Thurston Conservation District is bringing community members together to learn about agroforestry practices while benefiting local farmers. In partnership with WSU Extension, Thurston CD recently hosted educational events at two nearby farms, where participants explored different types of agroforestry practices, discussed site preparation and maintenance, dug into planting plans and spacing, and learned how to install plants for long-term health.
Dancing Goats and Singing Chickens Organic Farm, one of the farms that hosted an event, expressed their gratitude to Thurston CD and WSU Extension, saying, "...we had approximately 35 volunteers who planted 400 trees in approximately five hours, including the cardboard and wood chips for the mulch. All the trees got special tubes for protection, and the big oak trees got steel fencing to protect them from browsers like deer, sheep, or goats. All the volunteers worked so happily, and we made several new friends. It gives us warm fuzzies in the heart that there is so much goodness in humanity and that so many people came out to help."
Great work, Thurston Conservation District! It warms all our hearts to see community members coming together to support conservation efforts.
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.
