Conservation Starters

This month on Conservation Starters, we're joined by Washington State Orca Recovery Coordinator, Tara Galuska. During this episode, we learn more about our local Southern Resident orca pods, why they are endangered, and why it's important that we protect them. Tara shares the threats that Southern Resident orcas face and what we can do in our daily lives to make a difference for this vital species! We also talk about our upcoming Orca Recovery Day volunteer event, happening on October 15th at Squaxin Park and how folks all over the west coast can get involved in recovery efforts. Tune in to learn more about Southern Resident Orca Whales and how you can be a part of the solution to protect our pods!
Resources:

• www.orca.wa.gov
• www.thurstoncd.com/ORD - Orca Recovery Day in Thurston County -
• www.betterground.org/ord/ - Not located in Thurston County? Learn about Orca Recovery Day events in your neighborhood
• Orcasound - Orcasound connects your headphones to live hydrophones (underwater microphones), your ears to an ocean of sound.
• Orca Network - a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of the Pacific Northwest whales.

Questions about Orca Recovery Day? Contact Kiana Sinner, [email protected]

This month, on Conservation Starters, were joined by TCD's Conservation Program Manager Karin Strelioff, Engineering Geologist and Hydrogeologist Wendy Gerstel, and ISA Certified Arborist Ray Gleason. This second part episode takes a deep dive into our local shorelines. Wendy, a local geologist teaches us about the glacial formation of our Puget Sound beaches and delves into how water management plays a role in changes along our shorelines. We talk about the importance of vegetation along our shorelines and get some insight from Ray, a local arborist who shares his techniques for sustainably managing vegetation while also protecting property owners' views. Tune in to this episode to learn more!Resources
Karin Strelioff, [email protected]
Shore Friendly Thurston
Northwest Straits Foundation - Shore Friendly
Washington Coastal Atlas for all things coastal.
Washington Geology Portal for all things geologic, and LiDAR.
T-Sheets for historic coastline information.

This month, on Conservation Starters, were joined by TCD's Conservation Program Manager, Karin Strelioff, and Patrick Townsend, a Puget Sound shoreline landowner. During this episode, we learn about the Shore Friendly Program and how partners from around Puget Sound are working together to assist shoreline property owners to protect their property and the vital habitat that surrounds it. We discuss bulkheads, the benefits of natural shoreline, and learn about how a shoreline is always changing. Patrick shares the challenges he faced on his property and relates his experience working with our staff, and regional partners on his family's shoreline restoration project.
Resources:

• Karin Strelioff, [email protected]
• Shore Friendly Thurston
• Shorefriendly.org
• Northwest Straits Foundation - Shore Friendly
• Shore Friendly Kitsap
• Department of Ecology Coastal Atlas
• Northwest Straights Commission

This month, on Conservation Starters, were joined by Stephanie Bishop and Sam Nadell, TCD's youth education staff. During this episode, we learn about the history of our k-12 program South Sound GREEN and how it has evolved and grown over the last 30 years to meet the growing need for hands-on science education in Thurston County. We also discuss the challenges our staff faced and the solutions they found to continue providing education to students during the pandemic. Tune in to this conversation to learn more about TCD's programs geared towards youth, teens, and young adults. If you are a Thurston County parent, teacher, or student this is the episode for you!
Contact Information:
Stephanie Bishop, [email protected]
Sam Nadell, [email protected]
Resources:
SouthSoundGREEN.org

• Classroom Lessons
• Teacher Resources

Teens in Thurston
South Puget Sound Regional Envirothon

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 Website
• WSU Thurston County Extension Gardening/Composting/Recycling Resources Webpage
• Have a Gardening or Waste Reduction Question? Have a WSU Master Gardener or Master Recycler Composter answer your question. Learn more here.
• Upcoming Events and Outreach
• Plant Sale – Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County
• Thurston County Solid Waste Upcoming Events/Workshops
• USDA Plant Hardiness Zones
• Great Plant Picks
• Burke Herbarium Image Collection
• Oregon State University Landscape Plant Database
• Thurston Conservation District Native Plant Sale