About Whidbey Island Conservation District
Conservation districts are trusted, community-based hubs of expertise and funding that work with you to achieve your environmental stewardship goals. As a subdivision of state government, we provide free resources and incentive-based programs to all Whidbey Island residents. In addition to our team of informed planners we offer adaptive community programming. Our education and outreach team provides environmental education specific to Whidbey Island.
The devastating land damage and agricultural challenges brought on by the Dust Bowl in the 1930s helped spur the formation of conservation districts nationwide. Working in partnership with local landowners and the federal Natural Resource Conservation Service, we provide non-regulatory, boots-on-the-ground expertise. We work with you to assess your specific needs, make stewardship recommendations, and help fund appropriate solutions.
Established in 1967, we are staffed and led by locals who understand the needs of the landscapes and community members we serve.
The devastating land damage and agricultural challenges brought on by the Dust Bowl in the 1930s helped spur the formation of conservation districts nationwide. Working in partnership with local landowners and the federal Natural Resource Conservation Service, we provide non-regulatory, boots-on-the-ground expertise. We work with you to assess your specific needs, make stewardship recommendations, and help fund appropriate solutions.
Established in 1967, we are staffed and led by locals who understand the needs of the landscapes and community members we serve.
What We Do
We empower people to care for natural resources using scientifically backed best management practices and financial assistance. Working with our planners, you can address natural resource problems and identify opportunities for more effective management, at your own pace. The planning process takes into consideration the size of the parcel, type of soils, slope of the land, proximity to streams or water bodies, type of livestock or crops, and resources such as machinery, buildings, and available finances. Then, we work together to develop specific actions you can take to achieve your land use goals.
Conservation planners evaluate changes to improve health and productivity while reducing impacts on natural resources. Some examples include stream-side fencing, riparian plantings, gutters and downspouts, rain gardens, composting manure, pasture management and renovation, weed management techniques, creating sacrifice areas, and rotation of livestock. Planners can help answer your questions, provide technical guidance, and recommend additional help such as financial assistance.
Once you have decided which changes you would like to make on your property, you work with your planner to set a tentative implementation schedule. Revisions of the schedule and the plan can be made as your goals and needs change. All aspects of our services are free of charge, confidential, and completely voluntary, as WICD is a non-regulatory, non-enforcement agency.
Conservation planners evaluate changes to improve health and productivity while reducing impacts on natural resources. Some examples include stream-side fencing, riparian plantings, gutters and downspouts, rain gardens, composting manure, pasture management and renovation, weed management techniques, creating sacrifice areas, and rotation of livestock. Planners can help answer your questions, provide technical guidance, and recommend additional help such as financial assistance.
Once you have decided which changes you would like to make on your property, you work with your planner to set a tentative implementation schedule. Revisions of the schedule and the plan can be made as your goals and needs change. All aspects of our services are free of charge, confidential, and completely voluntary, as WICD is a non-regulatory, non-enforcement agency.
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Our free services include:
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