On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we are joined by Xerces Society's Senior Endangered Species Conservation Biologist and Freshwater Mussel Lead, Emilie Blevins and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife's Native Freshwater Fish and Freshwater Shellfish Specialist, Marie Winkowski to discuss the secret strength of freshwater mussels. Together, we discuss our local freshwater mussel's life cycle and habitat. We also explore the ecological and cultural significance and discuss how we are working collaboratively to build resilience for these at-risk species

Resources:

• Xerces Society - About Freshwater Mussels
• WDFW - Western pearlshell mussel
• WDFW - Western ridged mussel
• WDFW - Zebra mussel
• Share your Freshwater Mussels sighting here
• Conserving the Gems of Our Waters (Book)
• Absurd Creature of the Week: This Mussel Does an Incredible Impression of a Fish (Article and Video by Wired)

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters we are joined by TCD's Senior Natural Resource Specialist, Emily Landrus and Natural Resource Specialist, Aimee Richardson to discuss our farm equipment rental program. Together, we discuss all the details about the low-cost farm equipment and hand tools we rent as a resource to our local community. We also dive into the types of equipment we have available, what community members use them for, and we give you all the tips and tricks you need to be successful!

Resources

• Tool & Equipment Rental Webpage
• No-till Drill How-to Video
• Soil & Nutrient Testing Webpage
• Farm Resource Library Webpage
  • Manure Management Guide
  • How to use and Compost Horse Manure
  • Pasture Management Calendar

On this month's episode of Conservation Starters, we are joined by our local Master Gardener, Cor Carlton, WSU Master Gardener and Master Recycler Composter Program Manager. Together, we talk about the two programs she manages and discuss how to get involved. She shares fall gardening tips and we share information about our annual plant sales.

Resources:

• WSU Thurston County Extension Website
• WSU Thurston County Extension Gardening/Composting/Recycling Resources Webpage
• Have a Gardening or Waste Reduction Question? Have a WSU Master Gardener or Master Recycler Composter answer your question. Learn more here.
• Upcoming Events and Outreach
• Plant Sale – Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County
• Thurston County Solid Waste Upcoming Events/Workshops
• USDA Plant Hardiness Zones
• Great Plant Picks
• Burke Herbarium Image Collection
• Oregon State University Landscape Plant Database
• Thurston Conservation District Native Plant Sale