On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we are joined by Corin Pease, Pollinator Conservation Specialist at Xerces Society & NRCS Partner Biologist. Corin’s experience spans agriculture, entomology, and integrated pest management (IPM). As a researcher, Corin has studied insects associated with native hedgerows, conservation biological control, and pest management. We dive into what constitutes a pollinator vs. a beneficial insect, the role of beneficial insects in agriculture, and tools for building resilience to the things that threaten these important insects whether you farm or have a yard. Listen to learn how we can all positively impact these important insects!

Resources

• Xerces Society Publications Library
• Xerces Society Pollinator Resource Center
• Xerces Society WA Bumble Bee Habitat Kits
• Xerces Society Bumble Bee Atlas
• Discovering Hedgerows Pt. 1 - Podcast Episode
• Discovering Hedgerows Pt. 2 - Podcast Episode
• TCD's Resource Library
• TCD's Native Plant Sale - pre-order through January 2026

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we are joined by Dr. Carri LeRoy a local researcher and professor at The Evergreen State College. Together, we discuss why improving water quality is important, the role macroinvertebrates play in the ecosystem, and the importance of the carbon cycle. Dr. LeRoy talks about her intriguing research and shares ways we can all support a healthier future. Tune in to learn more!

Learn More

• Dr. LeRoy's Research
• Dr. LeRoy's Lectures on Aquatic Entomology Part 1
• Dr. LeRoy's Lectures on Aquatic Entomology Part 2

Get Involved

• Thurston County Stream Team

Interesting Articles

• The Carboniferous Period and Fossil Fuels: Understanding Their Connection
• A Graphical History of Atmospheric CO2 Levels Over Time
• Global river water quality under climate change and hydroclimatic extremes
• The Impact of Pharmaceuticals Released to the Environment
• Why is Clean Water Important? A Lifeline for Health, Prosperity, and Sustainability

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we are joined by Kim Adelson, vice president and education chair of the South Sound Bird Alliance. Together, we dive into the the world of birds. We discuss the role birds play in riparian zones, areas near streams and rivers and why their presences is a vital part of a healthy and functioning ecosystem. We also explore the history of riparian zones in the Pacific northwest and discuss how this has led to a decline in bird species regionally. Tune in to learn more about how the South Sound Bird Alliance is supporting conservation efforts and learn about the role you can play to be a part of the solution!

Resources:

South Sound Birding Alliance

Timberland Library Birding Kit

Ripple Effect - Learn about riparian zones

Book: Birds of the Pacific Northwest

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we are joined by Elyssa Kerr, Executive Director of Beavers Northwest. Together, we dive into the the world of beavers. We discuss the history of the American Beaver and hear all about why this critter is a vital part of a healthy and functioning ecosystem. We also explore the conflict humans and beavers face and discuss ways we can collaboratively work with nature's ecosystem engineer to support a healthy ecosystem and support infrastructure and agricultural lands. Tune in to learn more about Beaver Northwest's important work in our community!

Resources:

• Beavers Northwest (beaversnw.org)
• The Beaver Institute
• Eager (Book)
• Beaver Con (Convention)
• iNaturalist

This podcast is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters, we are joined by TCD's Board of Supervisors TJ Johnson, Betsie De Wreede, Doug Rushton, Marianne Tompkins, and David Iyall. During this episode, we get to know each of our board members and hear more about TCD's organizational goals. We discuss the responsibilities of board supervisors and learn more about our upcoming election. Tune in to hear about TCD's organizational priorities and how to get involved in our Board elections!

A mail-in election for Position 2 on TCD's Board of Supervisors will be held March 18, 2025. Registered voters who live within the Conservation District boundaries are encouraged to vote in the 2025 election. Get your ballot in person March 12-18 during weekdays between 8am and 4:30pm from elections staff at the Thurston Conservation District offices (582 Tilley Ct SE, Suite 152, Tumwater, WA 98501)

Resources:

• Learn more about TCD's Board Members here.
• Learn more about TCD election here.
• 2025 Appointed Board Member opening.

Other election and appointment resources:

• WSCC Appointed Board Member Application Form
• Election and Appointment WAC
• CD Supervisor Appointment Guide
• Conservation District Elections Accountability and Transparency Information
• WA State Conservation Commission (WSCC) Guide to Conservation District Elections
• Conservation District Elections FAQs from WSCC
• TCD’s Election FAQ page

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters, we are joined by Senior WSU Extension Coordinator & Educator, Erica Guttman. During this episode we dive even deeper into the world of hedgerows, exploring hedgerow design and planting plans. We discuss how to examine your landscape and choose the best plants for your space. We also talk about sourcing plants for your hedgerow and share lots of resources available to our listeners! Tune in to hear more about our ongoing partnership and learn about upcoming opportunities to get involved.

Resources:

Hedgerow Toolkit

Hedgerow Webinars & Videos

Native Plant Salvage Plant Sale

Thurston Conservation District Native Plant Festival & Sale

Plant Sourcing List

Sign-up to join us on March 22nd!

This podcast is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we are joined by Xerces Society's Senior Endangered Species Conservation Biologist and Freshwater Mussel Lead, Emilie Blevins and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife's Native Freshwater Fish and Freshwater Shellfish Specialist, Marie Winkowski to discuss the secret strength of freshwater mussels. Together, we discuss our local freshwater mussel's life cycle and habitat. We also explore the ecological and cultural significance and discuss how we are working collaboratively to build resilience for these at-risk species

Resources:

• Xerces Society - About Freshwater Mussels
• WDFW - Western pearlshell mussel
• WDFW - Western ridged mussel
• WDFW - Zebra mussel
• Share your Freshwater Mussels sighting here
• Conserving the Gems of Our Waters (Book)
• Absurd Creature of the Week: This Mussel Does an Incredible Impression of a Fish (Article and Video by Wired)

This podcast is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we are joined by TCD's Senior Natural Resource Specialist, Emily Landrus and Natural Resource Specialist, Aimee Richardson to discuss our farm equipment rental program. Together, we discuss all the details about the low-cost farm equipment and hand tools we rent as a resource to our local community. We also dive into the types of equipment we have available, what community members use them for, and we give you all the tips and tricks you need to be successful!

Resources

• Tool & Equipment Rental Webpage
• No-till Drill How-to Video
• Soil & Nutrient Testing Webpage
• Farm Resource Library Webpage
  • Manure Management Guide
  • How to use and Compost Horse Manure
  • Pasture Management Calendar