2019 ANNUAL REPORT
125 farms assisted
Our goal: to help farmers and livestock owners reach their goals while protecting natural resources. Above the field and below, we’ve got it covered.
YEAR IN NUMBERS
94,820 trees planted
More than three times the amount in 2018 was put in the ground. Trees are essentially the first line of defense against atmospheric carbon levels, and we’re proud to be part of the effort that’s putting them in the ground.
7,318 people reached
Social media is a powerful tool that continues to develop day by day. We’re constantly working toward incorporating new methods and messaging to reach beyond our current scope.
86 events
We’re not the type of people to sit still. Our teams regularly host workshops, events and manage booths to educate on urban stormwater, sustainable agriculture, and other natural resource management practices.
16,500 gallons of rainwater storage installed
We sell rain barrels and install cisterns for a reason. Those gallons aren’t just a number that went into thirsty gardens and yards- they’re also gallons of potential runoff that was prevented.
70,814 lbs of food donated
No one should go without fresh, healthy produce. We love to partner with people who are passionate about community and personal gardening.
5,270 people
We’ve shared stories, cultivated friendships and shared a passion for habitat. From workshops and harvests to site visits and projects, these are our kind of people.
25 gardens in bloom
There’s power in the unassuming shape of a trowel. We’ve installed, donated and helped build community gardens throughout the years to champion individual commitment to the environment.
367 lessons taught
Our youth education team does exactly that: educate. Every lesson is an opportunity to share our knowledge about conservation and how it helps our community.
962 students pledged
These students pledged to share what they learned about conservation with someone in their community. It only takes one to start a movement.
2019 HIGHLIGHTS
MAKING WAVES IN PUGET SOUND
ONE DAY TO START A MOVEMENT THAT WILL LAST GENERATIONS
Southern Resident orca populations are at a 30-year low.
We knew something had to be done to mobilize people into action. Together with conservation districts across the state, we created the region-wide event Orca Recovery Day.
REACHING ACROSS THE MAP
Working together for better ground.
Conservation districts are known for being leaders in natural resource stewardship. We aim to engage and inspire people who want to make an impact on their land, neighborhood and community, but are unsure of where to start.
Creating Resilient Communities
HELPING OUR FARMERS PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE
We support farming in the face of uncertainty.
The future is uncertain and never guaranteed, and that’s especially true for our agriculture community. Since 2018, we’ve been developing the Agriculture Resilience Plan in partnership with our local farmers, and we’re proud to say we finished it.
PROTECTING, RESTORING, MANAGING
Wetlands are the kidneys of Puget Sound.
These ecosystems not only provide habitat for our unique animals; they also purify surface water and help contain flooding during storm season. Our team is well acquainted with the wetlands of our region, but this year we accomplished something special.
HELPING OUR CLASSROOMS, STARTING WITH TEACHERS
The next generation is bubbling with questions.
Sometimes, our educators need help answering them. In 2018, we were granted a portion of funding* called ClimeTime from the governor’s office to provide climate science education to teachers throughout Snohomish County.
Conservation Across Cultures
PROJECT HARVEST
Building community one garden at a time.
We believe building better ground is more impactful when done through community. This is why we partner with organizations in the local food movement like the multi-ethnic Renew Church in Lynnwood.
CELEBRANDO LA DIVERSIDAD. CELEBRATING DIVERSITY.
The most common non-English language in Snohomish County is Spanish.
Yet historically, we haven’t had any way to bridge the language barrier gap. This year, we partnered with Washington State University to reach our Latino community.
Like a Good Neighbor
PARTNERING WITH LOCALS FOR A HEALTHIER PUGET SOUND
Inspiration can come from anywhere, but innovation comes from within.
That’s why we love working with everyday people who see an opportunity on their land and come to us for help.
34th ANNUAL PLANT SALE
Climate is what you expect. Weather is what you get.
Every year, we band together with a crew of volunteers to create our largest event of the year: the plant sale. This year was no different, except for the massive snow storm that caused us to postpone our sale a week.
PAVING THE FUTURE WITH INNOVATION, NOT ASPHALT
Urban doesn’t have to be gray.
Paved surfaces like driveways, sidewalks and parking lots contribute to stormwater runoff because they can’t absorb water. We’ve installed plenty of rain gardens in urban areas to help solve the problem. This year was no different.
2019 FINANCIALS
Total Revenue = $ 4,070,335
In 2020, the Snohomish County Council approved our rate of $8 per parcel and $0.08 per acre. Island County Commissioners unanimously voted to continue our services on Camano Island, at the rate of $5 per parcel and up to $0.10 per acre. In both counties, the exact fee is determined by property type.
We continue to leverage this rate funding to secure local and regional grants, and make increased investments in the place we call home.
Camano Island Assessment: $57,833
Snohomish County Assessment: $1,566,407
City Partnerships: $97,016
Grants: $2,083,164
partnerships
Our services
+ Farm Planning
Farming is in our heritage. We have certified farm planners who will visit your farm for free and offer suggestions based on the goals you have for your property. In some cases, we may even be able to help cover the cost of improvements. As a conservation district, we work in confidence with local producers every day to ensure the viability of local agriculture, for years to come.
+ Urban Living
Situated in one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, we are helping to address the challenges of rapid development, and create the place we all want to call home. Whether you live in an apartment, condo or house - your actions at home make a difference. Our urban program offers creative ideas and incentives to help residents, businesses, schools, cities, and tribes take action as individuals or in community. Projects include rain gardens, rain catchment, sustainable landscaping, and urban agriculture.
+ Habitat Restoration
As Puget Sound witnesses its iconic species like salmon and orca decline, our strategy is simple: restore the habitat they need to thrive. SCD’s team of engineers and specialists work from small to large-scale projects - offering services like landowner streamside assistance, weed abatement, and native plants - to fish barrier removal, culvert design and floodplain management.
+ Youth Education
We are investing in our future leaders. Our Youth Education program provides hands-on, real-world learning to address the conservation issues we see everyday. We offer in-classroom curriculum, teacher training, and service learning opportunities.
