Conservation Starters

Across Washington State, conservation looks different in every community, but the mission is shared.

 From wildfire-prone rangelands and forests in Okanogan and Cascadia to the fertile soils of the Palouse, from shellfish-rich shorelines in Mason County to rapidly growing urban landscapes in Clark, conservation districts are tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time, climate change, clean water, agricultural viability, and community resilience.

 In this episode of Conservation Starters, Thurston Conservation District brings together leaders from across the state to explore the unique and shared conservation challenges facing communities across Washington State. We explore what makes conservation districts so effective, what it takes to lead in today’s complex environment, and how a statewide network of locally trusted partners is turning big challenges into real solutions on the ground.

Learn more about Washington State conservation Districts!

• Thurston Conservation District
• Cascadia Conservation District
• Clark Conservation District
• Mason Conservation District
• Okanogan Conservation District
• Palouse Conservation District

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters, guest host Sarah Moorehead, sits down with Thurston County Commissioner Carolina Mejia, Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier, Aslan Meade from Thurston Economic Development Council, and Jennifer Colvin from Colvin Ranch to discuss new pathways to strengthening our local food infrastructure. In Thurston County, our farms and ranches are more than just part of the landscape, they are part of who we are. They feed our families, steward our natural resources, and sustain a way of life rooted in connection to the land. But for years, local producers have faced a growing challenge: limited access to meat processing. Animals were transported long distances, costs increased, and small and mid-sized operations struggled to stay viable. Now, that’s changing. A new USDA-certified meat processing facility in Thurston County is creating a critical link in our local food system: bringing processing capacity closer to home, expanding opportunities for farmers and ranchers, and increasing access to locally raised food for our community. This project is the result of strong local partnerships. Producers, public leaders, and organizations, including the Thurston Conservation District, are working together to advance practical, community-driven solutions. It reflects our shared commitment to voluntary stewardship, thriving working lands, and a resilient, locally rooted economy. At its heart, this is about more than infrastructure. It’s about ensuring that Thurston County remains a place where agriculture can thrive, communities stay connected to their food, and future generations can continue to steward the land. Tune in to learn more!

Resources:

• Thurston Economic Development Council
• Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier
• Thurston County Commissioner Carolina Mejia
• Colvin Ranch
• Agriculture Innovation Park
• Regional Agricultural Development
  
  

This week, we’re joined by TCD’s Executive Director, Sarah Moorehead, for an inside look at what’s new at TCD. We dive into our exciting new strategic plan and the behind-the-scenes work that brought it to life. We also share important updates on our 2026 budget, including rates and charges renewal, and tackle some common misconceptions about Conservation Districts. Plus, don’t miss a few updates about the podcast itself. Tune in to stay connected!

Resources:

Check out our 2026 - 2030 Strategic Plan

Learn more about Rates and Charges

View our 2026 Annual Budget

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we are joined by Corin Pease, Pollinator Conservation Specialist at Xerces Society & NRCS Partner Biologist. Corin’s experience spans agriculture, entomology, and integrated pest management (IPM). As a researcher, Corin has studied insects associated with native hedgerows, conservation biological control, and pest management. We dive into what constitutes a pollinator vs. a beneficial insect, the role of beneficial insects in agriculture, and tools for building resilience to the things that threaten these important insects whether you farm or have a yard. Listen to learn how we can all positively impact these important insects!

Resources

• Xerces Society Publications Library
• Xerces Society Pollinator Resource Center
• Xerces Society WA Bumble Bee Habitat Kits
• Xerces Society Bumble Bee Atlas
• Discovering Hedgerows Pt. 1 - Podcast Episode
• Discovering Hedgerows Pt. 2 - Podcast Episode
• TCD's Resource Library
• TCD's Native Plant Sale - pre-order through January 2026

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we are joined by Dr. Carri LeRoy a local researcher and professor at The Evergreen State College. Together, we discuss why improving water quality is important, the role macroinvertebrates play in the ecosystem, and the importance of the carbon cycle. Dr. LeRoy talks about her intriguing research and shares ways we can all support a healthier future. Tune in to learn more!

Learn More

• Dr. LeRoy's Research
• Dr. LeRoy's Lectures on Aquatic Entomology Part 1
• Dr. LeRoy's Lectures on Aquatic Entomology Part 2

Get Involved

• Thurston County Stream Team

Interesting Articles

• The Carboniferous Period and Fossil Fuels: Understanding Their Connection
• A Graphical History of Atmospheric CO2 Levels Over Time
• Global river water quality under climate change and hydroclimatic extremes
• The Impact of Pharmaceuticals Released to the Environment
• Why is Clean Water Important? A Lifeline for Health, Prosperity, and Sustainability

 On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we are joined by Kim Adelson, vice president and education chair of the South Sound Bird Alliance. Together, we dive into the the world of birds. We discuss the role birds play in riparian zones, areas near streams and rivers and why their presences is a vital part of a healthy and functioning ecosystem. We also explore the history of riparian zones in the Pacific northwest and discuss how this has led to a decline in bird species regionally. Tune in to learn more about how the South Sound Bird Alliance is supporting conservation efforts and learn about the role you can play to be a part of the solution!  

Resources:

South Sound Birding Alliance

Timberland Library Birding Kit

Ripple Effect - Learn about riparian zones

Book: Birds of the Pacific Northwest

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we are joined by Elyssa Kerr, Executive Director of Beavers Northwest. Together, we dive into the the world of beavers. We discuss the history of the American Beaver and hear all about why this critter is a vital part of a healthy and functioning ecosystem. We also explore the conflict humans and beavers face and discuss ways we can collaboratively work with nature's ecosystem engineer to support a healthy ecosystem and support infrastructure and agricultural lands. Tune in to learn more about Beaver Northwest's important work in our community!

Resources:

• Beavers Northwest (beaversnw.org)
• The Beaver Institute
• Eager (Book)
• Beaver Con (Convention)
• iNaturalist

This podcast is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters, we are joined by TCD's Board of Supervisors TJ Johnson, Betsie De Wreede, Doug Rushton, Marianne Tompkins, and David Iyall. During this episode, we get to know each of our board members and hear more about TCD's organizational goals. We discuss the responsibilities of board supervisors and learn more about our upcoming election. Tune in to hear about TCD's organizational priorities and how to get involved in our Board elections!

A mail-in election for Position 2 on TCD's Board of Supervisors will be held March 18, 2025. Registered voters who live within the Conservation District boundaries are encouraged to vote in the 2025 election. Get your ballot in person March 12-18 during weekdays between 8am and 4:30pm from elections staff at the Thurston Conservation District offices (582 Tilley Ct SE, Suite 152, Tumwater, WA 98501)

Resources:

• Learn more about TCD's Board Members here.
• Learn more about TCD election here.
• 2025 Appointed Board Member opening.

Other election and appointment resources:

• WSCC Appointed Board Member Application Form
• Election and Appointment WAC
• CD Supervisor Appointment Guide
• Conservation District Elections Accountability and Transparency Information
• WA State Conservation Commission (WSCC) Guide to Conservation District Elections
• Conservation District Elections FAQs from WSCC
• TCD’s Election FAQ page

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters, we are joined by Senior WSU Extension Coordinator & Educator, Erica Guttman. During this episode we dive even deeper into the world of hedgerows, exploring hedgerow design and planting plans. We discuss how to examine your landscape and choose the best plants for your space. We also talk about sourcing plants for your hedgerow and share lots of resources available to our listeners! Tune in to hear more about our ongoing partnership and learn about upcoming opportunities to get involved. 

Resources:

Hedgerow Toolkit

Hedgerow Webinars & Videos

Native Plant Salvage Plant Sale

Thurston Conservation District Native Plant Festival & Sale

Plant Sourcing List

Sign-up to join us on March 22nd!

This podcast is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we are joined by Xerces Society's Senior Endangered Species Conservation Biologist and Freshwater Mussel Lead, Emilie Blevins and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife's Native Freshwater Fish and Freshwater Shellfish Specialist, Marie Winkowski to discuss the secret strength of freshwater mussels. Together, we discuss our local freshwater mussel's life cycle and habitat. We also explore the ecological and cultural significance and discuss how we are working collaboratively to build resilience for these at-risk species

Resources:

• Xerces Society - About Freshwater Mussels
• WDFW - Western pearlshell mussel
• WDFW - Western ridged mussel
• WDFW - Zebra mussel
• Share your Freshwater Mussels sighting here
• Conserving the Gems of Our Waters (Book)
• Absurd Creature of the Week: This Mussel Does an Incredible Impression of a Fish (Article and Video by Wired)

This podcast is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.