Our annual Native Plant Sale features 70 species of native trees and shrubs, with a focus on affordable bareroot and plug material. We are already selling out of some species! Ordering early ensures best selection and prices. Orders over $300 placed in December receive a 10% discount. Visit the Native Plant Sale page on our website for details and online ordering.
The Plant Pick-up day is Saturday, February 24 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, adjacent to our offices in Renton. Plants will also be available for purchase on February 24, but order ahead online to ensure we have what you need in stock. We look forward to seeing you!
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Backyard Stewardship
Project Partners with
City of Seattle
On November 18 the second event in KCD’s Backyard Stewardship pilot project with the City of Seattle saw clear skies and beautiful weather. Volunteers were taught proper planting techniques by DIRTCorps members before installing more than 125 trees, shrubs, and groundcovers to help expand the urban forest around Lakeridge Park.
The KCD Urban Forestry Program has partnered with the City of Seattle to help expand the urban forest by working with landowners adjacent to active Seattle Parks Department restoration sites to give them the skills necessary to take on restoration activities in their own backyards. Forest health issues transcend property lines, so management activities need to as well, and this pilot hopes to pave the way.
To learn more about the Backyard Stewardship Project email Elizabeth Walker or Brett Anderson at urbanforestry@kingcd.org.
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KCD Honors
Farms of Merit
In August, 2017 KCD Farm of Merit recipients Tom and Michelle Ray hosted a tour on their farm in Enumclaw. Participants learned how the Rays have used KCD’s Landowner Incentive Program rebates to set up their farm to manage rainwater runoff and provide a mud-free heavy use area for their two horses. Tom also shared how he has worked with KCD’s Farm Conservation Planning Team and Rural Forest Health Program Manager Mike Lasecki.
KCD Farm of Merit recipient Theresa Santmann hosted a tour of Meadow Ridge Farm near Redmond. Alayne Blickle of Horses for Clean Water shared chore efficiency techniques for managing a horse facility. Resource Planner Courtney Naumann informed participants about how KCD can help livestock owners of all types manage their property to prevent runoff contamination and improve soil health.
See our website to learn about KCD Farm Planning Services. |
Putting Kent Hillside
Paradise Community Garden
to Bed for Winter
King Conservation District worked with World Relief Seattle and teams of volunteers to close the gardening season on a successful note at Hillside Paradise Parking Plots Community Garden at Hillside Church in Kent.
Volunteers loaded over 1,500 pounds of blackberry vines, roots, and other woody debris into three trucks that were taken to Cedar Grove’s composting center. The completion of 44 raised bed garden plots and six ADA garden plots along with their planting of cover crops prepared for next season's bountiful harvests. |
Prepare for Flooding:
News & Alerts
Bookmark King County's Flood Warnings and Alerts webpage for vital information on preparing for flooding and for current information on flood conditions, road closures and other related news throughout the region. |
Submit English Ivy
Samples by December 15
The Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board is seeking the public's help in sending samples of invasive ivy by December 15.
Clip one or two ivy stems, bag them, and place them in regular mail, along with information about your sampling location. For more details and the mailing address, click HERE. |
Calendar of Events
December 7: Firewise Landscaping Workshop, Sammamish
Learn how to reduce home wildfire risk.
December 7: Forterra Holiday Open House, Seattle
Join partners, supporters and friends for tasty treats and lively conversation.
December 9: KCD Native Plant Nursery Volunteer Event, Renton
Get hands-on experience with native plants for habitat restoration.
December 9: Maplewood Heights Park Restoration, Renton
Restore a corner of Maplewood Heights Park.
December 9: Carnation Marsh Restoration, Carnation
Restore native trees to a wetland.
December 9: Northacres Park Fall Planting, North Seattle
Restore Northacres Park.
December 9: Tree Planting at Salmon Run, Issaquah
Restore native plants to salmon habitat.
December 9: Rain Gardens for Rural Properties Class, Arlington
Learn to design rain gardens to alleviate rural property drainage issues.
December 11: USDA Value-Added Producer Grant Application Q&A, Duvall
Get feedback on USDA Producer Grant applications.
December 11: SnoValley Tilth Potluck Talk, Carnation
Connect with local food growers and eaters.
December 12-16: Tolt MacDonald Campground & Park Trail Work Party, Carnation
Rebuild/repair a backcountry trail.
December 13: Lake Union Kayak Patrol
Monitor pollution on Lake Union.
December 16: Lake Sammamish State Park Tree Planting, Issaquah
Restore native plants to Sunset Beach.
December 16: Marymoor Connector Trail Wetland Restoration, Redmond
Restore a wetland area in Marymoor Park (trail accessible to all ages/abilities).
December 16: Wetland Restoration, Renton/Maple Valley
Restore native plantings around a pond and former peat bog.
December 16: Hutt Park Restoration, Edmonds
Remove ivy and restore native plants to an old growth forest.
December 19-22: Grand Ridge Park Trail Work Party, Issaquah
Rebuild and repair a backcountry trail.
December 20: Lake Union Kayak Patrol, Seattle
Monitor pollution on Lake Union.
December 28: Wondering About Wildlife, North Bend
Discover the wildlife that lives and in Seattle’s largest protected watershed.
December 30: Christmas Bird Count, Seattle
Register for Seattle Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count.
January 6: Climate Resilience Summit, Seattle
Learn how our region can build resilience and thrive in the face of climate change.
January 8-March 12: Cultivating Success Course, Renton & Stanwood
Gain skills in farming business planning and direct marketing.
January 19-20: Cascadia Grains Conference, Olympia
Connect, learn, and grow with farmers, bakers, and others to strengthen the role of grains in our local food economy.
January 20: Every Drop Counts! Rain Gardens on Rural Properties, Woodinville
Learn to harvest the power of rain to improve property and help the environment.
January 25: Landscaping with Native Plants, Issaquah
Learn the benefits of incorporating native plants into your yard or property.
January 30: Landscaping with Native Plants, Redmond
Learn the benefits of incorporating native plants into your yard or property. |
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KCD Awards $524,595
in Regional Food
System Grants
The KCD Regional Food System Program funds projects that contribute to the economic viability of local farmers, encourage new farmers, expand acreage in food production, improve food access, and increase demand for King County farm products.
KCD recently awarded a total of $524,595 in Regional Food System Grants to eight organizations, including Pike Place Market Foundation, Goose and Gander Farm, Lily Gottlieb-McHale, Public Health - Seattle & King County, SnoValley Tilth, King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks, Food Innovation Network, and Highline College.
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Two Positions Open on
KCD Board of Supervisors
In 2018 there will be two seats open on the King Conservation District Board of Supervisors – one elected and one appointed.
Candidates for the elected seat should submit application forms to the King Conservation District by the candidate filing deadline: January 31, 2018.
For the appointed seat, applications and supporting materials must be received by the Washington Conservation Commission no later than March 31, 2018.
To learn more see our Elections and Appointments page. |
Save-the-Date!
KCD Year-End Celebration
January 25, Woodinville
Make plans to join KCD in celebrating this year's work in agriculture, forestry, and shoreline restoration, plus the amazing people who helped make our projects successful.
The celebration is set for Thursday, January 25, 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Brightwater Center near Woodinville. It will include international food tastings, live music, and the opportunity to meet participants in our natural resource projects as well as Regional Food System grant recipients. The event is free and open to the public. |
High School Envirothon Teams Now Forming
High school students throughout King County are encouraged to form teams to participate in the 2018 Northwest Regional Envirothon on March 27.
The Envirothon is a hands-on, outdoor environmental science competition. High school student teams work together to demonstrate their knowledge in five subject areas: Forestry, Soils/Land Use, Wildlife, Aquatic Ecology, and next year's special topic, Rangeland Management.
To learn more about the program visit the KCD Envirothon webpage. Sign up by contacting Stevie Knapp by phone at 425-282-1930, or email: educationIP@kingcd.org.
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Cultivating Success
Growing Profitable Farms
in King County
WSU Snohomish County and King County Extension are partnering with King & Snohomish Conservation Districts to offer Cultivating Success: Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Farm Business Planning to help new and current farmers gain skills in business planning and direct marketing.
Classes will be held Monday evenings January 8, 2018 through March 12, 2018, 5:30 to 8:30 PM and simulcast between Renton and Stanwood. Featured presenters are bankers, business professionals, and successful farm owners, with a special emphasis on the financial and legal issues unique to farm-based businesses. Participants will be guided in developing a business plan to help finance and guide new enterprises or expand existing farm-based business.
Class size is limited and fills quickly. Prepaid registration is required and cost for the twelve-week course is $300 for either the Stanwood or Renton location. Click HERE to register.
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Every Drop Counts!
Rain Gardens on Rural Properties Workshop
January 20, Woodinville
Learn how to harvest the power of Washington rains to improve your property and help the environment at the same time at this winter's workshop, Every Drop Counts! Rain Gardens on Rural Properties, January 20 in Woodinville. Topics will include installation and construction of rain gardens, how to select the right plants, and how to provide long-term care to keep your rain garden working hard for you and your property.
Click HERE to register, or by calling 425-282-1949, or emailing: signup@kingcd.org.
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Learn About Landscaping
with Native Plants
Native plants are as at home in urban yards as in rural areas. Learn about the many benefits of incorporating native plants in your yard or property from Jacobus Saperstein, coordinator of the KCD Native Plant Sale.
Free Landscaping with Native Plants Workshops are scheduled for Thursday, January 25 from 7:00-8:30 PM at the Issaquah Grange, and Tuesday, January 30, from 7:00-8:30 PM at the Redmond Regional Library.
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See You at the
2018 Northwest
Flower & Garden Festival
KCD Staff will be at the 2018 Northwest Flower & Garden Festival, February 7 to 11, with information and DIY projects that encourage and introduce native pollinators into your landscape design. Stop by our booth for information on all of KCD's programs and services, drop off soil testing samples, and learn how to read the results of your test.
Interested in working a shift at the Flower and Garden Show this year? Contact Ann Prusha by emailing ann.prusha@kingcd.org to sign up and receive FREE admission. |
Agriculture & Natural
Resources Engineer
Position Open
The King Conservation District has an opening for a full-time Agriculture & Natural Resources Engineer. Responsibilities include providing landowners with engineering services to implement natural resource management practices that protect and enhance aquatic areas, facilitate fish passage, and improve water quality management on agricultural properties.
The ideal candidate for this position has a PE license and eight years of directly-related experience, with six of those years as a PE. See the Employment Opportunities page on our website for the full job description and application information.
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