Stay up to date on our development of a Conservation & Education Center
For more than 75 years, the Thurston Conservation District (TCD) has worked alongside farmers, landowners, and communities in Thurston County to voluntarily steward the region’s natural resources. Through non-regulatory technical assistance, education, and conservation planning, the District helps landowners implement practices that protect soil health, improve water quality, and sustain working lands.
We are embarking on the creation of a Conservation and Education Center – the first of its kind in our region – that will convene, educate, and empower our community to steward our shared resources for generations to come! Together, with our partners, this campus will serve as a hub for our community to access everything they need to manage their landscapes. TCD is a local non-regulatory subdivision of state government, which matches local natural resource concerns and needs with applicable technical assistance and financial resources to solve on-the-ground conservation issues with proven effective conservation practices.
The District plans to use the site to support community members, including urban and backyard farmers, commercial farmers and ranchers, and other landscape stewards with education and resources to manage local farmland, agricultural businesses, wildlife habitat, shorelines, and other natural features. Our CEC will be a ‘conservation hub’ for residents of all ages and our community partners alike.
Property Requirements
- Located in Thurston County.
- 20-30 acres – depending on the landscape features of the site.
- Must accommodate a ‘Conservation Hub’ facility of at least 14,000 SF.
Ideal Location
- Adjacent to working farms, including those with small gardens, row crops, livestock, or working forests.
- Located within or adjacent to the Urban Growth Areas of Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater.
- Accessible by various public transportation methods and/or close to I-5.
Do you know of a property that meets these requirements or might be a good fit for our new home? Let us know!
Contact Susan Shelton, Finance and Administration Manager at (360) 742-2313 or at accounting@thurstoncd.com
Our Mission
The mission of Thurston Conservation District is to protect and enhance the farms, forests, and natural landscapes of Thurston County.
Our Vision
Healthy lands, thriving communities, and a sustainable future for all.
Thurston County residents envision a future where forests, farms, and waters are protected, climate resilience is built into daily life, everyone has access to land and food, and conservation is a shared community value led by strong local leadership.
By 2045, Thurston County is home to thriving farms, forests, and waterways. Communities and partners collaborate across boundaries to address climate change, protect working lands, and ensure that future generations inherit a resilient, healthy landscape.
For a more in-depth look at Thurston Conservation District’s mission, priorities and goals, check out our our Annual and Strategic Plans.
Our District is supported by the Washington Association of Conservation Districts, Washington State Conservation Commission, and the National Association of Conservation Districts.
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