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

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!

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)

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we are joined by TCD's Senior Natural Resource Specialist, Emily Landrus and Natural Resource Specialist, Aimee Richardson to discuss our farm equipment rental program. Together, we discuss all the details about the low-cost farm equipment and hand tools we rent as a resource to our local community. We also dive into the types of equipment we have available, what community members use them for, and we give you all the tips and tricks you need to be successful!

Resources

• Tool & Equipment Rental Webpage
• No-till Drill How-to Video
• Soil & Nutrient Testing Webpage
• Farm Resource Library Webpage
  • Manure Management Guide
  • How to use and Compost Horse Manure
  • Pasture Management Calendar

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters, we are joined by our local Master Gardener, Cor Carlton, WSU Master Gardener and Master Recycler Composter Program Manager. Together, we talk about the two programs she manages and discuss how to get involved. She shares fall gardening tips and we share information about our annual plant sales.

Resources:

• WSU Thurston County Extension Website
• WSU Thurston County Extension Gardening/Composting/Recycling Resources Webpage
• Have a Gardening or Waste Reduction Question? Have a WSU Master Gardener or Master Recycler Composter answer your question. Learn more here.
• Upcoming Events and Outreach
• Plant Sale – Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County
• Thurston County Solid Waste Upcoming Events/Workshops
• USDA Plant Hardiness Zones
• Great Plant Picks
• Burke Herbarium Image Collection
• Oregon State University Landscape Plant Database
• Thurston Conservation District Native Plant Sale

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters sit down with TCD's Senior Natural Resource Specialist, Kendall Carman to better understand the way we support community members in the Thurston County. Together, we break down what terms like technical assistance and cost-share mean. We also discuss what these processes look like and share resources and ways to get involved.

Resources:

• Kendal Carman, kcarman@thurstoncd.com
• TCD Resource Library
• Recorded Webinars
• Natural Resource Conservation Service
• WSU Extension
• Voluntary Stewardship Program Podcast Episode

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we sit down with Thurston Conservation District's Stewardship Forester, Alex Chacon to discuss how TCD is now offering more support for forest landowners in our community. We dive into what "healthy forests" can look like and we discuss the importance of planning for your forest land. We also explore the topic of climate assisted migration and talk about what this management technique can look like in our region. Tune in to learn more!

Resources:

• Alex Chacon, achacon@thurstoncd.com
• Learn more about TCD's technical assistance and conservation planning
• Emerald Ash Borer Podcast Episode
• WSU Extension Forestry