Waterways, Wetlands & Shorelines

This resource provides information on the ecological importance of beavers and their role in creating and maintaining wetlands. It offers guidance on resolving human-beaver conflicts and promotes understanding of beaver behavior and habitat.

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.

An educational platform by Project WET that explores various aspects of water, including the water cycle, watersheds, and conservation, through interactive modules.

An interactive game by PBS Kids that teaches children about engineering and flood prevention through problem-solving challenges.

An educational program designed to teach children about marine ecosystems and the importance of ocean conservation.

This guide assists lakeshore property owners on Lakes Washington and Sammamish in implementing environmentally friendly shoreline practices. It offers information on bulkhead alternatives, green dock designs, cost estimates, maintenance tips, and navigating the permitting process to promote healthier lake ecosystems.

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This guide provides detailed instructions for installing live stakes to restore streambanks and riparian areas. It covers species selection, preparation, spacing, and proper planting techniques to ensure success in erosion control and habitat enhancement.

How's My Waterway is an EPA tool that provides land managers with detailed information on the health of local waterways, including data on water quality, permitted discharges, and restoration efforts. By entering a specific location, users can access community-level insights to inform land management decisions and support effective water resource planning.

This resource is a field guide designed to assist in the identification and use of common riparian woody plants in the Intermountain West and Pacific Northwest regions. It includes descriptions, identification keys, and information on the ecological significance of various species.

This resource introduces low-tech, process-based restoration methods, such as beaver dam analogs to rehabilitate incised streams and meadows. It provides a factsheet detailing these techniques, aiming to help newcomers understand and implement practices that slow runoff, spread water, and enhance ecosystem productivity.

NOAA Fisheries' West Coast region focuses on the conservation and management of marine species and their habitats along the Pacific coast, including California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Key priorities include sustainable fisheries, endangered species recovery, habitat restoration, and community collaboration.

NOAA Fisheries’ Outreach and Education initiatives aim to engage communities in marine conservation through resources, programs, and events. They provide tools for educators, students, and the public to learn about protecting marine ecosystems and sustainable practices.

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.

Dedicated to water education, Project WET provides educators with resources, workshops, and activities designed to teach students about water's critical role in our world.

NOAA’s project-based learning resource focuses on educating students about the conservation of endangered southern resident killer whales. Through interactive activities, it highlights threats such as prey availability, pollution, and vessel noise, encouraging critical thinking and actionable solutions.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) supports salmon recovery efforts by funding habitat restoration, monitoring salmon populations, and coordinating regional initiatives. Their programs aim to rebuild salmon runs, protect ecosystems, and engage communities in conservation.

NOAA’s Salmon Population Viewer is an interactive map showcasing salmon recovery efforts and population trends across the United States. It provides detailed information about salmon species, their habitats, and conservation projects to support informed decision-making and public engagement.

This resource from the Washington State Department of Ecology discusses various methods of shoreline stabilization, including the use of hardened structures like revetments, bulkheads, and seawalls to control erosion. It also highlights the importance of soft shoreline stabilization techniques, which employ environmentally friendly methods to protect property while preserving natural shoreline functions.

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Southern Resident Killer Whale Recovery (ORCA) coordinates efforts to protect and recover endangered southern resident orcas. Its initiatives focus on improving prey availability, reducing vessel impacts, and restoring habitat critical to their survival.

The State of Salmon in Watersheds report tracks salmon recovery progress across Washington State, highlighting challenges like habitat loss and climate change. It offers data, insights, and strategies to guide restoration efforts and ensure the survival of salmon and their ecosystems.

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 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.

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

This article from the Natural Resources Defense Council provides an in-depth overview of water pollution, detailing its causes, types, and the significant impact it has on human health and the environment. It emphasizes the urgent need for action to protect our limited freshwater resources and offers practical steps individuals can take to help prevent water pollution.

The Washington State Department of Ecology's Water Resources Program collaborates with communities to manage water resources sustainably, addressing current and future needs for both people and the environment. Key initiatives include monitoring water supplies, overseeing water rights, protecting streamflows, ensuring dam safety, and providing access to information about water resource laws in Washington state.

This resource discusses the positive impacts of beaver activity on riparian ecosystems, including water retention, habitat diversity, and stream restoration. It provides insights into how beaver dams contribute to ecological health and offers considerations for land managers.