Farms & Rural Living

This national initiative aims to enhance agricultural literacy among students by providing educators with resources and lesson plans that integrate agricultural concepts into various subjects.

This guide lists federal programs that support sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation, and community development, providing descriptions, application procedures, and examples of funded projects to assist stakeholders in accessing government resources.

The Burke Herbarium Image Collection provides an extensive online database of plant, fungi, and lichen specimens, including high-resolution images and detailed records. It supports botanical research, identification, and education, particularly for species in the Pacific Northwest.

This publication provides science-based strategies for land managers to design and implement buffers that enhance ecological functions, improve water quality, protect wildlife, and offer economic benefits. It includes over 80 guidelines synthesized from more than 1,400 research articles, offering practical, easy-to-understand advice for creating buffers in both rural and urban landscapes.

Topics covered in the workbook include developing your vision, evaluating farm resources, understanding farm transfer tools, and preparing to meet with professional advisers. Available in English and Spanish.

This resource assists farmers in finding land, building capacity, and accessing resources to thrive as business owners and stewards of the land. It offers personalized support to current and aspiring farmers, farming collectives and cooperatives, farm organizations, and farmland owners in Washington, partnering with service providers to increase access to farmland around the state.

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This guide provides strategies to protect and enhance native bee habitats on farms, including advice on establishing pollinator habitats and using flowering cover crops. It also offers pesticide risk reduction tips and practical checklists to improve bee habitats, with case studies from farms across the country.

WSU’s Hedgerows and Farmscaping program provides guidance on designing and implementing hedgerows to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and support pollinators. It offers resources for farmers and land managers to integrate these features into agricultural landscapes for ecological and economic benefits.

The USDA PLANTS Database (Plant List of Accepted Nomenclature, Taxonomy, and Symbols) is a resource offering detailed information on plant species across the United States, including their taxonomy, distribution, and conservation status. It supports research, education, and land management with tools like plant guides and an extensive image library.

This organization collaborates with educators to integrate field-based science and real-world projects into curricula, promoting environmental and sustainability education.

This resource provides a directory of plant and seed vendors in the Pacific and Inland Northwest, including parts of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. It lists suppliers for various plant materials, aiding in the selection of appropriate sources for conservation and restoration projects.

Pollinator Partnership is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting pollinators essential to ecosystems and agriculture through conservation, education, and research. Its website offers additional resources, publications, and tools like planting guides to support pollinator-friendly practices.

PLT offers a suite of award-winning environmental education materials that use trees and forests as windows to the world, engaging students in learning about the environment and their place within it.

Provides lesson plans and activities focused on agriculture and climate science for elementary students.

Offers comprehensive units for high school students on topics like climate change, agronomy, and sustainable agriculture.

The Rodale Institute advances organic farming through research, education, and farmer support programs. They offer funding opportunities like the BIPOC Farmer Micro-Grants to assist farmers of color in adopting and sustaining organic practices.

Developed by Washington State University, this resource addresses stormwater management challenges in rural areas. It provides guidance on managing water through detention, conveyance, and dispersion methods, along with fact sheets, demonstration projects, and videos to help rural residents mitigate flooding and drainage issues.

This resource offers educational materials and tools designed to teach students about soil properties, formation, and conservation, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of soil's role in the environment.

This resource provides comprehensive information on the principles of soil health, including the benefits of healthy soil, management practices to enhance soil function, and the role of soil biology in agricultural productivity.

This guide offers educators a structured approach to teaching soil health concepts, including lesson plans, activities, and resources to effectively convey the importance of maintaining and improving soil health in various ecosystems.

The Native Plant Finder by the National Wildlife Federation helps users discover regionally appropriate native plants to support local wildlife, especially pollinators like butterflies and bees. It provides tailored recommendations based on zip codes and includes educational resources to promote biodiversity.

The Pacific Northwest Herbaria Consortium provides an online database for exploring plant specimen data from herbaria across the region, supporting botanical research and conservation. It offers tools for mapping, identifying, and studying native plants and their distributions.

The Xerces Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving invertebrates and their habitats through research, advocacy, and education. Their website offers a publication library, resources for parents and educators, and tools to support pollinator conservation, habitat restoration, and pesticide reduction

Tilth Alliance supports sustainable agriculture through farmer education, community programs, and policy advocacy in Washington State. They also provide funding opportunities like the Washington State Organic & Sustainable Farming Fund to help farmers implement organic and sustainable practices.

This publication provides land managers in Whatcom County with practical guidance for managing their land and livestock in ways that protect fish, wildlife, soil, water, and shellfish. It offers strategies and ideas for sustainable practices tailored to local conditions.

The U.S. Drought Monitor provides up-to-date maps and data on drought conditions across the United States, categorizing drought severity from "Abnormally Dry" (D0) to "Exceptional Drought" (D4). Updated weekly, it serves as a vital resource for understanding current drought statuses and trends nationwide.

Land managers seeking funding opportunities and support for conservation projects can contact their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office. These service centers provide valuable resources, technical assistance, and guidance on available grants and programs to help manage and improve natural resources.

The WSU Bee Program focuses on the health and management of bees, providing research, education, and outreach to support pollinator populations and sustainable agriculture. It offers resources on bee biology, conservation, and beekeeping for communities and professionals.

El Programa de Abejas de WSU se centra en la salud y manejo de abejas, ofreciendo investigación, educación y divulgación para apoyar a los polinizadores y la agricultura sostenible. Proporciona recursos sobre biología de abejas, conservación y apicultura para comunidades y profesionales.

English: The WSU Bee Program focuses on the health and management of bees, providing research, education, and outreach to support pollinator populations and sustainable agriculture. It offers resources on bee biology, conservation, and beekeeping for communities and professionals.

The Washington Farmland Trust protects and stewards threatened farmland, ensuring its long-term productivity and sustainability for future generations. They also offer limited funding opportunities to support farmers and preserve agricultural landscapes through partnerships and community engagement.

The Washington Native Plant Society (WNPS) is dedicated to the appreciation, conservation, and restoration of Washington's native plants and their habitats. Through education, advocacy, and on-the-ground projects, WNPS connects people to native plant resources, events, and conservation efforts.

Washington's 45 conservation districts assist landowners in accessing grants for voluntary stewardship actions. They help identify the most relevant funding options and support grant applications. Learn more about these opportunities through your local conservation district office.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) oversees various programs aimed at supporting farmers, ranchers, and food systems in the state. It provides resources for sustainable farming, pest management, food safety, and agricultural development.

The Washington State Organic & Sustainable Farming Fund, managed by Tilth Alliance, provides financial assistance to farmers implementing organic and sustainable practices. The fund supports projects that enhance soil health, improve water quality, and foster biodiversity.

This resource offers engaging content to teach children about water science, the water cycle, and the significance of water conservation.

The Washington State Department of Ecology's Water Conservation webpage offers practical tips and resources to help residents use water efficiently and avoid waste. By adopting simple daily habits, individuals can contribute to preserving this finite resource, ensuring adequate water supply for current and future needs.