Conservation Starters

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we sit down with Thurston Conservation District's Community Agricultural Coordinator, Tina Wagner to discuss urban agriculture in our local community. Together, we dive into challenges facing our food system like access to healthy food and the land needed to grow the produce we all love.  We showcase two new projects that will support our local food system and our urban farmers. Tune in to hear more about the NEW Farm my Yard program and hear how we are working to build more community gardens in Olympia.Resources:Tina Wagner, twagner@thurstoncd.comFarm my YardWorkshop RecordingsUpcoming EventsGRuBWSU Master GardenersWSU Extension

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters, we are joined by Senior WSU Extension Coordinator & Educator, Erica Guttman and Native Plant Salvage's Learning & Outreach Coordinator, Cameron Dunn. During our time together we dive into the wonderful world of hedgerows! We discuss the benefits of adding hedgerows to your landscape and walk through the amazing hedgerow toolkit Erica and Cameron have recently developed. We chat about our ongoing partnership and discuss upcoming ways to learn more about this exciting work. Tune in to hear more of this inspiring conversation! Resources:Upcoming EventsHedgerow ToolkitHow-to HandbookVideosToolkit ResourcesHedgerow Webinar RecordingNative Plant Salvage

 On this month's episode of Conservation Starters, we are joined by Davy Clark, Nisqually River Education Project Program Director and Tristan Olson, Nisqually River Council Program Coordinator. Together we jump in and explore the Nisqually River Watershed. We discuss how each of their partnered organizations are working towards creating a healthier watershed, that restores ecosystems functions, promotes sustainable resource use, and creates ongoing educational opportunities. Davy and Tristan also share ways community members of all ages can get involved in creating a healthy Nisqually River Watershed.  Resources:Contact Info - info@nisquallyriver.org or 360-438-8715Social Media - @nisquallyriverhttps://nisquallyriver.org/Nisqually River Watershed Stewardship PlanCitizens Advisory CommitteeNisqually River Council MeetingsNisqually Stream StewardsNisqually River Education Program

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters, we are joined by TCD's Executive Director, Sarah Moorehead. Sarah is back on the podcast to discuss what TCD has been up to over the last two years and what we can expect to see in TCD's future. We discuss our upcoming move, big organizational goals, funding priorities, and exciting new projects. Sarah lets our listeners in on big updates and even participates in a fun rapid fire question session.Resources:Learn more about our two day upcoming Growers ConferenceBecome a TCD Board of Supervisor Member

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters, we are joined by Lindsey Swardz, owner of Four Ginger Farm, and Marguerite Abplanalp, Thurston Conservation District's Agricultural Program Manager. Together, we discuss how the changing weather can negatively impact an agricultural landscape. We also talk about cost-effective ways farmers and home gardeners can prepare their landscape for the winter rain. Lindsey breaks down the projects she and TCD have implemented on her property and shares how these have benefited her operation! Resources:Visit www.thurstoncd.com to reach out to our staff to learn about ways you can improve your wintertime agricultural operation.Learn more about the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) here.

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters, we are joined by Shina Wysocki, owner of Chelsea Farms and Chelsea Oyster Bar, and Stephanie Bishop Thurston Conservation District's South Sound GREEN Program Manager. Together, we dive into the effects of ocean acidification on our local shellfish population. We also discuss the importance of our local shellfish farms for both our economy and the health of our environment. Both Stephanie and Shina share ways local community members can support shellfish farmers and help improve our region's water quality.

This month on Conservation Starters, we're joined by Dr. Pamela Braff, Director of Climate Programs at the City of Olympia, Linsey Fields, Climate and Sustainability Coordinator at the City of Lacey, and Alyssa Jones Wood Sustainability Coordinator at the City of Tumwater. Together, we go over climate change basics and highlight why climate change is a topic of discussion in our growing community. We talk about Thurston County's Climate Mitigation Plan and how multiple jurisdictions, partners, and community members came together to create a comprehensive plan. Pamela, Linsey, and Alyssa also discuss how this plan is beginning to be implemented and give tips on how listeners can be more climate-resilient in their day-to-day lives. Resources:Thurston Climate Mitigation PlanAnnual Climate Mitigation Collaborative Retreat SummaryClimate Action Venn DiagramLearn more about becoming a Climate Advisory Workgroup Member (Coming soon)Energize Olympia Olympia Climate Program City of Lacey Sustainability & Resiliency EffortsCity of Tumwater Sustainability EffortsThurston County Climate Change Efforts

This month on Conservation Starters, we're joined by Jae Townsend, TCD's Education & Outreach Assistant, and Jennifer Coe, Department of Natural Resource's Western Washington Community Resilience Coordinator. We delve into why wildfire is something communities on the west side of the State should be preparing for. We also talk about DNR's Wildfire Ready Neighbors program and the impact it's making in our local community. Jae and Jennifer break down simple actionable steps listeners can take to protect their homes from the threat of wildfire and discuss how working together as neighbors can have a lasting impact on the Thurston County community. Tune in to learn more!Resources:Jae Townsend, jtownsend@thurstoncd.comJennifer Coe, Jennifer.Coe@dnr.wa.govWildfire Ready Neighbors (WFRN)WFRN Home Assessment Sign-upFirewiseDNR Community Wildfire Resilience Resource LibraryOSU Fire-resistant plant guide

This month on Conservation Starters, we're joined by TCD staff, Nora Carman-White, Karin Strelioff, and Marguerite Abplanalp. Together, we sit down to answer our listener's questions! We break down a few of the best ways to create healthy salmon habitat on streamside property, how to successfully make compost, and when it's the right decision to get your soil tested. We also discuss the answers to a few of our most frequently asked questions like, "How does TCD's financial assistance program work?" and  "I just moved to Thurston County, where do I begin ?". This episode is a run-down of the many ways TCD is here to help YOU! Tune in to learn more. Resources:Nora Carman-White, nwhite@thurstoncd.comKarin Strelioff, karin@thurstoncd.comMarguerite Abplanalp, mabplanalp@thurstoncd.comThurston CD's Online ResourcesThurston County Master GardenersBurke HerbariumBook Recommendations: Weeds of the West, A Field Guide to Grasses of Oregon and Washington, Plants of the Pacific Northwest

This month on Conservation Starters, we're joined by Becca Anderson, Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) Small Farms & Urban Ag Specialist. Together, we discuss how urban agriculture differs from "big ag" and how folks in our community are coming up with innovative ways to grow food on small tracks of land. Becca also talks more about NRCS and what type of technical and financial assistance they are able to offer producers, big and small! We also talk about how NRCS is prioritizing working with and supporting historically excluded and underserved populations. Tune in to learn more!Resources:Becca Anderson, Rebecca.Anderson@usda.govNRCS Service Center LocatorNRCS Urban AgricultureNRCS WA Environmental Quality Incentives ProgramNRCS WA Conservation Stewardship ProgramLimited Resource Farmer/Rancher Self-Determination ToolSubmit your "Ask the Expert" questions to Kiana Sinner, ksinner@thurstoncd.com

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters, we chat with TJ Jenkins, Thurston Conservation District's (TCD) Habitat Restoration Field Crew Lead. Together, we discuss the exciting and impactful projects our habitat restoration field crew has been working on. TJ gives us the rundown on TCD's field crew and Veteran Conservation Corps internship programs and shares how folks can learn more and get involved with hands-on habitat restoration work. During this episode, TJ expresses his passion for this kind of work and his excitement for TCD's upcoming projects.Submit your ask-the-expert questions to Kiana at ksinner@thurstoncd.com.Resources:Contact Tj Jenkins, tjenkins@thurstoncd.com.Check out TCD's Facebook and Instagram to keep up with our field crew.Stay up to date with TCD's internship opportunities here.Learn more about the WDVA's Veteran Conservation Corps program.

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters, we chat with Paul D'Agnolo from the Office of Farmland Preservation at the WA State Conservation Commission and our own Nora Carman-White. They provide context and information about the state of farmland loss in Washington, why saving farmland from development is essential, and some of the tools for doing that preservation that support farmers, families, and communities. We specifically explore programs that support farmland preservation at the state level and TCD's own South Sound FarmLink program. Resources:Nora Carman-White, nwhite@thurstoncd.comPaul D'Agnolo, PD'Agnolo@scc.wa.govSouth Sound FarmlinkWashington State Conservation Commission Office of Farmland PreservationPlanning for the Future of Your Farm: Part 1 and Part 2

On this episode of Conservation Starters, we're joined by Ecostudies Institute Director of Science, Sarah Hamman and WSU Thurston County Extension Director, Stephen Bramwell. Together, we discuss the ecological and cultural importance of our South Sound Prairies. We delve into a recent study Sarah, Stephen, and their teams produced that looked at the ecological and economic benefits of grazing prairie land in Southwest Washington. Sarah and Stephen share how their impactful results are being used to implement more sustainable farming and conservation practices along Thurston County prairies.  Listen in to learn more about this exciting work and how you can get involved! Resources:Sarah Hamman, shamman@ecoinst.orgStephen Bramwell, bramwell@wsu.eduEcostudies Institute WSU Thurston County ExtensionSouthwest Washington Grazing Association Facebook GroupEcological and Economic Benefit-Cost Comparison of Grazed and Ungrazed Prairie Land for Critical Species Protection in Western Washington ReportEconomic Impacts ReportSARE Trials Partner Summary

On this episode of  Conservation Starters, we're joined by WSU Extension Forester, Patrick Shultz. Together, we discuss the new threat the emerald ash borer, an invasive wood boring beetle brings to Western Washington. We talk about the importance of our native and ornamental ash trees. Patrick also breaks down practical ways Thurston County residents can help slow the spread of this invasive beetle. Listen in to learn more about the emerald ash borer, why there's a growing concern, and how you can help be a part of the solution!ResourcesPatrick Shultz, patrick.shults@wsu.eduLearn more about Emerald Ash Borer here.Oregon ash tree identification.Emerald ash borer identification.

This month on Conservation Starters, Nora Carman-White, Communication & Education Manager at TCD takes the reigns as host to interview your usual Conservation Starters host, Kiana Sinner. Together, we discuss the importance of connecting with our community and the strategies we use to reach out. We talk about our educational workshops, Native Plant Festival & Sale, and volunteer program. We delve into a few things we're especially passionate about and share our individual commitment to supporting the community we cherish. Kiana also teases the exciting things coming in Season 2 of Conservation Starters. Tune in to learn more about our Education & Outreach department and how you can get involved with Thurston Conservation District! Resources:Kiana Sinner, ksinner@thurstoncd.comNora Carman-White, nwhite@thurstoncd.comTCD workshop recordingsSign up to receive our monthly newsletter Sign up to be a volunteerCheck out our Native Plant Festival & SaleFollow us on Instagram and like us on FacebookRock to Roots; Spokane Conservation District Podcast

 This month on Conservation Starters, we're joined for a second time by TCD's Senior Natural Resource Specialist, Adam Peterson. During this episode, we delve into the topic of soil health. Adam breaks down why soil health is so important and teaches us how we can make sure we're protecting the soil in our backyard! We also discuss the District's soil testing program and even analyze a soil test for Conservation Starters host, Kiana. Tune in to this episode to learn more about how you can get a sense of what's happening in your soil!Resource:Adam Peterson, aperterson@thurstoncd.comThurston CD's Soil Testing WebpageWSU's Growing Cover Crops GuideWSU's Plant Clinic WebpageDOE’s Web Map of Commercial Environmental Labs If you have a question about Conservation Starters or want to suggest an episode topic, contact Ksinner@thurstoncd.com.

 This month on Conservation Starters, we're joined by Washington State Orca Recovery Coordinator, Tara Galuska. During this episode, we learn more about our local Southern Resident orca pods, why they are endangered, and why it's important that we protect them. Tara shares the threats that Southern Resident orcas face and what we can do in our daily lives to make a difference for this vital species! We also talk about our upcoming Orca Recovery Day volunteer event, happening on October 15th at Squaxin Park and how folks all over the west coast can get involved in recovery efforts. Tune in to learn more about Southern Resident Orca Whales and how you can be a part of the solution to protect our pods! Resources:www.orca.wa.gov www.thurstoncd.com/ORD - Orca Recovery Day in Thurston County -www.betterground.org/ord/ - Not located in Thurston County? Learn about Orca Recovery Day events in your neighborhood Orcasound - Orcasound connects your headphones to live hydrophones (underwater microphones), your ears to an ocean of sound. Orca Network - a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of the Pacific Northwest whales.Questions about Orca Recovery Day? Contact Kiana Sinner, ksinner@thurstoncd.com

This month, on Conservation Starters, were joined by TCD's Conservation Program Manager Karin Strelioff, Engineering Geologist and Hydrogeologist Wendy Gerstel, and ISA Certified Arborist Ray Gleason. This second part episode takes a deep dive into our local shorelines. Wendy, a local geologist teaches us about the glacial formation of our Puget Sound beaches and delves into how water management plays a role in changes along our shorelines. We talk about the importance of vegetation along our shorelines and get some insight from Ray, a local arborist who shares his techniques for sustainably managing vegetation while also protecting property owners' views. Tune in to this episode to learn more!ResourcesKarin Strelioff, karin@thurstoncd.comShore Friendly ThurstonNorthwest Straits Foundation - Shore FriendlyWashington Coastal Atlas for all things coastal.Washington Geology Portal for all things geologic, and LiDAR.T-Sheets for historic coastline information.

 This month, on Conservation Starters, were joined by TCD's Conservation Program Manager, Karin Strelioff, and Patrick Townsend, a Puget Sound shoreline landowner. During this episode, we learn about the Shore Friendly Program and how partners from around Puget Sound are working together to assist shoreline property owners to protect their property and the vital habitat that surrounds it. We discuss bulkheads, the benefits of natural shoreline, and learn about how a shoreline is always changing. Patrick shares the challenges he faced on his property and relates his experience working with our staff, and regional partners on his family's shoreline restoration project.  Resources:Karin Strelioff, karin@thurstoncd.comShore Friendly ThurstonShorefriendly.orgNorthwest Straits Foundation - Shore FriendlyShore Friendly KitsapDepartment of Ecology Coastal AtlasNorthwest Straights Commission

This month, on Conservation Starters we're joined by Margaret Kreder our local stewardship forester. We discuss how forest landowners can be good stewards of their property whether that's in their back yard or their back forty. Margaret, who offers forestry site visits to local landowners, tells us what types of common problems she sees in forest stands and the best way to combat them. We also talk about an ongoing forestry webinar series that dives deeper into the world of forest health. Tune into this month's episode to learn more and see how to get involved! ResourcesRecorded Forestry Education Webinar Series: https://www.thurstoncd.com/education/workshops-tours/Conservation District Forestry Resources: https://www.masoncd.org/forest.htmlWSU Extension Forestry Resources: https://forestry.wsu.edu/Thurston CD Contact Information: https://www.thurstoncd.com/about-us/contact-us/ Contact Information: Margaret Kreder, 360-427-9436 ext. 102 or email mkreder@masoncd.org