Whidbey Island Conservation District
Our Services & Programs
Whidbey Island Conservation District has been a leader for the past 50 years in natural resource conservation education and technical assistance to Whidbey Island residents. To learn about each of its natural resource program offerings, select from the list below or contact us to speak with a staff member and learn more.
BACKYARD CONSERVATION
Whidbey Island Conservation District outreach & education staff provide workshops for adults and youth, as well as community groups, such as garden clubs, non-profit education organizations, and more. In addition to providing our own workshops, we often can be found partnering with other local and state government, private business, and the non-profit sector at events, as well.
In addition to year-round workshops, Whidbey Island Conservation District staff can provide you with one-on-one native planting assistance and can visit your residential property to assist you in the selection of native plant species and water resource management techniques to help you manage your resources on your property. We can assist you in developing a conservation planting plan for your bluff, shoreline, wetland, or rain garden area.
In addition to year-round workshops, Whidbey Island Conservation District staff can provide you with one-on-one native planting assistance and can visit your residential property to assist you in the selection of native plant species and water resource management techniques to help you manage your resources on your property. We can assist you in developing a conservation planting plan for your bluff, shoreline, wetland, or rain garden area.
FARMERS TO FARMLAND
High land prices, especially in high tourist areas like Whidbey and San Juan Islands, have made farming inaccessible for many new farmers who would like to get into the business of farming. Thanks to a USDA Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Grant, Whidbey Island Conservation District, San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild, Washington State University Extension San Juan, Organic Farm School, and the Northwest Agriculture Business Center, are working together to keep farming a viable economic opportunity on the islands by connecting beginning and transitioning farmers with the resources they need to succeed.
FARM PLANNING
Whidbey Island Conservation District's natural resource planners can help you create a plan on a variety of farm related projects, including farm plans, manure management, pasture grazing, buffer strips, livestock management, and other services. To learn more, click "Farm Planning" below to learn more about our Farm Planning Services.
FIREWISE
Whidbey Island Conservation District staff are partnering with the Washington Department of Natural Resources, Central Whidbey Fire & Rescue, North Whidbey Fire & Rescue, and South Whidbey Fire & EMS to offer individual homeowner and community-wide assistance to those interested in learning about the science behind wildfire ignition and ways we can help protect our homes and properties by adapting our landscapes and properties to wildfire. Click on "Firewise" below to learn more about this program.
FOREST PLANNING
LOCAL AGRICULTURE OUTREACH
NATIVE PLANT SALE
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Interested in volunteering with us? Whidbey Island Conservation District staff can work with you to find the right project fit. We are always in need of extra help at the office, with such a modest sized staff. In addition to our annual native plant sale, we often have a lot of educational projects we could use assistance on. Please give us a call at (888) 678-4922 or fill out the form below to let us know you're interested in talking "Volunteering" projects that fit your skill set and interests.
WATER RESOURCES
CURRENT & PAST PROJECTS
In conjunction with its main programs and services, Whidbey Island Conservation District work also encompasses grant-focused project work that results in the benefits to natural resources in a variety of Whidbey Island watersheds. To see a sampling of several recent project highlights over the past few years, click "Current & Past Project Highlights" to be directed to a menu of specific projects you can learn more about.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Download your SOIL CONSERVATION PACKET here
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.
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
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
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
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
