Our state boasts an incredible variety of breathtaking ecosystems, each supporting unique plants, wildlife, and communities. We’re highlighting an innovative conservation effort led by Mckenzi Coleman of Ferry Conservation District in the serene Julian Bay of Curlew Lake near Republic, WA.
Mckenzi and her team have developed floating wetlands using native plants such as Small Fruited Bulrush and Beaked Sedge. These carefully crafted wetlands serve a critical role in improving water quality by absorbing excess phosphorus, a nutrient that, in high concentrations, can disrupt aquatic ecosystems. This process not only restores balance to the water but also fosters a healthier environment for native plant and wildlife species.
Want to see this remarkable work in action? Watch Mckenzi’s informative video to learn more about how floating wetlands are making a difference: https://youtu.be/0mYcv4559Cs.
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.
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.
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.
