testament to the amazing partnership between the district, the local educational community, sponsors, and volunteers. Thank you, Benton Conservation District, for educating the next generation of conservationists!
In the Snohomish and Stillaguamish River basins, Snohomish Conservation District is restoring and maintaining riparian habitat to support clean water, healthy streams, and salmon recovery. Through the Riparian Grant Program, the district established new riparian forest buffers and maintained existing streamside vegetation, contributing to watershed resilience and long-term conservation goals.
Whatcom Conservation District is improving water quality, stream health, and salmon habitat in the Nooksack River watershed through large-scale riparian restoration, native plantings, and long-term habitat stewardship, demonstrating how local conservation efforts can create lasting benefits for both communities and natural resources.
Wildfire resilience work on Jackson Ranch near Nespelem, Washington was put to the test when the July 2026 Kaiser Canyon Fire swept through.
