Local Solutions to Local Natural Resource Concerns


​The mission of the Whidbey Island Conservation District is to assist in the management of natural resources on and around Whidbey Island for present and future generations, inspiring voluntary conservation practices through education outreach, as well as technical and financial assistance.​ We have a host of programs, resources, and support available to you, so contact us to learn more.
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The Whidbey Island Conservation District staff team.
OUR SERVICES

Whidbey Island Conservation District Services

Whidbey Island Conservation District staff provide a wide range of natural resource expertise and education. Contact us with questions about our programs and services, read the brochures linked below, and subscribe to our email lists to learn more.
  • ​​​What can WICD offer you? View our programs & service offerings here.
  • Conservation Districts are unique. Learn more about Districts here.
​Our DISTRICT at a GLance

Whidbey Island Conservation District at a Glance

Most people agree that conservation works best when people who live and work in an area learn to take care of their own natural resources. Established in 1967, Whidbey Island Conservation District is guided by a five-member volunteer board of supervisors and local staff with professional expertise, all of whom have a personal investment and interest in improving the quality of life in their communities on Whidbey Island.
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​As political sub-divisions of state government, conservation districts provide resources and programs that are voluntary and incentive-based, and available to all interested landowners and residents that live on Whidbey Island. WICD's technical assistance and educational programming is also free, non-regulatory, and can be tailored to meet your conservation goals.

We are the "boots on the ground" here on Whidbey, and WICD strives to be a community resource that empowers landowners to conserve natural resources on their property. Camano Island residents are served by the Snohomish Conservation District.
CHECK OUT WHAT'S NEW 
Connect with WICD to be the first to hear about resources & events. There's always something new and exciting happening here at WICD, so check out some of the publications below to get you started.

Whidbey Island Conservation District at a Glance

  • Events
  • Newsletter
  •    Weed Bulletin   
  •     Make a Difference  
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Events & Workshops

Whidbey Island Conservation District events and workshops happen throughout the year. Check WICD's online Calendar for upcoming events hosted by WICD.

Living With Beavers Workshop
​Thursday, August 23rd 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

​Come get your questions answered and learn about the importance of beavers and how you can live peacefully alongside them. Click HERE for more info and to RSVP.

Whidbey Island Growers Association
Summer Dessert Social 
Monday, August 13th 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
@ 3 Sisters Farm
​Scenic Heights Rd., Oak Harbor

Are you a Whidbey Island farmer or rural landowner interested in connecting with other Whidbey Island landowners? Staff from Whidbey Island Conservation District & WSU Extension Island County coordinate a monthly potluck group known as the Whidbey Island Growers Association that meets on the 2nd Monday of each month. It's purpose? To bring together resources, knowledge, and expertise on topics of interest directed by Whidbey Island farmers and rural landowners that attend. Come connect with others, enjoy good homemade food, and learn some new. To learn more, click on the image below, or visit whidbeycd.org/local-agriculture-outreach.

Conservation Connection Newsletter

Our bimonthly newsletter gives you the most comprehensive updates on events, resources, and tools via email. Check out what WICD is up to by visiting the Conservation Connection newsletter publication page. Be sure to Connect with us & subscribe by email.
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...Click image to be directed to the current issue

Weed Bulletin

​Our quarterly bulletin helps landowners identify local noxious weeds of concern, a partnership between WICD and Island County Noxious Weed Program. Be sure to check out current and past Weed Bulletins.
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...Click image to be directed to Weed Bulletin page & current issue

Make A Difference Column

This monthly column is part of the Whidbey Weekly newspaper, and features resource conservation tips and ideas for Whidbey landowners. Visit the Make A Difference Column page to see current and past editions.
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...Click to read the most recent Make a Difference Column article
MORE ABOUT DISTRICTS

What is the Role of a Conservation District?

Each of Washington state's 45 conservation districts are structured to be self-governed by a five-member volunteer board of supevisors who establishes local priorities and sets policy. Whidbey Island Conservation District's board of supervisors is made up of local farmers, landowners, and concerned citizens and is dedicated to maintaining Whidbey Island's renewable natural resources. Its priorities and goals include:
  • Protection and improvement of surface and groundwater quality
  • Assisting good stewardship of Farm & Forest land 
  • Watershed planning and implementation
  • Riparian restoration and enhancement
  • Fish and wildlife habitat enhancement
  • Conservation education
These goals are met through WICD's extensive technical assistance and public outreach programs. WICD's volunteer board of supervisors guides and administers WICD's programs to provide education and on-the-ground assistance to our cooperators. WICD staff work with private partners, local, state and federal government agencies, agricultural and environmental organizations, and other conservation districts. The WICD is funded through grants, a special Island County assessment, an annual native plant sale, and state general fund money requiring a dollar-for-dollar match.

Conservation Districts work extensively with local, regional, state, and federal partners, including individual landowners, non-profit and for-profit organizations, and county, state, and federal government organizations. Each year, we host an Open House to celebrate our conservation partners. 

Congratulations, 2017 Conservation Partners!

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Click to view image in full size.

Election Notice: Election Cancelled & Incumbent Automatically Re-elected

The election for a seat on the Whidbey Island Conservation District Board of Supervisors set for February 6, 2018, at the Whidbey Island Conservation District, 1 NE 4th Street, Coupeville, Washington has been canceled because the incumbent has been re-elected by reason of being the only person filing for the position by the filing deadline.
 Therefore, no poll site, mail, or absentee balloting will be performed pursuant to WAC 135-110-370.
 For further information contact the District at 360-678-4708.
​.

Washington State Conservation Commission
​2017 Annual Report

The Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC) is the coordinating state agency for all 45 conservation districts in Washington State, which includes Whidbey Island Conservation District. Together, the WSCC and conservation districts provide voluntary, incentive-based programs that empower private landowners to implement conservation on their property. Check out the accomplishments of our district, along with other conservation districts in Washington state by viewing the 2017 Annual Report below.
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...Click to view 2017 Annual Report
VISIT US

Come Visit Us

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: 1 NE 4th St. Coupeville, WA 98239
Mailing: PO Box 490, Coupeville, WA 98239
Phone: (888) 678-4922 | (360) 678-4708 
Email: wicd@whidbeycd.org OR
​for a quicker response, visit the "About Us" page to locate individual staff members & email them directly
​
​Get directions to our office here.
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...Click to download & view final approved FY2019 Work Plan & Budget

Whidbey Island Conservation District
Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Plan of Work & Budget Approved

At the Whidbey Island Conservation District's May board meeting, held 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Wed., May 23rd, and after a public comment period of May 5th - 21st, the WICD Board Supervisors approved the Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Plan of Work and Budget. The final approved work plan and budget can be viewed under "District Documents of Interest" on the "About Us" page of the WICD website, or by clicking the image below to download a .PDF.
Don't Miss Our May/June Conservation Connection Newsletter
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We hope you enjoy reading about projects and events, as well as other news about the Whidbey Island Conservation District and we encourage you to subscribe to receive the newsletter and other resources sent directly to you by email. Subscribe at http://bit.ly/2D7acPP.

Connect with WICD

Sign up to receive a great wealth of natural resource conservation information and expertise directly in your inbox. 
Sign Up Now

WICD Job Announcement

Whidbey Island Conservation District 
​is accepting applications for a
full-time, non-exempt position of 
Farm and Forest Natural Resource Specialist. For job description, including qualifications, duties, and benefits, plus application materials and submission instructions, ​click button below. Application deadline August 15, 2018.

Upcoming WICD Events

Next Board Meeting

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The meeting will be held in the WICD Conference Room, 1 NE 4th St, Coupeville, WA.
Open to the public.

To view the 2018 Board Meeting Schedule for the Whidbey Island Conservation District, click here.

For a copy of the upcoming board meeting agenda, please contact wicd[at]whidbeycd.org or call (888) 678-4922.

Kick-Off Meeting
Lone Lake Algae Management Project

August 23, 5 - 6:30pm at Deer Lagoon Grange. Join neighbors and partners to review the history of Lone Lake water quality efforts,
and introduce the goals, objectives, and timeline of this new grant project
to develop a Lake Management Plan.
Click HERE for more info.

Living With Beavers
Workshop, August 23rd

Come get your questions answered and learn about the importance of beavers and how you can live peacefully alongside them. Click HERE for more info and to RSVP. 

Other Events

"Keeping Crescent Clean"
Informational Meeting
August 15, 4-6:00 pm at Crescent Harbor Elementary. 
Join Island County & partners to learn about water quality in Crescent Creek Watershed & what we can all do to improve it. Click HERE for more info.

When it comes to conservation resources, we have you covered.

Farm Planning & Rural Landowner Resources
Our staff's top picked resources for rural property conservation - a great introduction to farm planning and other agricultural topics!
Download your FARM & AGRICULTURE packet here
Beginning Farmer Resources
Our staff's top picked resources for rural property conservation - a great introduction to farm planning and other agricultural topics!
Download your BEGINNING FARMER PACKET here
Horses & Pasture Resources
Our staff's top picked horse resource planning packet.
Download your HORSES & PASTURE PACKET here
Forest Stewardship Resources 
Our staff's top picked resources on forest stewardship for Whidbey Island residents.
Download your FOREST STEWARDSHIP PACKET here
Firewise Resources
Our staff's top picked resources on the science behind wildfire and how to be more "Firewise" as a resident living on Whidbey Island.
Download your FIREWISE PACKET here
Water Resources 
Check out our staff selection of introductory water resource management information. 
​Download your WATER RESOURCES PACKET here
Bluff & Shoreline Resources
As a highbank or shoreline/ waterfront property owner on Whidbey Island, this packet has great resources for managing your property in a way that conserves your resources. Note: Before modification of any critical area, be sure to inquire with the local County representative for necessary permitting and questions.
Download your BLUFF & SHORELINE PACKET here
Soil Conservation Resources
Understanding your soils is a foundation for any backyard conservation endeavor. Check out this compilation soils information identified by our staff as your soils intro. If you are looking specifically for information on where to do soil testing, check out  https://puyallup.wsu.edu/soils/soils/ or contact the District at (888) 678-4922 to learn more.
Download your SOIL CONSERVATION PACKET here
Native Plants Resources
Native plants provide a landowner with countless possibilities for infusing conservation into their backyards. Whether you have a wetland, a shoreline, a forest, or a lot in town, you won't want to miss the resources in this intro to native plants packet. Be sure to also check out our Recommended Book List for native plant identification and landscaping. This also includes some of the top digital links to websites that can help you with selecting native plant species to fit your conservation goals! ​
​Download your NATIVE PLANTS PACKET here
Download your HOA NATIVE PLANTS / BACKYARD CONSERVATION COMPILATION PACKET here
Noxious Weeds Resources
Noxious weeds can inhibit conservation practices on your property. It is important to know how to identify noxious weeds and manage them. Learn more by downloading our top resources on noxious weeds below.
Download your NOXIOUS WEEDS PACKET here
Copyright 2018
Whidbey Island Conservation District
​(mailing) PO Box 490, Coupeville, WA 98239
(office location) 1 NE 4th Street, Coupeville, WA
360-678-4708 |  888-678-4922