Across Washington State, conservation looks different in every community, but the mission is shared.

From wildfire-prone rangelands and forests in Okanogan and Cascadia to the fertile soils of the Palouse, from shellfish-rich shorelines in Mason County to rapidly growing urban landscapes in Clark, conservation districts are tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time, climate change, clean water, agricultural viability, and community resilience.

In this episode of Conservation Starters, Thurston Conservation District brings together leaders from across the state to explore the unique and shared conservation challenges facing communities across Washington State. We explore what makes conservation districts so effective, what it takes to lead in today’s complex environment, and how a statewide network of locally trusted partners is turning big challenges into real solutions on the ground.

Learn more about Washington State conservation Districts!

• Thurston Conservation District
• Cascadia Conservation District
• Clark Conservation District
• Mason Conservation District
• Okanogan Conservation District
• Palouse Conservation District

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters, guest host Sarah Moorehead, sits down with Thurston County Commissioner Carolina Mejia, Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier, Aslan Meade from Thurston Economic Development Council, and Jennifer Colvin from Colvin Ranch to discuss new pathways to strengthening our local food infrastructure. In Thurston County, our farms and ranches are more than just part of the landscape, they are part of who we are. They feed our families, steward our natural resources, and sustain a way of life rooted in connection to the land. But for years, local producers have faced a growing challenge: limited access to meat processing. Animals were transported long distances, costs increased, and small and mid-sized operations struggled to stay viable. Now, that’s changing. A new USDA-certified meat processing facility in Thurston County is creating a critical link in our local food system: bringing processing capacity closer to home, expanding opportunities for farmers and ranchers, and increasing access to locally raised food for our community. This project is the result of strong local partnerships. Producers, public leaders, and organizations, including the Thurston Conservation District, are working together to advance practical, community-driven solutions. It reflects our shared commitment to voluntary stewardship, thriving working lands, and a resilient, locally rooted economy. At its heart, this is about more than infrastructure. It’s about ensuring that Thurston County remains a place where agriculture can thrive, communities stay connected to their food, and future generations can continue to steward the land. Tune in to learn more!

Resources:

• Thurston Economic Development Council
• Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier
• Thurston County Commissioner Carolina Mejia
• Colvin Ranch
• Agriculture Innovation Park
• Regional Agricultural Development
  
  

This week, we’re joined by TCD’s Executive Director, Sarah Moorehead, for an inside look at what’s new at TCD. We dive into our exciting new strategic plan and the behind-the-scenes work that brought it to life. We also share important updates on our 2026 budget, including rates and charges renewal, and tackle some common misconceptions about Conservation Districts. Plus, don’t miss a few updates about the podcast itself. Tune in to stay connected!

Resources:

Check out our 2026 - 2030 Strategic Plan

Learn more about Rates and Charges

View our 2026 Annual Budget