Pierce Conservation District recently completed a four-day restoration project with the enthusiastic help of 20 students and a teacher from Cascade Christian High School. Working tirelessly from morning until late afternoon each day, the students removed invasive blackberry and ivy, cleared reed canary grass from around struggling plants, and laid burlap and mulch to prepare the area for future plantings. Impressively, they cleared over 2,000 pounds of blackberry on the first day alone.
This project is part of Pierce CD's ongoing efforts to restore critical habitats while engaging the community in conservation. By involving high school students in hands-on restoration work, the district fosters environmental stewardship and provides valuable learning opportunities for young volunteers.
Pierce CD’s commitment to combining education with conservation is evident in projects like this, which make a meaningful impact on local ecosystems. For more information about upcoming volunteer opportunities, visit Pierce CD Volunteer Opportunities.
With support from the Riparian Plant Propagation Program, large-scale native plant production is underway through a partnership with Puget Sound Plants, enabling the cultivation and statewide distribution of more than 30,000 riparian plants. This high-volume nursery system strengthens Washington’s restoration supply chain and ensures consistent access to locally grown native material.
Grays Harbor Conservation District maintains tens of thousands of native plants annually at a partner-operated holding site, using gravel beds and nursery infrastructure to support healthy plant growth and regional riparian restoration. Through project support and community distribution, the district helps meet evolving restoration needs across the region.
Snohomish Conservation District is expanding its riparian plant capacity while preparing for a new office and greenhouse facility. Through partnerships with Snohomish County, Edmonds College, and the Latino Educational Training Institute, the district maintains thousands of native plants and supports hands-on workforce development for local restoration efforts.
