Conservation Starters – Details, episodes & analysis

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 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

 On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we sit down with Thurston Conservation District's Habitat Restoration Specialist, Joey Burgess to discuss the role of riparian buffers on our landscape. We discuss the benefits of adding plants along streams and river and outline two TCD programs that offer financial support for landowners to implement conservation projects on their property. Tune in to learn more about riparian buffers, CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program), and the new Tiered Incentive Program! 

Resources:

• Joey Burgess, jburgess@thurstoncd.com
• WSCC CREP
• WSCC Riparian Grant Program: Tiered Incentive Program
• Role of Riparian Buffers Webinar - June 5th, 2024. RSVP here.
• Low-tech Process Based Restoration of Riverscapes

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.com
Farm my Yard
Workshop Recordings
Upcoming Events
GRuB
WSU Master Gardeners
WSU 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 Events
• Hedgerow Toolkit
  • How-to Handbook
  • Videos
  • Toolkit Resources
• Hedgerow Webinar Recording
• Native 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 360-438-8715
• Social Media - @nisquallyriver
• https://nisquallyriver.org/
• Nisqually River Watershed Stewardship Plan
• Citizens Advisory Committee
• Nisqually River Council Meetings
• Nisqually Stream Stewards
• Nisqually 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 Conference
Become a TCD Board of Supervisor Member

 On this month's episode of Conservation Starters, we are joined by Patrick Shults, WSU Extension Forester and resident agroforestry expert! Together, we discuss the growing popularity of agroforestry, a practice blending agriculture and forestry practices. We dive into the types of emerging agroforestry practices and discuss what benefits were seeing for not only our environment, but for our local farmers too.

Resources:

• Patrick Shults, WSU Extension Forester, patrick.shults@wsu.edu
• Check out agroforestry resources here.
• Check out Patrick's podcast Forest Overstory here.
• Sign up to receive TCD's newsletter here.

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.