Conservation Starters

Strengthening Local Food Systems in Thurston County – A New USDA Meat Processing Facility

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 [https://thurstonedc.com/] * Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier [https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/board-county-commissioners/commissioner-wayne-fournier-district-4] * Thurston County Commissioner Carolina Mejia [https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/board-county-commissioners/commissioner-district-1] * Colvin Ranch [https://colvinranch.com/] * Agriculture Innovation Park [https://www.experienceolympia.com/directory/agriculture-innovation-park/] * Regional Agricultural Development [https://thurstonedc.com/agricultural-business-services/]

An Inside Look at Thurston Conservation District

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 [https://thurstoncd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-2030-Beyond-Strategic-Plan.pdf] Learn more about Rates and Charges [https://thurstoncd.com/about-us/rates-and-charges/] View our 2026 Annual Budget [https://thurstoncd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-Budget.pdf]

Bee Kind to Insects

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we are joined by Corin Pease, Pollinator Conservation Specialist at Xerces Society & NRCS Partner Biologist. Corin’s experience spans agriculture, entomology, and integrated pest management (IPM). As a researcher, Corin has studied insects associated with native hedgerows, conservation biological control, and pest management. We dive into what constitutes a pollinator vs. a beneficial insect, the role of beneficial insects in agriculture, and tools for building resilience to the things that threaten these important insects whether you farm or have a yard. Listen to learn how we can all positively impact these important insects! Resources * Xerces Society Publications Library [https://xerces.org/publications] * Xerces Society Pollinator Resource Center [https://xerces.org/pollinator-resource-center] * Xerces Society WA Bumble Bee Habitat Kits [https://xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/habitat-kits/washington] * Xerces Society Bumble Bee Atlas [https://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/] * Discovering Hedgerows Pt. 1 - Podcast Episode [https://www.conservationstarters.com/1903207/episodes/14605451-discovering-hedgerows] * Discovering Hedgerows Pt. 2 - Podcast Episode [https://www.conservationstarters.com/1903207/episodes/16684123-discovering-hedgerows-part-2] * TCD's Resource Library [https://thurstoncd.com/resources/] * TCD's Native Plant Sale [https://store.thurstoncd.com/] - pre-order through January 2026

Leaf to Life: Macroinvertebrates and Carbon Cycling

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we are joined by Dr. Carri LeRoy a local researcher and professor at The Evergreen State College. Together, we discuss why improving water quality is important, the role macroinvertebrates play in the ecosystem, and the importance of the carbon cycle. Dr. LeRoy talks about her intriguing research and shares ways we can all support a healthier future. Tune in to learn more! Learn More * Dr. LeRoy's Research [https://sites.evergreen.edu/carrileroy/] * Dr. LeRoy's Lectures on Aquatic Entomology [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3TGIDEUcuYAjMH_t2dLpTkKbce_vgUfF] Part 1 * Dr. LeRoy's Lectures on Aquatic Entomology [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3TGIDEUcuYB_bIcQYYRsqZIBRiYyJ3aN] Part 2 Get Involved * Thurston County Stream Team [https://streamteam.info/] Interesting Articles * The Carboniferous Period and Fossil Fuels: Understanding Their Connection [https://geologyandfossils.com/the-carboniferous-period-and-fossil-fuels/] * A Graphical History of Atmospheric CO2 Levels Over Time [https://earth.org/data_visualization/a-brief-history-of-co2/] * Global river water quality under climate change and hydroclimatic extremes [https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-023-00472-3] * The Impact of Pharmaceuticals Released to the Environment [https://www.epa.gov/household-medication-disposal/impact-pharmaceuticals-released-environment] * Why is Clean Water Important? A Lifeline for Health, Prosperity, and Sustainability [https://iere.org/why-is-clean-water-important/#google_vignette]

Flying Through the Riparian Zone

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we are joined by Kim Adelson, vice president and education chair of the South Sound Bird Alliance. Together, we dive into the the world of birds. We discuss the role birds play in riparian zones, areas near streams and rivers and why their presences is a vital part of a healthy and functioning ecosystem. We also explore the history of riparian zones in the Pacific northwest and discuss how this has led to a decline in bird species regionally. Tune in to learn more about how the South Sound Bird Alliance is supporting conservation efforts and learn about the role you can play to be a part of the solution!   Resources: South Sound Birding Alliance [https://southsoundbirds.org/] Timberland Library Birding Kit [https://timberland.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=birding&searchType=keyword&f_FORMAT=KIT] Ripple Effect - Learn about riparian zones [https://www.conserve.wa.gov/ripple-effect/riparian-101] Book: Birds of the Pacific Northwest [https://uwapress.uw.edu/book/9780295748054/birds-of-the-pacific-northwest/]