Conservation Success Stories

The Conservation Commission and conservation districts integrate  science, technology, and effective strategies for engaging people into our  voluntary solutions. This helps us build community around conservation and  deliver multi-benefit results. You’ll find examples of these solutions—and  the results we’ve been able to celebrate with participating landowners and  partners—in these community success stories.

A Hands-On Approach to Soil Health

Sustainable Farms & Fields
Skagit Conservation District

SoilCon Field Day, hosted by the Washington Soil Health Initiative (WaSHI) and WSU’s Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources (CSANR), offers an interactive experience focused on soil health. This event brings participants into the field for practical, hands-on learning.

One of this year’s key demonstrations featured a biochar kiln funded by the Sustainable Farms and Fields program. This portable kiln converts waste wood and forest byproducts into biochar, a carbon-rich product that can improve soil health and help sequester carbon.

For more information, visit SoilCon Field Day Resources.

📸: Nick Kunz from Skagit Conservation District showing the biochar kiln.

More Community Stories:

Grays Harbor Conservation District

Taming the River: A Collaborative Approach to Ecosystem

A $2.4 million river restoration project on the Satsop River. The project includes reshaping the riverbank and adding log jams to improve water flow and create a better habitat for wildlife. With 400+ acres of riparian restoration planned, the project is already helping to reduce flooding and improve the river's health.

Full Story
Lincoln County Conservation District

Field Demonstration with Grazing Livestock

Delaini Disher’s photo, “Well-Attended Field Demonstration” captures the use of livestock in sustainable farming, highlighting the importance of biomass collection from a grazed cover crop field.

Full Story
Ferry Conservation District

Exclusion Fencing: A Lasting Conservation Tool

Mckenzi Coleman's "Exclusion Fence" photo highlights the enduring value of exclusion fencing as a tool for protecting natural resources like salmon streams and safeguarding livestock.

Full Story