Conservation Starters
Thurston Conservation District
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Conservation Starters is a podcast created by the Thurston Conservation District. This series is dedicated to empowering Thurston County residents to steward our shared natural resources. Through thoughtful conversations with TCD staff, community partners, and community members we explore a program or issue related to the work of the Conservation District and how our community can engage with us and our staff.
Available episodes
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May 4, 2023
Tools for Small Farms and Urban Growers
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.gov
NRCS Service Center Locator
NRCS Urban Agriculture
NRCS WA Environmental Quality Incentives Program
NRCS WA Conservation Stewardship Program
Limited Resource Farmer/Rancher Self-Determination Tool
Submit your "Ask the Expert" questions to Kiana Sinner, ksinner@thurstoncd.com
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Apr 19, 2023
Boots-on-the-ground with our Habitat Restoration Field Crew
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.
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Mar 21, 2023
Farm On!
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.com
* Paul D'Agnolo, PD'Agnolo@scc.wa.gov
* South Sound Farmlink
* Washington State Conservation Commission Office of Farmland Preservation
* Planning for the Future of Your Farm: Part 1 and Part 2
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Jan 31, 2023
Grazing for the Good of Prairies
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.org
* Stephen Bramwell, bramwell@wsu.edu
* Ecostudies Institute
* WSU Thurston County Extension
* Southwest Washington Grazing Association Facebook Group
* Ecological and Economic Benefit-Cost Comparison of Grazed and Ungrazed Prairie Land for Critical Species Protection in Western Washington Report
* Economic Impacts Report
* SARE Trials Partner Summary
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Dec 23, 2022
Emerald Ash Borer
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!
*Resources*
* Patrick Shultz, patrick.shults@wsu.edu
* Learn more about Emerald Ash Borer here.
* Oregon ash tree identification.
* Emerald ash borer identification.
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Dec 1, 2022
Community Connection
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.com
* Nora Carman-White, nwhite@thurstoncd.com
* TCD workshop recordings
* Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter
* Sign up to be a volunteer
* Check out our Native Plant Festival & Sale
* Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook
* Rock to Roots; Spokane Conservation District Podcast
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Nov 4, 2022
Get a Sense of Your Soil
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.com
* Thurston CD's Soil Testing Webpage
* WSU's Growing Cover Crops Guide
* WSU's Plant Clinic Webpage
* DOE’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.
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Oct 3, 2022
Orca Recovery in the Salish Sea
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
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Sep 6, 2022
Shore Friendly for Puget Sound: Part 2
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!*
Resources
*Karin Strelioff, karin@thurstoncd.com
Shore Friendly Thurston
Northwest Straits Foundation - Shore Friendly
Washington Coastal Atlas for all things coastal.
Washington Geology Portal for all things geologic, and LiDAR.
T-Sheets for historic coastline information.
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Aug 8, 2022
Shore Friendly for Puget Sound: Part 1
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.com
* Shore Friendly Thurston
* Shorefriendly.org
* Northwest Straits Foundation - Shore Friendly
* Shore Friendly Kitsap
* Department of Ecology Coastal Atlas
* Northwest Straights Commission
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Jul 7, 2022
Engaging Local Youth
This month, on Conservation Starters, were joined by Stephanie Bishop and Sam Nadell, TCD's youth education staff. During this episode, we learn about the history of our k-12 program South Sound GREEN and how it has evolved and grown over the last 30 years to meet the growing need for hands-on science education in Thurston County. We also discuss the challenges our staff faced and the solutions they found to continue providing education to students during the pandemic. Tune in to this conversation to learn more about TCD's programs geared towards youth, teens, and young adults. If you are a Thurston County parent, teacher, or student this is the episode for you!
Contact Information:
Stephanie Bishop, sbishop@thurstoncd.com
Sam Nadell, snadell@thurstoncd.com
Resources:
SouthSoundGREEN.org
* Classroom Lessons
* Teacher Resources
Teens in Thurston
South Puget Sound Regional Envirothon
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Jun 22, 2022
Voluntary Stewardship
This month, on Conservation Starters, were joined by 5th generation farmer Carissa Miller who is the owner and operator of Withywindle Valley Farm and TCD's Senior Natural Resource Specialist, Marguerite Abplanalp. Together, we discuss the challenges and triumphs that come with being a farmer in Thurston County and learn about the Voluntary Stewardship Program - a program that offers local producers an alternative way to protect and voluntarily enhance environmentally critical areas while maintaining and improving the long-term viability of local agriculture.
Contact Information:
Marguerite Abplanalp, mabplanalp@thurstoncd.com
Carissa Miller, withywindlevalleyfarm@gmail.com
Resources:
Withywindle Valley Farm
Thurston Conservation District VSP Sign-up Form
Thurston County VSP
Interested in joining the VSP workgroup? Contact Marguerite Abplanalp, mabplanalp@thurstoncd.com for more information.
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May 5, 2022
Climate Change Resiliency
This month, on Conservation Starters, we're joined by Adam Petersen who is one of Thurston Conservation District's Senior Natural Resource Specialists. Adam's background in GIS and crop science, coupled with his personal interest in climate change and emergency preparedness, makes him the perfect guest to discuss the local impacts of climate change and how our community can best prepare. During the episode, we discuss the current and projected increases in wildfire, flooding, drought, and extreme heatwaves due to climate change. Listen in to learn easy steps you and your family can take to be more climate-resilient!
Contact Information: Adam Peterson, apetersen@thurstoncd.com
Flood, Fire, Drought, Heat, and other Emergency Preparedness Resources: Thurston Conservation District Emergency Preparedness Resource Webpage
Thurston County Mapping Resource: Thurston Geodata
Wildfire Preparedness Resources: Wildfire in Western Washington: A Different Animal (Webinar), Firewise.org, DNRFirew…
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Apr 4, 2022
Fostering our Forests
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!
*Resources*
Recorded Forestry Education Webinar Series: https://www.thurstoncd.com/education/workshops-tours/
Conservation District Forestry Resources: https://www.masoncd.org/forest.html
WSU 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**
*
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Mar 3, 2022
Frogs on Farms
During this month's episode of Conservation Starters, we're joined by four guests! Mara Healy our Senior Habitat Restoration Specialist, Nick George & Cassie Doll from USFW Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, and Jake Yancey of Tracking Y Ranch. These guests join us to talk about the Frogs on Farms program. During this conversation, we discuss how local landowners and producers are working alongside conservation organizations to support the protected Oregon Spotted Frog through sustainable farming practices like conservation grazing.
Resources:
If you have questions about the Frogs on Farms program or would like to learn more about how our organization can assist you with meeting your land goals, reach out to our guests using the contact information below.
Mara Healy, Senior Habitat Restoration Specialist: mhealy@thurstoncd.com
Nick George, Washington State Coordinator Partners for Fish Program: nicholas_george@fws.gov
Cassie Doll, Partners for Fish and Wildlife Biologist…
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Feb 3, 2022
A Sit-down with TCD's Executive Director
During this month's episode of Conservation Starters, we sit down with Thurston Conservation District's Executive Director, Sarah Moorehead. In our conversation, we delve into the history of conservation districts and how they formed to readily respond to local needs. We discuss the current priorities of Thurston Conservation District and share how we serve the community members of Thurston County. During our sit down, Sarah tells us how she joined the natural resource field and fell in love with conservation work! She also discusses upcoming projects that she's excited about as well as what the future holds for the Thurston Conservation District.
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Dec 21, 2021
Conservation Starters: A Thurston Conservation District Podcast
Conservation Starters is a podcast created by the Thurston Conservation District. This series is dedicated to empowering Thurston County residents to steward our shared natural resources. Through thoughtful conversations with TCD staff, community partners, and community members we explore a program or issue related to the work of the Conservation District and how our community can engage with us and our staff.
Episodes can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, and Stitcher.
You can also find more information and links to future episodes at www.thurstoncd.com
Music by Nora Carman-White, Communications & Education Manager.
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