Sustainable landscaping and gardening practices help create resilient, low-maintenance outdoor spaces while supporting soil health, pollinators, and water conservation. Whether you’re tending a small garden or managing a larger landscape, incorporating conservation-friendly practices can lead to a healthier, more productive space.
This publication provides an introduction to wild bee biodiversity and offers methods for monitoring these essential pollinators. It encourages citizen scientists to contribute to conservation efforts through simple observation techniques.
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.
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.
Free wood chips and delivery from ChipDrop: ChipDrop matches people who want free wood chip mulch with arborists and tree companies who are trying to get rid of it.
This publication provides comprehensive guidance on planning, planting, and maintaining a successful vegetable garden in Washington State, including information on climate considerations, soil preparation, and crop selection.
This program encourages residents to plant native species to enhance local ecosystems and support biodiversity. The site offers resources on choosing native plants, designing landscapes, and connecting with local conservation efforts.
This fact sheet provides tips on how to create suitable nesting habitats for various native bee species, including solitary bees and bumblebees. It highlights the importance of offering nesting blocks, bare ground, and other natural features to support healthy bee populations.
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 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.
Audubon’s Plants for Birds program helps individuals select native plants to support bird populations and create healthy habitats. Using an interactive database, users can find region-specific plants that benefit local bird species while promoting biodiversity.
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.
This guide outlines strategies to enhance pollinator resilience in the face of climate change, with a focus on habitat management. While specific to California, the recommendations are broadly applicable for creating more resilient ecosystems across various regions.
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 guide offers tips for managing yard pests in a way that protects pollinators. It emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, pesticide-free space for bees and other pollinators by planting flowers, providing nesting sites, and using alternative pest control methods.
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.
The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting birds and their habitats through science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation efforts. Its programs focus on preserving ecosystems, promoting climate resilience, and inspiring environmental stewardship.
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.
This Native Pollinator Habitat Restoration Guide offers strategies for enhancing pollinator habitats in urban environments, emphasizing the importance of plant diversity and ecosystem structure. It provides practical advice for restoration practitioners, land managers, and homeowners to create resilient pollinator habitats through habitat restoration and management.
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
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.
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 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.
The WSU Master Gardener Program website offers a wealth of research-based gardening information and resources for home gardeners, including free fact sheets and publications. Additionally, the program provides educational outreach through classes, workshops, demonstrations, and field days to support sustainable gardening practices.
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.