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 FormElection and Appointment WACCD Supervisor Appointment GuideConservation District Elections Accountability and Transparency InformationWA State Conservation Commission (WSCC) Guide to Conservation District ElectionsConservation District Elections FAQs from WSCCTCD’s Election FAQ page
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57:18
Discovering Hedgerows Part 2
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 ToolkitHedgerow Webinars & VideosNative Plant Salvage Plant SaleThurston Conservation District Native Plant Festival & SalePlant Sourcing ListSign-up to join us on March 22nd!
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1:09:56
The Secret Strength of Freshwater Mussels
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 MusselsWDFW - Western pearlshell musselWDFW - Western ridged musselWDFW - Zebra musselShare your Freshwater Mussels sighting hereConserving 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)
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59:18
Farm Equipment FOR RENT!
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!ResourcesTool & Equipment Rental WebpageNo-till Drill How-to VideoSoil & Nutrient Testing WebpageFarm Resource Library WebpageManure Management GuideHow to use and Compost Horse ManurePasture Management Calendar
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50:12
Fall Gardening with Your Local Master Gardener
On this month's episode of Conservation Starters, we are joined by our local Master Gardener, Cor Carlton, WSU Master Gardener and Master Recycler Composter Program Manager. Together, we talk about the two programs she manages and discuss how to get involved. She shares fall gardening tips and we share information about our annual plant sales. Resources:WSU Thurston County Extension WebsiteWSU Thurston County Extension Gardening/Composting/Recycling Resources WebpageHave a Gardening or Waste Reduction Question? Have a WSU Master Gardener or Master Recycler Composter answer your question. Learn more here.Upcoming Events and OutreachPlant Sale – Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston CountyThurston County Solid Waste Upcoming Events/WorkshopsUSDA Plant Hardiness ZonesGreat Plant PicksBurke Herbarium Image CollectionOregon State University Landscape Plant DatabaseThurston Conservation District Native Plant Sale
Conservation Starters is a podcast created by the Thurston Conservation District. This series is dedicated to empowering Thurston County residents to steward our shared natural resources. Through thoughtful conversations with TCD staff, community partners, and community members we explore a program or issue related to the work of the Conservation District and how our community can engage with us and our staff.
Ireland