Riparian Grant Program (RGP)

The Riparian Grant Program is a technical assistance program funded by Washington's Climate Commission Act. Activities on Whidbey Island in the 2025-2027 round of funding are focused on conservation measures in Crescent Creek watershed.

Rain clouds hover over a map of Crescent Creek. Island County, WA.

You took responsibility of a parcel understanding the climate conditions of the area, but nature had other plans-- You mapped seasonally wet zones, points of elevation, made a plan for development, and were ready to break ground...

A period of record-breaking rain crossed the banks of historic drainage systems, rewriting the map completely. What started as a trickle is now a stream.

Residents of Tangled Thicket Farm observe "Wet Feet Farming" planting practices along dyke infrastructure. Skagit County, WA.

Whidbey Island Conservation District is taking new science and old stewardship strategies to offer a practical and cost-effective solution: Planting adaptive, productive native plants in the conditions that suit them best. Native plants like aronia berry, crabapple, and willow thrive in seasonally saturated sites...and when native plants thrive, the surrounding area thrives.​

Benefits of implementing a wet-area planting plan include:

• Slope stabilization
• Aquifer recharge
• Nitrogen fixation
• Habitat for beneficial wildlife (like pollinators and forage fish)
• Non-invasive storm water management

RGP for Residential Homes

RGP for Working Farms

WICD Natural Resource Planners combine science, stewardship, and landowner goals to create a wet-area planting plan that meets the needs of specific sites.

Working with a WICD Planner is free of charge and confidential for residents of Whidbey Island. As a non-regulatory agency, all advice is voluntary and implementation is on YOUR terms.

RGP is a conservation program funded by Washington's Climate Commitment Act through the Washington State Conservation Commission. To learn more, visit WSCC Riparian Grant Program (RGP).