Zackuse Creek
After many years of assessments and feasibility studies, the City of Sammamish, in partnership with KCD, the Kokanee Work Group of WRIA 8, Snoqualmie Tribe, King County Parks, Trout Unlimited, and private property owners, have begun the Zackuse Creek Fish Passage and Stream Restoration project.
KCD awarded a $280,000 Member Jurisdiction grant for this project. The total project cost is $2,250,028.00. KCD’s funding contribution of 12% of the project cost leverages 88% match from the City and multiple King County funding sources.
With this funding, the City will construct a new fish passable culvert under East Lake Sammamish Parkway and restore 400 linear feet upstream of the culvert using native plants. Two additional fish passable culverts located downstream from the project are being designed by King County. The objective of the overall project is to provide full fish passage to new spawning habitat for native Kokanee salmon and help restore Kokanee population numbers in Lake Sammamish.
Staff Contact; Tawni Dalziel, Senior Stormwater Program Manager, P.E., (425) 295-0567
KCD Regional Food System Program
KCD’s Regional Food System Program was initiated to link producers with consumers and to serve as a catalyst for making local food production environmentally and economically sustainable. The 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.
The awardees of the 2017 Regional Food System grant round include:
| Applicant | Project Title | Project Description | Funding Priority | Grant Request | Matching Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pike Place Market Foundation | Pilot Individual Development Account Program for Beginning Farmers | Pilot an individual development account program with a cohort of five second generation farmers at the Market in order to give farmers the ability to finance their farms through the combination of financial education and a savings incentive program. | Business Management | $16,050 | $17,992 |
| Goose and Gander Farm | Addressing the Farm Infrastructure Gap | A Shared Aggregation and Cold Storage Site for Snoqualmie Valley Farms and Farm Organizations. | Consumer Demand / Food Safety / Infrastructure | $99,919 | $41,292 |
| Lily Gottlieb-McHale | Shared Soil | Shared Soil increases land access and supports collective farming practices by providing rentable farmland in Enumclaw, WA for beginner, immigrant, and socially disadvantaged farmers who are ready to transition off the Tilth Alliance Farm Works incubator and expand their farm businesses. | Land Access / Infrastructure | $27,546 | $46,210 |
| Public Health- Seattle & KC | Gathering Around the Table for ‘Dulet’ – Building a Safe Meat Supply Chain by and for the East African Community in King County | This project seeks to replace an unsafe and sometimes illegal meat supply chain with a safe, legal, local, and culturally appropriate meat supply chain for King County’s 100,000 person and growing East African immigrant population by working with a partnership of producers, processors, distributors, consumers and agencies. | Consumer Demand/ Food Safety/ Infrastructure | $97,500 | $46,823 |
| SnoValley Tilth | Growing Farm Businesses | A three-strategy business training program focused on helping established producers in Snoqualmie Valley grow their farm operations and increase productivity through education, mentorship, and small-group consultations. | Business Management | $54,581 | $17,075 |
| King County DNRP | Working Farmland Partnership Pilot Project | Pilot project to test the concept of a focused, multi-partner, ground-based effort to link farmers looking to establish or expand their farming business with landowners that want to bring underutilized land back into production. | Land Access/ Business Management | $99,558 | $128,300 |
| Food Innovation Network | Creating a Replicable & Scalable Pathway for South King County Urban Agriculture | Improve land access and business opportunities for urban agriculture in South King County by: 1) establishing the South King Urban Agriculture Network; 2) identifying and securing land for community gardens and urban farms; and 3) linking potential growers to land and resources for urban agriculture production and business development. | Land Access/ Business Management | $53,539 | $31,437 |
| Highline College | Highline College Community-Centered Urban Agriculture Program | Highline College will partner with the City of Des Moines to identify and increase the amount of farmable land for use by the College and the community in order to improve local food security, improve land use, and to provide a venue to educate and develop new farmers. | Land Access/ Business Management | $75,902 | $149,424 |
TOTAL FUNDED: Grant Request $524,595 | Matching Funds $478,553
Rainier Beach Action Coalition Grant
Rainier Beach Action Coalition received a $75,0000 grant to develop farm stands in the Rainier Beach Community to increase equal access to healthy, local food in partnership with the Ethiopian Community in Seattle and Roots of all Roads.
This project has 3 goals: To create access to healthy food, to provide education and job opportunities for youth, and to support King County farms. Instead of an inequitable model, they will develop a pilot of mutual support and partnership between farmers and the community they serve. They will achieve this by hiring and training young adults of color to operate farm stands on behalf of farms owned by people of color.
The Duwamish Gardens in Tukwila
King Conservation District and the City of Tukwila recently partnered to create over two acres of new habitat along the Duwamish River. The Duwamish Gardens, located in Tukwila, now serves as a rest-stop for Chinook Salmon and other wildlife as they make their journey up the Duwamish River. A variety of native plants and wood were installed to create habitat for birds and pollinators.
One quarter acre of mudflat, a half-acre of intertidal marsh, and one and a third acres of riparian and upland habitat were created and are open to the public. The habitat improvements include a variety of perennial and woody native plants, nearly 30 pieces of anchored large woody debris and habitat snags. These improvements are protected with goose exclusion fencing and split rail fencing to deter people from walking through the restoration area.
The Gardens include passive recreational, water access, and interpretive elements for visitors. People can enjoy a walk along a park trail with three viewpoints of the river and restoration site with signage that describes the cultural heritage of the site and the reasons for restoration. A 5-car parking area, bike rack and informational kiosk welcome visitors.
The Gardens provide habitat to threatened Puget Sound Chinook salmon, as well as other fish and wildlife species whose habitat is threatened in this urban environment.
Join us at the 2017 Vashon Sheepdog Classic
The annual Vashon Sheepdog Classic is one of North America’s leading herding competitions. Set for June 8th to 11th at Misty Isle Farms, this year’s event will include an expanded fiber arts festival and resource stewardship information provided by King Conservation District.
Temple Grandin, world-renown authority on animal welfare and livestock handling equipment design, will be an honored guest at the Sheepdog Classic on Sunday, June 11th.
KCD is the Education Sponsor for the Sheepdog Classic and this year’s booth will include a display about Hügelkultur, a traditional European method of constructing raised beds on decomposing woody debris.
The Sheepdog Classic is a major fundraiser for Vashon youth programs. Below are links to learn about the event and about Hügelkultur:
Vashon Sheepdog Classic
Vashon Sheepdog Classic Video
What is Hügelkultur?
Help Restore Seattle’s Only River – April 22nd, Duwamish Alive!
On Earth Day join with hundreds of volunteers to help restore the Duwamish, Seattle’s only river. For the past decade the King Conservation District has assisted with habitat restoration at Longfellow Creek, a tributary to the Duwamish. Volunteers are helping to improve water quality in the watershed by enhancing the nearby forest to improve stormwater filtration and reduce runoff.
We host monthly work parties at Longfellow Creek, but on Earth Day, April 22nd, we join with dozens of other volunteer projects as part of Duwamish Alive!
The KCD volunteer event will run from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Greg Davis Park, adjacent to Longfellow Creek. For details click HERE.
Click on the link below for details on two dozen Earth Day events on the Duwamish River:
Forest Management Classes Coming to Enumclaw
WSU Extension Forestry will initiate a seven-week Forest Stewardship Coached Planningcourse for King County landowners starting April 25th. Topics will include forest health, soils, wildlife and weed management, wildfire protection, thinning, and timber marketing.
Tuesday evening classroom sessions from April 25th through June 13th will be held at Thunder Mountain Middle School, 42018 264th Ave SE, Enumclaw, WA 98022. In addition, there will be a field trip on Saturday, June 3rd.
Early registration discount deadline is April 14th. Details and online registration are available at WSU Extension Forestry.
Savor the Abundance of the Snoqualmie Valley
Incorporated two years ago, Snoqualmie Valley Farmers Cooperative has grown to 21 farms ranging in size from less than one acre to more than 80 acres.
This summer and fall enjoy fresh produce from the participating farms by subscribing to the coop’s 20 week Veggie Box, containing a selection of leafy greens, root crops, and everything in between. Pickup locations include Duvall, Carnation, Snoqualmie, North Bend, Issaquah, Renton, Burien, Wallingford, Greenwood, Kirkland, and Woodinville. Sign up for the Veggie Box HERE.
Snoqualmie Valley Farmers Coop also sells in bulk to restaurants, school districts, institutional cafeterias, and caterers for special events. Take this opportunity to purchase directly from Snoqualmie Valley farmers!
Urban Shorelines & Riparian Habitat Enhancement
The King Conservation District provides landowners with information and technical assistance to protect and enhance the health of properties adjacent to lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands. See our website to learn more about KCD Urban Shorelines & Riparian Habitat Services.
In addition to assisting with the design and installation of native plant buffers, KCD also hosts free workshops to inform landowners about strategies for protecting properties while enhancing natural habitats.
Click on the link below for details on upcoming urban shorelines workshops and related events:
Beautify & Care for Your Streamside Property Workshops
Kenmore, April 6, 6:30-8:30 PM
Black Diamond, April 22, 10:30 AM-2:00 PM
Auburn, April 27, 6:30-8:30 PM
North Bend, May 11, 6:30-8:30 PM
King Conservation District Regional Food System Program
The King Conservation District Regional Food System Program was initiated to link producers with consumers and to serve as a catalyst for making local food production environmentally and economically sustainable. The 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.
The 2017 Regional Food System Grant Program will be announced in early April. To learn about projects funded last year click HERE.
Green Snoqualmie Partnership Helps
Restore & Maintain the Community Forest
King Conservation District is a supporting member of the Green Snoqualmie Partnership, which is a coordinated effort to restore and care for over 900 acres of Snoqualmie’s forested parks and natural areas. The Partnership is building a sustainable network of healthy natural open spaces for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations. Other partners include Forterra, City of Snoqualmie, Snoqualmie Tribe, the Snoqualmie Ridge, King County, Mountains to Sound Greenway, and the Snoqualmie Valley Watershed Forum.
KCD supports the Green Snoqualmie Partnership through our Urban Forest Health Management Program.
See the Green Snoqualmie Partnership website for details on their next habitat restoration work party, March 18th.
Join Us at the KCD Native Plant Sale, March 11th
Saturday, March 11, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Kick off the spring planting season at the King Conservation District’s Native Plant Sale. Our annual sale includes nearly three dozen species of native trees, shrubs, berries, and groundcovers. For details on all available plants click HERE.
While at the Native Plant Sale, plan to stay for the Native Plant Community Fair. This year’s participants include the Washington Native Plant Society, Weed Warriors, DIRT Corps, King County Noxious Weed Control Program, Garden Hotline, Shadow Lake Nature Preserve, City Fruit, Scarecrow’s Pride, Stone Soup Gardens, Raindog Designs, Garden Cycles, King County Forestry Program, Rent Mason Bees, Center for Natural Lands Management, Elk Run Farm, Puget Sound Beekeepers Association, Sustainable Renton, and Tadpole Haven Native Plants.
Visit with KCD at the NW Flower & Garden Show
February 22-26
The King Conservation District will be in Booth 2816 at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show. Stop by to meet our staff and learn about KCD programs and services. See a demonstration Hugelkultur mound, drop off soil samples, and enter our daily raffle.
Visitors to the KCD booth will receive a coupon for 10% off pre-orders for the KCD Native Plant Sale.
Preserving the History & Enhancing the Future of Matsuda Farm
In 1957 the King Conservation District honored Yoneichi Matsuda as Conservationist Farmer of the Year, and today KCD continues to support Matsuda Farm through two major projects with the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust.
In 2016 the KCD Regional Food System Program awarded a $50,000 grant to the Land Trust to support redevelopment of Matsuda Farm, with the goal of establishing a farm-to-school program with the Vashon School District.
Last fall the KCD Landowner Incentive Program provided funding and a Washington Conservation Corps crew to plant more than 2,000 native trees and shrubs in a 35-foot buffer around the farm’s irrigation pond.
See the KCD Facebook page for a set of photos and more information about the history and restoration of Matsuda Farm.
KCD Forestry Program Working with Mt. Adams Institute VetWorks
King Conservation District partners with AmeriCorps and the Mt. Adams Institute through the VetsWork program. VetsWork is an eleven month career development internship program for military veterans in work related to natural resources management, public lands and the environment. More information on the program can be found on the Mt. Adams Institute’s website. https://mtadamsinstitute.org/programs/
Highline College Initiates New Community Agriculture Program
Highline College introduced a new Community Agriculture Certificate Program to support people seeking new careers in urban food production with a year-round series of courses on growing food in dense urban environments.
In 2015 the King Conservation District awarded an $80,000 grant to Highline College to expand opportunities for South King County immigrants, refugees and youth to participate in the Community Agriculture Program. Below are links to news about the program:
Combatting South King County’s Food Desert
Urban Farming Course Helps Refugees in Washington – KING 5
King Conservation District Strengthens Local Food System
In the past two years the KCD Regional Food System Grant Program awarded $1.4 million in grants for 20 projects aimed at strengthening the local food economy. The diverse and innovative projects will 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.
The King Conservation District Regional Food System Program was initiated in 2015 to link producers with consumers and to serve as a catalyst for making local food production environmentally and economically sustainable.
City of Kirkland & Seattle Tilth
McAuliffe Park Learning Garde
The City of Kirkland Parks Department is collaborating with Seattle Tilth to establish a new Learning Garden at McAuliffe Park, a historic farm originally established in 1887.
In early 2016 the King Conservation District awarded a $13,903 grant to Seattle Tilth for development of new educational programs at McAuliffe Park, including urban farming in the new learning garden and restoration of nearly two acres of forested area. See the Seattle Tilth website for more information:
McAuliffe Park Learning Garden
City of Kirkland Presented with
2015 Local Government Award
The King Conservation District presented the City of Kirkland with the 2015 KCD Local Government Award in recognition of the Green Kirkland Partnership, 
which allied with nonprofit partners, businesses, and volunteers to restore more than 400 acres of natural areas.
Over the past decade KCD has provided the City of Kirkland with $469,000 in grants and services, including support for the development and implementation of Kirkland’s “20 Year Forest Restoration Plan” and support for their work with local landowners to prevent stormwater pollution. Through the Green Kirkland Partnership, the City of Kirkland has allied with nonprofit partners, businesses, and volunteers to restore more than 400 acres of natural areas.
The King Conservation District supported Kirkland’s participation in a consortium of cities sponsoring the Washington Native Plant Society’s Native Plant Stewardship Training and Restoration Program. Currently KCD is partnering with the City of Kirkland on the development of the McAuliffe Park Leaning Garden and other community food projects.
As part of the new KCD Urban Forestry Program, Kirkland was one of five cities selected for targeted technical assistance to enhance their urban forest. The District and the City of Kirkland are also collaborating on a vision to preserve Totem Lake a prized natural area for the community.