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WICD
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    • Staff
    • District Documents >
      • Work Plans
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    • Volunteer
    • Community Involvement >
      • Orca Recovery Day
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  • Our Services
    • Events & Education
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      • Cost Share Opportunities
      • Horse & Livestock Services
      • Agricultural Community
      • Beginning Farmer Resources
      • Farmland Owner & Transitioning Farmer Resources
    • Firewise
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    • Habitat Stewardship
    • Native Plants
    • Water Management >
      • Stormwater & Rain Gardens
  • News & Publications
    • Newsletter
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      • What Do CDs Do?
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Habitat Stewardship

Our backyards are where better ground begins.

Picture your property. Each plant, each structure, each pathway and drain. Bring it to life in your mind’s eye. Your yard is your very own mini ecosystem. That ecosystem includes you and your family, but it's much bigger than that. You share it with everything from tiny soil micro-organisms all the way up to squirrels and deer. Rain, snow, and wind affect it, and can even change it by knocking down a tree or flooding a low area of lawn. The location of your gutter drains, your impervious concrete surfaces (like driveways), and the fertility of the soil on which your grass grows all influence your ecosystem.

Is your backyard ecosystem healthy? Are all the components of it working together properly? And if not, how can you make improvements?
We have some tips and resources you can access to assess the health of your property’s ecosystem, and lots of resources to help you with improvement and conservation projects. Check out our resource tabs, where we’ve digitized all of our print resources for you to browse.
​
If you still have questions after you’ve checked out our resources, or you’d like some help planning your backyard conservation project, please request assistance through our form below - and note that since we are a free and voluntary agency, many utilize our services and we often have a waitlist for these services.
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"We were in awe of the land’s beauty and felt we personally gained so much just by being surrounded by nature. Once we realized the adverse impacts of noxious weeds and non-native plants on the forest’s health, we felt a responsibility to help however we could."       -Joan Stoupa & Doug Nierman
               Spring 2021 Landowner Ambassadors

Habitat Stewardship Resources

Click a Tab Below for Resources:
Backyard conservation resources

Native Plants promote  

Better Ground

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WICD offers volunteer opportunities with its annual Native Plant Sale.
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'll want to browse and click on the publications listed below. If you are trying to locate the WICD Annual Native Bareroot Plant Sale, click here.

Getting Started with PNW Native Plants
  • WICD Annual Plant Sale
  • ​Western Washington Native Plants
  • ​WICD's Native Plant Book List
  • ​​Edible Native Plant Book List
  • Rules for Foraging on Public Lands (2016)
  • ​WICD's Native Plant Activity Cards
  • Get to Know A ​Native Plant Sit Spot Activity
  • Right Plant, Right Place
  • ​​​Island County Plant Lists
  • ​Example Local Native Plant Fact Cards
  • ​Washington Native Plant Society
  • ​WSU Master Gardener HortSense
  • ​WSU Island County Master Gardeners
  • ​​​WSU Extension Native Plant Landscaping
  • ​Sound Native Plants Fact Sheets
  • ​​Grow Native: Native Plant Database
  • ​​​Learning About Soil Texture Exercise

Step-by-Step Guides for Native Plants
  • Northwest Native Plant Guide
  • ​Conservation Landscaping
  • ​​​​Plants to Enhance Land & Sea
  • ​Landscaping in the Pacific Northwest
  • Understanding Native Plants by Height
  • ​Gardening with Purpose
  • ​5 Steps to Natural Yard Care
  • Bare Root Planting Guide​​
  • Cutting Propagation Methods PNW
  • ​Live Stakes
  • Salvage Tips from Sound Native Plants

Go Natural
  • Natural Yard Care
  • Living Responsibly in Your Community

Irrigation & Watering
  • Drip Irrigation: The Basics

Mulching Tips
  • Mulch Basics
  • ​WSU Guide to Mulches

Alternative Pest Management
  • Alt Pest Mgmt for Lawn & Garden

Microclimates
  • Understanding Microclimates in Your Yard
  • Garden Microclimate Site Evaluation

​Pollinators
  • Promoting Pollinators
  • ​Pollinator Plants: Maritime NW Region
  • ​Native Plants that Attract Bees
  • ​4 Principles to Help Bees & Butterflies
  • Pollinator Conservation: PNW
  • ​Hedgerow Planting for Pollinators

Birds & Wildlife
  • Planting for Birds
  • ​Audubon - Why Native Plants Matter
  • ​Bird Friendly Winter Gardens
  • Whidbey Audubon Society
  • Living with Wildlife
  • ​Landscape design for wildlife
  • ​​Attracting Wildlife​
  • Deer-resistant plants list ​
  • WDFW Wildlife Rehabilitators Page
  • ​WDFW Living with Wildlife Page

Soil Stabilization & Erosion Control
(see also our Water Management page)
  • Native Plants for Soil Stabilization
  • ​Role of Vegetation in Slope Stability
  • ​Erosion Control Fabric
  • ​Trees & Shrubs for Erosion Control OSU

Rain Gardens
​(see also our Water Management page)
  • Native Plants for Rain Gardens
  • ​Rain Garden Handbook Western WA
  • ​WSU Rain Garden Basics
  • ​Rain Garden Poster

Wet Sites, Wetlands & Riparian Areas
(see also our Water Management page)
  • Wet Site Planting List
  • Wetland Planting List
  • Homeowners Guide to Wetlands & Buffers
  • ​At Home with Wetlands
  • ​Wetland Stewardship
  • ​Planting & Caring for Trees & Shrubs in Home Wetlands
  • WA DOE Aquatic Plant Manual
  • ​Common Emergent Plant Species
  • More Emergent Plant Species
  • ​Ponds & Aquariums Plant List
  • ​Aquatic Vegetation Management & Control

Fire-Resistant
(see also our Firewise page)
  • ​Fire Resistant Plants - small
  • ​Fire Resistant Plants - large

Drought Tolerant 
  • Drought Tolerant Landscaping in WA
  • Water Wise Gardening​

Washington Glacial Outwash Prairies
  • Prairie Landowner Guide for Western WA
​
Shorelines & Bluffs
(see also our Water Management page)
  • WSU Shore Stewards Guide to Shoreline Living​
  • NW Straits Shoreline Landowner Resources
  • Native Plants for Marine Waterfronts
  • Salt-Spray Tolerant Landscaping​
  • Native Plants for Marine Waterfronts
  • Marine Shoreline Plant Species
  • ​Marine Planting List
  • Your Marine Waterfront
  • Vegetation Management for Bluffs

Septic Drainfield Landscaping
  • Landscaping Septic Drain Fields: Do's and Don'ts for Planting
  • Properly Landscape a Drainfield
  • ​Shore Stewards Drainfield Landscape
  • Landscaping a Drainfield
  • Landscaping Over Septic Drainfields
  • ​List of Plants with Shallow Roots
​
​Screens & Hedges
  • WSU Selecting for Screens
  • ​Planting an Edible Hedge
  • ​Windbreaks & Snowfences
  • How About a Hedgerow?
  • Benefits of Hedgerows
  • How to Build a Hedgerow
  • ​Hedgerows: More Than Just a Living Fence
  • ​Hedgerow Planting for Pollinators

​Lawn Alternatives
  • ​A Complete List of Lawn Alternatives
  • ​Groundcovers vs. Lawns
  • Turf Alternatives

Orchard Care
  • Fruit Handbook for Western Washington

  • Fruit Tree Pruning - The Basics
  • Training & Pruning Your Home Orchard
  • Fruit Handbook for Western Washington: Pruning
  • Other Information for Backyard Orchardists​
  • Soil Biota in Orchards
  • ​​​Organic Pest Management in Fruit Trees & Berry Bushes
  • Washington State University Extension Hortsense "Tree Fruits" Factsheets 
  • ​WSU Extension Fertilization Requirements for Home Orchards
  • Western Washington Tree Fruit & Alternative Fruits
  • Northwest Fruit (Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation)
  • ​Western Cascade Fruit Society
  • Washington State University Extension Gardening in Washington State "Fruits" Resource Library
  • ​Organic Pest & Disease Management in Home Fruit Trees and Berry Bushes
  • ​Pest Management Guide for Apples in Washington Home Orchards
noxious weed resources

Seasonal Noxious Weed

​Bulletin

Created in 2013, the Weed Bulletin has grown to include now a quarterly  publication available to all island residents, developed in partnership between WICD and Island County Noxious Weed Control Board. The seasonal focus of the bulletin is intended to help highlight the most important noxious weeds for landowners to look out for that season.

To signup to receive the weed bulletin, or for more information about Island County Noxious Weed Resources, and to view the current and past Weed Bulletins, click here. ​
soil health resources

It Starts with Soil...

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WICD staff can assist you with improving your soils.
Soil is integral in many conservation practices. Soil health effects lawns, gardens, crops and forests. It effects drainage and other water issues. It effects the ability of our ecosystems to function properly. There are many tools and resources available provided through the USDA, WSU Extension, and others to begin the journey of learning about your site. To begin, we recommend Healthy Soil for Life.

Create a Soil Report utilizing the USDA's Web Soil Survey, learn about soil fertility and fertilizing soils through WSU Extension publications, and get your soil tested through guides offered by Oregon State University below. Be sure to check out our Farm & Ag Assistance page for additional soils-focused resources.
  • Web Soil Survey
  • ​Soil Fundementals
  • ​Controlling Erosion
  • ​Soil Fertlity Guide
  • ​Estimating Texture
  • Collecting Sample Guide
  • ​Soil Test Interpretation
  • ​Improving Garden Soil
  • ​Fertilizing with Manure
  • ​Guide to Soils & Fertilizers
  • ​Home Gardener's Guide to Soils & Fertilizers
  • ​Soil Testing & Soil Improvement Resource List
  • ​Worm Bin Basics - WSU Extension
Firewise

Firewise Whidbey-Style

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Firewiseâ„¢ is a partnership between WICD, local fire departments & WA DNR.
When it comes to wildfires, do you think of Whidbey Island? Most would venture to our neighbors to the east of the Cascades on this topic, but with growing awareness of the effects that drought-prone summer seasons play in wildfire ignition potential on Whidbey Island, WICD and its partners at the Washington Dept. of Natural Resources Wildfire Division, North Whidbey Fire & Rescue, Central Whidbey Island Fire & Rescue, and South Whidbey Fire & EMS have partnered together to offer resources and expertise for Whidbey residents on how to be more Firewise™.

Request a free 30-minute Firewise Home Assessment for your property by contacting Kelsi Mottet at (888) 678-4922 or kelsi(at)whidbeycd.org. Please provide your name, address to receive a Firewise Assessment, and preferred day of the week/time of day between Mon - Fri, 8AM - 5PM.

Be sure to check out the following Firewise™ publications below that will help equip you to have a more Firewise™ backyard or visit the Firewise resource page.
  • Firewise Arrives on Whidbey Island
  • How to Have a Firewise™ Home
  • How to become a Firewise™ USA site
  • Communities Compatible with Nature
  • ​Preparing Homes for Wildfire
  • Firewise™ Guide to Landscape & Construction
  • Fire Resistant Plants for Home Landscapes
  • ​When Yard Work Works for You
  • ​Firewise Pruning
  • Reducing Fire Risk on Your Forest Property
  • NFPA Research Fact Sheet Series
  • Fire Safety Resources & Forum for Teachers
Education & outreach

Teaching Natural Resource

Conservation to Kids of All Ages

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​WICD is available to bring conservation education into your classroom. We can provide classes to schools, daycares, girl or boy scout troops, garden clubs, volunteer groups, etc.

Contact us if you’d like to develop a class together. Give our office a call at (360) 678-4708 or email us at wicd@whidbeycd.org.

​Resource Publications
  • Make A Difference Column
  • WICD Quarterly Newsletter
  • Upcoming Events

Conservation Kids Resources
  • Project Wet
  • Natural Resources Conservation Services Soil Education
  • Natural Inquirer Magazines
  • National Agriculture in the Classroom
  • Fire Prevention with Smokey the Bear
  • EPA's Environmental Education Guide for Teachers

Water Conservation Challenge

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Take WICD's water conservation challenge! Here's how it works:
  • Download the challenge passport here, or stop in our office and pick one up.
  • Fill out the actions you take to improve storm water, conserve water, and reduce waste.
  • Return completed passports to our Coupeville office at 1 NE 4th St and win a free rain garden poster!

Importance of Greenspaces Video

Smart Watering Tips Video

Learn some tips for beautifying your greenspace from former Outreach Coordinator Shannon Bly.
Learn about Natural Yard Care practices, including water-saving tips, from former Outreach Coordinator Shannon Bly.

Tips Sheets for Habitat Health

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Resource Pages 

Click on a Habitat Stewardship Resource Page to be redirected to resources and links on that topic:
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Office Hours:
COVID-19 Response: Our office is currently closed to visitors, and our staff is primarily working remotely. 
Mailing Address: PO Box 490, Coupeville, WA
Office Location: 1 NE 4th Street, Coupeville, WA

Office Phone: 360-678-4708
General Email: wicd[at]whidbeycd.org
REQUEST ASSISTANCE
CHECK OUT EVENTS & WEBINARS
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Next Monthly Board Meeting:
Regular Board Meeting:
​Wednesday, May 25, 2022, 9am - Noon

Contact us for remote meeting information.
  • Board meetings are open to the public
  • Learn more about our board supervisors
  • Upcoming and past board meeting dates
  • Past meeting minutes & agendas ​​
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Board of Supervisors
    • Staff
    • District Documents >
      • Work Plans
      • Accomplishments
    • Projects
    • Volunteer
    • Community Involvement >
      • Orca Recovery Day
      • Whidbey Earth Day
      • Pollinator Pal Pledge
  • Our Services
    • Events & Education
    • Farm & Ag Assistance >
      • Cost Share Opportunities
      • Horse & Livestock Services
      • Agricultural Community
      • Beginning Farmer Resources
      • Farmland Owner & Transitioning Farmer Resources
    • Firewise
    • Forest Stewardship
    • Habitat Stewardship
    • Native Plants
    • Water Management >
      • Stormwater & Rain Gardens
  • News & Publications
    • Newsletter
    • Video Series >
      • What Do CDs Do?
      • Whidbey FarmWalks
    • Make A Difference Column
    • Weed Bulletin
    • Historical Maps