Whatcom Conservation District holds an annual expo at the Northwest Washington Fairground that provides community members with an opportunity to interact and network with 50+ vendors, attend seminars and live demonstrations, and connect with local farm improvement resources. Last year, the expo drew more than 600 attendees who were excited by the quality of live demonstrations and seminars on beekeeping, livestock ownership, sustainable forestry, and more. Kids and adults alike were also thrilled with the 100+ free tree seedlings the Washington Tree Farm Program distributed during the expo.
Folks who live in or near Whatcom County and are interested in similar resources should check out the district's Farm Speaker Series. During in-person sessions around the county, community members can learn from local farmers about things like increasing crop yields, improving soil health, and growing high-quality forage for livestock. Learn more at https://www.whatcomcd.org/farm-speaker-series.
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.
