At the end of May, a group of SPP and Department of Corrections (DOC) staff got the chance to tour one of the prairies that is supported by the SPP Conservation Nursery programs and the SPP Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly Program. The restored prairie site is located on the federally owned land of Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM).
From left to right: Gina Smith (JBLM Fish & Wildlife), Mikala Waldrup (SPP), Sonja Alley (DOC), Maria Hall (DOC), and Mariana Cervantes (SPP)
Prior to colonization, Washington prairies were maintained by indigenous groups through harvesting and cultural burning. Once prevalent in the region, prairies are now considered one of Washington’s rarest ecosystems. This ecosystem has been reduced to less than 3% of its original area due to development and natural resource demand. Populations of animals that rely on the prairies, like the endangered Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly, have dwindled as well.
Around 90% of the remaining prairie ecosystems in the South Puget Sound are located at JBLM, where less development and periodic burns have allowed prairies to persist1. These ecosystems are considered critical habitat for Taylor’s Checkerspot butterflies and must be maintained for their survival.
SPP staff and Gina Smith (JBLM Fish & Wildlife) step off the path in an area unlikely to have Taylor’s checkerspot eggs. Many plants in this area werelikely grown by SPP’s Conservation Nursery Programs. Photo by Anneke Wilder.
On the tour, JBLM Fish and Wildlife ecologistsshared their passion and knowledge of the prairie ecosystem with DOC and SPP staff. The ecologists talked about the history of the site and the work that has been done to restore habitat for the butterflies. This work includes outplanting of plugs and seeds that were grown and harvested at prison facilities, as well as releases of butterflies reared by incarcerated butterfly technicians. They stressed that none of this work would be successful without the partnership between SPP, DOC, and USFWS.
“I will never look at a prairie the same after listening to the information shared on the intricacies of each aspect of conservation work and what is needed for a healthy prairie to support the butterflies. Observing the passion of the others on the tour was inspiring!” – Kari Figueira (DOC)
From left to right: Death camas (Zigadenus venenosus), Harsh paintbrush (Castilleja hispida) and Lupine (Lupinus sp.) Photos by Anneke Wilder.
Many prairie plants were in bloom, including lupine (Lupinus sp.), balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittate), death camas (Zigadenus venenosus), and paintbrush (Castilleja sp.). In many areas, visitors had to take care not to step off the main path, as eggs from the butterflies could be damaged by foot traffic. These rare opportunities to connect with the work and understand the impact of SPP programs are beneficial for all involved in the partnership.
“The experience was a full circle moment, as DOC often does not see what is beyond the fence and the positive impact that is made by initiatives with SPP. I appreciate the opportunity to walk and learn about the checkerspot in their environment with such knowledgeable experts in the area of conservation.” – Sonja Alley (DOC)
DOC staff tour the prairie accompanied by JBLM Fish and Wildlife ecologists. Photo by Anneke Wilder.
Nat Kelly (left, SPP) and Mariana Cervantes (right, SPP) are both Conservation Nursery Coordinators. Photo by Anneke Wilder.
Could you tell us a little bit about your background and what brought you to SPP?
I’ve been living in Walla Walla since 2007. My husband, who is from Seattle and is retired from the military, got a job at WSP, and we ended up moving to Walla Walla. I have my bachelor’s degree in animal welfare and science, but with my experience with dementia through my grandfather, I ended up working in a dementia care home. That experience made me consider nursing. I went through all the steps and was just about to apply and decided that no, I wanted to work with animals.
So, I opened my own small business working with animals and was doing a lot of farm work. Ultimately, the farm work got me involved with the vice president of the Washington State Sheep Association. We became friends and he said, “Gerry, they’re opening a sheep project at the prison, would you be interested?” I’d learnt to sheep shear through going round all these farms and shearing, so I said “Yeah, I’m interested.”
In 2017 they began the sheep program here at WSP, where participants could get 5 credits from Evergreen State College for completing the class. The incarcerated technicians were taking care of all the husbandry, and I oversaw them. I did that for four years and it was amazing.
I wanted to keep the land going when the program ended and got approval to do so, but I decided not to because it was going to be a lot of responsibility by myself. Then I heard from Kelli Bush (SPP Co-director) that they were going to be doing a sagebrush program at WSP, and I was offered a temporary position until they found a teacher.
Technician Marje McKenzie receives his certificate from Gerry Glenn at a Sagebrush program graduation ceremony. Photo by Emily Passarelli.
What has your experience with the Sagebrush program been so far?
With the sheep program I had been working with camp workers, which is minimum security outside of the prison on 40 acres of land with a guard. With the sagebrush program, it was a little daunting to work with medium security guys within the prison. I was nervous at first, but I settled down and immersed myself in the program.
The animal welfare side of it is to help with conservation of the sage grouse, because we are planting the sagebrush that they require as habitat. So, if someone said to me, “How do you save the sage grouse?” This is what I would say.
Kelli told me that there would be modules on education for the program. I remember asking Kelli if I could take the classes as well, and she said “no, you’re going to be teaching those classes.” I started doing my own research and everything. The first group was in 2023, and it was phenomenal. It was so great working with these guys and being with them 40 hours a week. You build up a different relationship than if you just come and go. You get to know more about them and the type of people they are.
The first class was successful. We sent out 16,000 plants that year. Then Carl Elliot (SPP Conservation Nursery Manager) asked if I would be interested in assisting with the Foundations in Gardening class, which I did. At this point I had been offered and accepted the permanent sagebrush teaching position; I was very happy. We did the next sagebrush class in 2024 followed by an advanced sagebrush class last, and now I’m doing my third class.
I’m much more confident now, and I know what I’m doing. We’ve got bigger expectations, we’ve got more space, we’ve got new hoop houses and it’s just fantastic what we’re doing. We have got 65,000 sagebrush plants growing right now. Before, I relied on the Sustainable Practices Lab staff to help me. Now they’re whittling down, and I have a lot more responsibility, and it’s great.
I love being positive around the guys, and I encourage them to get credits from The Evergreen State College. There’s a lot of pride in what we’re doing. There are some guys who were maybe a little bit lazier at the beginning, and bam, all of a sudden, they’re experts at talking about the sagebrush. Just to see that progression for me is fantastic.
I opened an animal business because I love animals, and it was the best job ever for me. Having my own business is amazing. To have a second job which is equally as amazing… I feel very blessed right now work wise.
Of course, you’ve got the SPP people, which is the other side. When I come over there and meet everybody, it’s fantastic. It’s so relaxed, but we all do our jobs and get it done, and it’s such a great atmosphere. I know I could call anyone on the team if I had an issue and it would be OK. So, you don’t often get these great opportunities. I know how lucky I am. Every day I come in and I think this is great, I think it’s rubbing off. People see how I love what I’m doing, and I can’t help it, I’m not even pretending!
Sagebrush plants at WSP. Photo by SPP staff.
SPP staff members at Millersylvania State Park for a picnic. Left to right: Anneke Wilder, Nat Kelly, Gerry Glenn, and Sarah Larson. Photo by Emily Passarelli.
That’s great, and that’s why you got contractor of the year! Because everyone can see how much you enjoy your job, and that inspires people, I think.
I hope so! I hope that’s how I come across and not, oh, God, here she comes again, bubbling and yapping on about wonderful things.
I still know these are incarcerated individuals. When I talk to my friends on the outside and I say, “Look, I’ve got this great job, I still know that they’ve done the things that they’ve done to get here. But I don’t know what they’ve done, I don’t check their records. It’s not my business. It’s how they treat me and what they give me regarding work, you know, their skills. So that makes a difference. You’re not there to punish them. Imprisonment is punishment enough.”
We all work as a crew and so for me, contractor of the year means that I’ve got a great relationship with my crew. I’ve got a brilliant relationship with the staff who are working with me and that’s what makes me successful. If they didn’t care, then the project wouldn’t be successful. I won the award because I’m the face of the project, the teacher, but it wouldn’t work if I didn’t have everyone’s support around me.
Eson Herr thinning sagebrush cones down to one plant. Photo by SPP Staff.
Can you tell me a little bit more about your day-to-day? What are some of the goals of the program as it relates to ecological goals specifically? Why is the sagebrush habitat so special?
Number one goal, restoration of the sagebrush steppe. We’ve got an issue now where the sagebrush steppe has become so fragmented due to wildfires, invasive plant species, anthropogenic development, livestock grazing to name a few reasons, that species of fauna that require this habitat to survive, are disappearing.
An example is the sage grouse, who are not officially classed as endangered, but should be. They are 100% sagebrush obligate, meaning they need it to survive. What we’re doing is replenishing the sagebrush.
We grow the sagebrush from seed in April and then when ready in October, we take it up to a Spokane reservation where Airway Heights, another prison facility in the Spokane area, have a crew that goes out with DNR to replant the sagebrush.
And yes, that’s great for the sagebrush and ecological goals of the program, but to me a big part of it is that the guys are taking responsibility for something and learning. There are so many issues facing restoration of the habitat, and they learn about that in class. We talk about other creatures that are becoming endangered – it’s not just big animals. It’s also reptiles and bugs and birds and other creatures that need this habitat. The insects and pollinators that come in, they feed on the sagebrush. They use it for protection. You know, they live in it.
And that’s the side that I really love. The education. I’m also learning different things myself, and we’re all learning together.
Photo of the endangered Sage Grouse on the sagebrush steppe. Photo by Bureau of Land Management Oregon.
Incarcerated technicians thinning the sagebrush down to one plant per cone and removing any cones that are empty (luckily not many!). Photo by SPP Staff.
You may not expect it, but Washington State prisons are full of a variety of gardens. Garden types vary depending on the facility’s climate, partnerships, goals, and programs. Most facilities feature a variety of gardens which may include educational gardens to accompany SPP’s Foundations in Gardening classes, produce gardens for donation or on-site use, herb and medicinal gardens, culture gardens for cultural groups, flower gardens, pollinator friendly gardens, small orchards, rental plot gardens, and drought tolerant native plant gardens. These gardens not only enrich the prison environment but also have positive effects on incarcerated individuals, correctional staff, and visitors.
By cultivating gardens and actively using or donating their produce, incarcerated individuals have the opportunity to gain valuable gardening skills, knowledge about healthy eating, and contribute positively to the local communities. Since 2020, almost 200 students have taken SPP’s 4-credit Foundations in Gardening course. In 2024, prisons reported donating 110,399 lbs. of produce to local food banks and using 131,482 lbs. of produce grown on site within the facilities. However, challenges persist, mainly related to incarcerated individuals having access to the fresh produce grown at facilities.
Some plants and flowers from the gardens at Stafford Creek Correctional Center. Photos by Emily Passarelli.
To address these challenges, SPP, with support from former Secretary Strange and other Department of Corrections (DOC) leadership, launched the ‘Garden to Kitchen Project’ (G2K Project) in the Fall of 2021. The goal of this initiative was to create a stronger link between kitchen managers, plant managers, incarcerated gardeners, and various stakeholders to tackle existing barriers and improve access to fresh produce in prisons.
The Garden to Kitchen Project began by collecting information on the challenges and successes associated with utilizing prison-grown produce in facility kitchens. To gain a comprehensive understanding, SPP reached out to plant and kitchen managers across twelve prisons to discuss the limitations and obstacles related to growing, cleaning, and preparing produce. Additionally, the G2K team conducted several in-person listening sessions with incarcerated gardeners to further identify challenges regarding produce access. These gardeners expressed frustration over the waste of facility-grown produce and the lack of formal education on cleaning and preparing it. They also highlighted issues such as staffing shortages, movement closures, small crew sizes, and quarantines. Concerns were raised about the lack of compost and fertilizers, the absence of a formal planting plan, unfair pricing of produce, and the inability to have produce in living unit.
Building on the insights gathered, the Stafford Creek Corrections Center (SCCC) took the lead in piloting the Garden to Kitchen initiative, with support from SPP. To address the challenges identified, SPP provided resources including composting tumblers, seeds, materials for garden beds, books, and garden tools. These contributions were designed to enhance the facility’s capacity to grow and effectively utilize produce, fostering a more sustainable connection between the garden and the kitchen. Through these efforts, the initiative aimed to overcome the previously identified obstacles and improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of produce use within the facility.
To address more barriers, SPP is actively leading sustainability workshops focused on addressing the challenges identified by gardeners, kitchen managers, and plant managers, like delivering dirty produce to the kitchens.
On April 2, 2025, Stafford Creek Correctional Center hosted an inspiring and thought-provoking workshop featuring Kristen McIvor, Director of Harvest Pierce County. Founded in 2010, Harvest Pierce County aims to bridge the gap between food, community, and the environment by engaging residents in creating a just and nutritious food system. With over 15 years of experience in cultivating sustainable food systems in Tacoma, WA, McIvor brought a wealth of knowledge and passion to the conversation, emphasizing the critical role of community engagement in creating a more just and healthy food system. During her presentation, she discussed the importance of building sustainable systems that promote transforming garden produce into healthy meals
Kristen Mclvor introducing herself to students from Stafford Creek Correctional Center. Photo by Emily Passarelli.
McIvor outlined key programs that were relevant to challenges identified by the facility. Essential practices like basic garden planning, recognizing planting schedules, and understanding food safety were highlighted, with emphasis on understanding your kitchen’s needs, barriers, and limitations
McIvor also shared practical tips that included harvesting techniques specific to various crops, with an emphasis on timing and handling to ensure food safety and quality. Participants were encouraged to engage with the kitchen staff to explore how to prepare their produce, understand any logistical barriers they may face and food safety practices like worker hygiene and proper harvesting methods to mitigate contamination risks.
Kristen Mclvor discusses the work they do at Harvest Pierce County with students from Stafford Creek Correctional Center Photo by Emily Passarelli.
The workshop sparked meaningful dialogue about the unique challenges of connecting prison-grown produce to institutional kitchens. Issues such as food safety regulations, kitchen infrastructure, and access barriers remain significant. Yet, with open communication and a commitment to collaborative problem-solving, progress is possible. Programs like those led by Harvest Pierce County, along with the efforts of the Sustainability in Prisons Project, continue to demonstrate how innovation, partnership, and equity can transform systems from within.
Kristen Mclvor discusses the various programs under Harvest Pierce County with students from Stafford Creek Correctional Center. Photo by Emily Passarelli.
The workshop was a remarkable gathering, attended by incarcerated students, SCCC staff, SPP staff, and Sally Brown, one of SPP’s long-term partners and a UW research professor. As the workshop concluded, students engaged with both Kristen and Sally, asking insightful questions that sparked meaningful discussions. Following this, Kristen and Sally enjoyed a visit to the beautiful gardens at SCCC, witnessing firsthand the incredible progress being made, an inspiring wrap-up to a productive day. To learn more about Kristen and her impactful work at Harvest Pierce County, please visit their website:https://piercecd.org/190/Urban-Agriculture
As we prepare for the next phase of the Gardens to Kitchens Project, we encourage stakeholders, community members, and partner organizations to stay engaged. Together, we can cultivate not only gardens but also thriving ecosystems that support health, dignity, and sustainability both inside and outside of prison walls.
Sally Brown (left) and Kristen Mclvor (right) answering students’ questions at the end of the workshop. Photos by Emily Passarelli.
“Keeping bees is like honey for your soul” – Incarcerated beekeeper at WASBA’s Beekeeping Facility of Year award ceremony
Written by Anneke Wilder
At the end of March, the Washington Correctional Center for Women (WCCW) celebrated an exciting achievement. The women’s facility won the Washington State Beekeepers Association’s (WASBA) second annual Beekeeping Facility of the Year award for 2024. In a gym beautifully decorated by the WCCW incarcerated beekeepers, attendees celebrated the partnerships and dedicated individuals that made it all possible. Attendees included DOC Secretary Tim Lang, WCCW leadership and staff, WASBA Vice President Ellen Miller, WASBA’s Education lead Sandy Fanara, Sustainability in Prisons Project (SPP) staff, and other volunteers and contributors.
Educational tables set up by incarcerated beekeepers. Photos by Emily Passarelli.
The beekeepers set up educational tables for attendees to learn about all aspects of beekeeping, complete with opportunities to view, touch, and ask questions about the tools and materials necessary to keep bees and extract honey. Varroa mites, the scourge of every beekeeper’s hive, were a significant topic of conversation. Incarcerated beekeepers hoped to raise awareness of the issue through their educational table as well as in speeches during the ceremony.
SPP Coordinators Mikala Waldrup (left) and Anneke Wilder (right) found Varroa mites under their seats during a speech from an incarcerated beekeeper. The beekeeper hoped to raise awareness of the destructive pest. Photo by Emily Passarelli.
Beekeepers also spoke about the benefits of honey and the importance of bees to both our global community and their community behind bars. Several incarcerated beekeepers emphasized the transformational power of caring for the bees, making connections between beekeeping and their own lives. One woman noted how the bee’s sense of community and dedication to their queen has helped her understand the importance of community in her own life. Another beekeeper warned that if humans don’t cultivate this sense of care for the natural world and each other, it could push our species to extinction.
Incarcerated beekeeper Michelle Gabel shows off the Facility of the Year plaque. Photo by Emily Passarelli.
The ceremony wrapped up with the award presentation, a honey tasting, and a gift from the incarcerated individuals to volunteer Sandy Fanara and WASBA: beautiful handmade quilts made by some of the beekeepers themselves.
WCCW Liaison Lara Kempton (left) presents WASBA volunteer Sandy Fanara (right) with quilts handmade by incarcerated beekeepers. Photo by Emily Passarelli.
Partnerships, like the one between WASBA, WCCW staff and beekeepers, volunteers, and SPP, strengthen our communities. The resulting patchwork of diverse, dedicated, and inspiring individuals helps to grow the practice of beekeeping within the state of Washington and ensure that our pollinators continue to be respected, protected, and cared for in the generations to come.
WASBA vice president Ellen Miller (right) presents WCCW liaison Lara Kempton (left) with the 2024 Facility of the Year Award. Photo by Emily Passarelli.
SPP recently had the honor of collaborating with Evergreen Native American and Indigenous Studies Faculty Kendra Aguilar to offer the first of many cultural workshops at Washington Corrections Center. The workshop was hosted by the Tribal Sons, a group of Indigenous incarcerated individuals at WCC. Tribal Sons was created to “promote the wellness and rehabilitation of [Indigenous] people through healing with Indigenous ceremonies and traditions.” We were joined by cultural leader Carolyn Hartness, Evergreen Tribal Relations Liaison Lyn Dennis, and DOC Director for Person Centered Services Megan Pirie.
After introductions and a welcome led by Carolyn Hartness, Kendra Aguilar facilitated the plant teachings workshop. Students were able to touch and hold different native plant cuttings as Aguilar spoke about the social-emotional skills that can be learned from each plant. In recognizing the strengths that different plants possess and what they contribute to their environment, students were encouraged to apply those skills to their own lives as well. During a break, visitors got to hold some baby chicks from the Sustainable Practices Lab (SPL) too!
The workshop concluded with a song and a tour led by Tribal Sons. SPP looks forward to expanding opportunities for cultural workshops in the future!
Carolyn Hartness, Indigenous cultural leader and artist. Photo by Emily Passarelli. Cultural objects made by Tribal Sons members. Photo by Emily Passarelli. SPP Coordinator Anneke Wilder and DOC Director for Person Centered Services Megan Pirie look at lichen during the plant teaching workshop. Photo by Emily Passarelli. A workshop student holds a rosebud. Photo by Emily Passarelli. Lyn Dennis and Carolyn Hartness learn from a Douglas fir clipping. Photo by Emily Passarelli. Workshop leader Kendra Aguilar holds two baby chicks that are being raised in the Sustainable Practices Lab (SPL) at WCC. Photo by Emily Passarelli.Workshop student and SPL member Juan Hernandez shows SPL’s vermiculture system to Kendra Aguilar and Lyn Dennis. Photo by Emily Passarelli.
SPP Workshops are starting back up in facilities after a hiatus, and we couldn’t be more excited! Recently SPP kicked off this initiative by hosting its first workshop since pre-pandemic at Washington Corrections Center for Women.
The Introduction to Nature Drawing Workshop was a huge hit! Drawing from her background in scientific illustration, SPP Coordinator and artist Anneke Wilder led the workshop. Students learned about the history of nature drawing and illustration as well as some drawing tips and tricks. The second half of the workshop the students spent some time sketching from books or specimen that were brought in. Some SPP staff even joined in on the fun!
We’re looking forward to bringing in more experts and educators that offer unique learning experiences to incarcerated students.
Kelli Buggs Jones draws a few different specimen. Photo by Emily Passarelli.
A student sketches a cedar frond. Photo by Emily Passarelli.
Tatiana Baker shows off her drawing of a flower. Photo by Emily Passarelli.
SPP Coordinator and workshop host Anneke Wilder gives Michelle Gabel some tips on shading. Photo by Emily Passarelli.
Students got to choose from a variety of specimen for drawing subjects. Photo by Emily Passarelli.
Student Michelle Nichols and SPP Coordinator Laureen Dulo use images from books as references. Photo by Emily Passarelli.
SPP Butterfly Coordinator, Courtney Murphy, and WDFW lead the team as they delve into plant identification. Photo by Kelli Bush.
With binoculars and plant ID guides in hand, the team was excited by the rich biodiversity and felt inspired to see checkerspot habitat up close. WDFW works diligently on restoration at Scatter Creek—planting native species that are critical for the Taylor’s checkerspot to use as host plants, for food, and for basking. The opportunity to see the butterflies’ prairie habitat first-hand proved an eye-opening experience for colleagues across the program. The butterfly program technicians at MCCCW work year-round to successfully rear and breed the endangered butterfly in captivity. Through their work with SPP, butterfly technicians learn extensively about prairie ecosystems. For many, this was their first opportunity to see essential native plants like paintbrush and lupine.
Butterfly technicians touch native flowers that make up the habitat of Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies. Photo by Kelli Bush.
Many of the program technicians expressed interest in careers in restoration and environmental studies, and the field visit offered an opportunity to further grow their professional network and gain more information about working in the sciences. WDFW biologists, Andrew Dechaine and Melinda Vickers, shared with the team the diversity of careers paths that can lead to work with wildlife and provided information on upcoming job openings.
SPP Butterfly Technician shows her lupine tattoo next to lupine growing at the restoration site. Photo by Kelli Bush. The MCCCW SPP team from left to right (top row: Shelly Lagroone, Vickie Phillips, Karmen Moen, Dalynn Martinez, Jennifer Teitzel, Alivia Garcia, Courtney Robbins, Theresa Boyer ; bottom row: Trista Egli, Radalyn King, Kennie Calvert). Photo by Courtney Murphy.
DOC Corrections professionals were also able to connect with the SPP team and learn more about the endangered butterfly that their dedicated work helps support, taking that knowledge with them to strengthen the program and support the technicians in their work. The Scatter Creek site visit provided an exciting opportunity for colleagues to build connections with one another and with the prairie habitat that the Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly calls home!
By Mikala Waldrup, SPP Ecological Program Coordinator
On Tuesday, April 2nd, the Sustainability in Prisons Project (SPP) team along with the turtle technicians from Cedar Creek Correction Center (CCCC), The Department of Corrections (DOC) Staff, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife staff (WDFW) visited the Pierce County Recovery Site to release western pond turtles (WPT) back to their native ponds after treatment from a shell disease. During this field trip, we released 11 turtles that received follow up care from incarcerated turtle technicians at CCCC after receiving acute veterinary treatment. These turtles, a Washington state listed endangered species, were found to have a shell disease that, left untreated, can be fatal. This shell disease is caused by a keratin eating fungus that infects the WPTs and creates lesions and pitting on their shells. These lesions make their normally hard shells soft. Turtles that show symptoms of shell disease are brought to PAWS Wildlife and Rehabilitation Center (PAWS) or The Oregon Zoo for treatment.
Once treated, the turtles move to CCCC for longer term care. The turtle technicians prepared and fed the turtles a varied diet of smelt, mealworms, night crawlers, turtle pellets, mixed greens, and reptile gel. They also provided daily water changes and weekly tank cleanings to prevent possible infections in the turtles’ post-treatment wounds. With daily behavior observations, the technicians quickly learned the personality each turtle had—some were shy and preferred to hide while others were bold and sassy, preferring to bask all day.
During the 2023-2024 season, SPP and the turtle technicians cared for 23 turtles both before and after the turtles received veterinary care. When reflecting on this season, turtle technician Robert Asagai wrote, “Although this was a program/job provided by SPP and DOC, I really enjoyed it and felt that it wasn’t. I looked forward to coming in everyday and doing something that was outside of everyday prison stuff. It felt like a safe place or a place of peace.”
A WPT swimming away upon release.
Below: A WPT being swabbed to see if the shell disease is present post treatment prior to release.
Due to the pandemic, this was the first time the technicians and DOC staff have been able to attend a release since 2019, which added a special element to the day. Prior to releasing the turtles back into their ponds, the technicians and wildlife biologist swabbed each turtle to further study shell disease treatment. The technicians work so hard throughout the season caring for the turtles and ensuring they are recovering from their treatments, and it was so great to have them attend the release. It was also neat to see a lot of the concepts that we were learning about together, such as wetland ecology, in person at the recovery site.
During our visit to the Pierce County Recovery Site, the WDFW wildlife biologist took the team on a tour of the recovery area, and we were able to check on several nest sites that had teeny tiny turtle hatchlings. This was a highlight for everyone to see the next generation of a species we are all working to conserve and protect. Upon release, the turtles swam away and rejoined their population just in time for the summer and the WPT mating season. SPP and the Cedar Creek crew are very happy to see the successful release of the WPTs but will be missing the turtles until the next batch are trapped for treatment next season.
Teeny tiny turtle hatchlings seen at the release site, each no bigger than a half dollar. Photos by SPP staff.
Written by Derek Thedell, Composting Education Coordinator
At SPP, we believe collaboration is key to successful, resilient programs. One collaboration we are excited to share about isthe Foundations inComposting education course, whichhas been in development since the summer of 2021. With the support of a generous donor, many partners, and Institute for Applied Ecology’s Sagebrush in Prisons Project the new course will be available in Washington prisons and offered atthe Lovelock Correctional Center in Nevada!
Greenhouse and thermophilic composting bins at WCC in Shelton, photo by Emily Passarelli.
This curriculum is modeled from the Foundations in Gardening course written in 2020 and focuses on the science and impacts of composting from small to commercial scales. The curriculum will also introduce careers in sustainability and include cultural and historical components throughout the curriculum. Additionally, once completed, we will present it to The Evergreen State College for review for college credit.
Module or chapter development is currently in progress and includes input and voices from experts in our communities including incarcerated individuals, corrections staff, formerly incarcerated individuals, Evergreen Master of Environmental Studies graduates, local composting experts, Tilth Alliance, Centralia College staff, and professors at the University of Washington. You might recognize a few faces and voices, including Nick Hacheney and Juan Hernandez who were composting leaders at the massively successful composting program at Monroe Correctional Center.
Alongside expert composters, Foundations in Composting will feature information from significant written resources, such as Teaming with Microbes by Jeff Lowenfels & Wayne Lewis.
Last November, SPP had the privilege of hosting a course planning meeting at the Washington Corrections Center (WCC) in Shelton. Collaboration is a fundamental part of the SPP program development process. Bringing in the voices and input of the incarcerated composting educators and technicians, Department of Corrections staff, and community experts helps assure that our program is inclusive and well-rounded.
Active worm bin compost managed by the sustainability crew at WCC, photo by Jennifer Bass.
Currently, the sustainability crew at WCC, led by Corrections Specialist 3 Jeff Sanders, has several active composting projects including thermophilic piles (pictured), bokashi, vermicomposting using worms (pictured) and black soldier flies. SPP hopes to provide an educational opportunity to supplement these active projects in the future using this curriculum.
The compost at WCC is utilized in their many gardens, and the black soldier fly larva are even used to feed the chickens! Photos by Jennifer Bass.
Development of the curriculum is slated to be finished by spring, with the pilot program in Nevada getting started quickly after that. Until then, we will continue to write, edit, and edit some more for this exciting new program. One thing is for sure, the future of composting education in prisons is bright!
Written by Jennifer Bass, Environmental Education Coordinator
This year, Larch Corrections Center introduced the Foundations in Gardening curriculum to High School+ (HS+) students in partnership with the Sustainability in Prisons Project and Clark College. This is the first time SPP’s education materials are being used for HS+ students! HS+ is a flexible alternative to the GED for students where students can use life experience and prior learning to earn their high school diploma. LCC’s class is led by Clark College Instructor Lauren Zavrel and 2 peer-facilitators.
LCC students taking notes for their gardening class. Photo by Emily Passarelli.
The gardening class includes both a hands-on component in the garden as well as regular classroom seminars and assignments. In the late fall, the gardeners at LCC developed a planting plan and sowed leek, Brussel sprouts, red clover, and onion seeds.
LCC’s garden area has been sowed with tons of vegetables. Photo by Emily Passarelli.
Combined, the LCC gardeners will spend more than one hundred hours studying course material, working in the garden, completing assignments, and participating in seminars! The class and work wouldn’t be possible without the peer-facilitators, facility liaison, and partners at Clark College.
Gardeners work at LCC to prepare the beds for planting. Photo by Lauren Zavrel.
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