Programs

In a given year over our 20-year history, Washington’s 12 prisons have reported nearly 200 sustainability-related programs and named partner organizations across the state. In 2022, some programs remained suspended due to COVID-19, while other new initiatives were under development. Scroll through the tables that follow on this page for a summary snapshot of all programs statewide as of the end of 2022, or click a facility on the bulleted list for its highlights as of the end of 2020. Note that due to partner reporting capacity constraints, some programs and partnerships may not be represented here.

Airway Heights Corrections Center (AHCC)

ProgramProgram Partners (Partner with DOC, Evergreen, or both)
BeekeepingMillers Homestead, West Plains Beekeepers Association, WASBA
Gardens: MainMaster Gardeners
Gardens: MinimumSecond Harvest Food Bank, Master Gardeners
Reclaimed Water System
Flower gardens
Pollinator forage and habitatMillers Homestead
Forestry
Large-scale composting
Waste sorting & recyclingWaste Management
Worm farm: MainMaster Composters
Community work
Computers 4 KidsOffice of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, WA Department of Enterprise Services
Firewood donationSNAP Spokane
Nature Imagery

In February 2019, AHCC beekeepers and associates celebrated the prison bee club’s impressive accomplishments. In just a few years, incarcerated beekeepers and their partners have built an excellent program: productive, transformative, and sustainable. Photo by Kay Heinrich.

Cedar Creek Corrections Center (CCCC)

ProgramProgram Partners (partner with DOC, Evergreen, or both)
Beekeeping: CCCCOlympia Beekeeping Association, Washington State Beekeepers Association
Beekeeping: McNeil IslandCorrectional Industries, Department of Natural Resources, community beekeepers
Western pond turtle rehabilitationWashington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Woodland Park Zoo, and PAWS
Avian Acoustic Monitoring
(program planning)
AquaponicsSymbiotic Cycles
Vegetable gardensCentralia College, Littlerock Elementary School
Flower gardensCentralia College
Waste sorting & recycling
Large-scale composting
Training dogs for veteransBrigadoon Service Dogs
Community College HorticultureCentralia College
ConstructionCentralia College
Water use reduction and catchment
Waste water treatmentDepartment of Ecology (DOE)
ForestryDNR
Community work
SPP Biological Technician Lorenzo Stewart tests the aquaponic system’s nitrate levels at Cedar Creek Corrections Center. Photo by Marisa Pushee.

Clallam Bay Corrections Center (CBCC)

ProgramProgram Partners (partner with DOC, Evergreen, or both)
BeekeepingNorth Olympic Peninsula Beekeepers Association, Washington State Beekeepers Association
Vegetable gardensClallam Bay Food Bank
Flower gardens, boxes, and baskets
Farmers Market
Waste sorting & recyclingKNS Recycling
Dog training and adoptionWelfare for Animals Guild(WAG!) (suspended due to COVID)
Cat programWelfare for Animals Guild(WAG!)
Waste water treatment
A beekeeper at CBCC pets a honeybee who landed on his shoulder. CBCC brought in bees in 2017, and the program is thriving. Photo by CBCC staff.

Coyote Ridge Corrections Center (CRCC)

ProgramProgram Partners (partner with DOC, Evergreen, or both)
BeekeepingMid Columbia Beekeepers Association, WASBA
Gardening Class (new in 2022)
Land restorationLamb Weston
Heritage and bee gardens
Garden: MainHarvest Now
Waste sorting & recycling
Toys for TotsTri-Cities Toys for Tots, Shriners Hospital for Children
Teddy bears from reclaimed materialsHospitals, API events held at CRCC, ARC of Tri-Cities, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
Ridge DogsBenton Franklin Humane Society, Adam County Pet Rescue
Service dogs for veteransBrigadoon Service Dogs
Gardens: MinimumFood pantries
Bee Garden
Composting: MinimumFood pantries
Toys for Tots (suspended due to COVID)
Teddy bears from reclaimed materials (suspended due to COVID)

Larch Corrections Center (LCC)

ProgramProgram Partners (partner with DOC, Evergreen, or both)
BeekeepingClark County Beekeeping Association, Washington State Beekeepers Association
Plantain, food source for Taylor’s checkerspot butterfliesOregon Zoo
Bird feeders
Wood craft donations
Gardens
ForestryDNR, USFS, Dept of Ecology
Community workMultiple entities
(Left to right) Jessica Stevens, Nicole Alexander, Cynthia Fetterly, and Alexis Coleman pose in front of their original artwork. Ms. Stevens and Ms. Christopher painted this banner to welcome Girl Scouts Beyond Bars to the butterfly lab for a day of activities, including a unique Taylor’s checkerspot merit badge designed by Ms. Alexander. Photo by Keegan Curry.

Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women (MCCCW)

ProgramProgram Partners (partner with DOC, Evergreen, or both)
Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly programU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Oregon Zoo
GRACE (Gardening for Restoration and Conservation Education) ProjectKitsap Conservation District,
Central Kitsap Foodbank
Vegetable gardensNorth Mason Food Bank
Flower gardens
Conservation crews (suspended due to COVID)Kitsap Conservation District, Great Peninsula Conservancy, Jefferson Land Trust, WSDOT, WDFW, Suquamish Tribe Fisheries.
Small-scale composting
Waste sorting & recycling
Water use reduction & catchment
Pawsitive Prison ProjectKitsap Humane Society
Plant and animal habitat (suspended due to COVID)
House plants
Cat program
Wildflower planting for pollinators
Chicken Tenders (chicken care and education)
Gardeners tend beds in the early spring at Monroe Correctional Complex. Photo by Joslyn Rose Trivett.

Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC)

AreaProgramProgram Partners (partner with DOC, Evergreen, or both)
WSRComposting with Bugs: Worm Farm, Black Soldier Flies, BokashiUniversity Beyond Bars, Tilth Alliance, University of Washington Ecosystem Science Division
WSRGardening curriculum developmentSCCC, Institute for Applied Ecology, Oregon Food Bank
(suspended due to COVID)
WSRBird habitat
WSRWaste sorting & recycling(Suspended in MSU due to COVID)
WSRWaste Water Treatment Certification(Suspended in MSU due to COVID)
WSRFlower gardens(suspended due to COVID)
WSRVegetable gardens(suspended due to COVID)
SOUBeekeepingNorthwest District Beekeepers Association, Washington State Beekeepers Association
SOUVegetable gardens
SOUNature Imagery
SOUCat programPurrfect Pals
TRUBeekeepingNorthwest District Beekeepers Association, Washington State Beekeepers Association
TRUGardens
TRUCommunity Aide Coalition: quilting, crochet, textile arts (suspended due to COVID)Over the Rainbow Fabrics, Dolly Haakenson, and clothing and textile advisors of Snohomish County donate materials; crafts donated to Interfaith Family Shelter, Westlake Shelter, Hope Crew, Swedish, Evergreen, Seattle Children’s and Providence Hospitals, Rainbow Center, Evergreen Hospice, Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, Summit Assistance Dogs, Holy Rosary Church, Rotary First Harvest, East Count and Monroe Senior Center and many others.
TRUDog training and adoptionSummit Assistance Dogs
Bee-friendly plants bloom year round in the greenhouse at OCC. Photo by Ricky Osborne.

Olympic Corrections Center (OCC)

ProgramProgram Partners (partner with DOC, Evergreen, or both)
GardensPeninsula College, Sunshine and Rainbows Child Development Center, Quileute Tribe
Flower gardens, boxes, basketsPeninsula College
Waste sorting & recycling
Large-scale compostingCBCC, Kalaloch Lodge
Waste Water TreatmentWashington Department of Ecology (DOE)
Solar power
FirewoodOlycap, Quillayute Valley Scholarship Auction, Lake Quinault Fire Department, OCC Community Crews (Department of Natural Resources)
Community CrewDNR and others
ForestryDNR and others
Ben Asaeli was one of many gardeners who asked to have their portrait taken in 2019. The photos were mainly for the gardeners’ families, but a few wanted to share on the SPP website as well. Photo by Marisa Pushee.

Stafford Creek Corrections Center (SCCC)

ProgramProgram Partners (partner with DOC, Evergreen, or both)
Environmental Workshop Series (suspended due to COVID)Guest experts from nonprofits, agencies, business, etc.
BeekeepingExpert community beekeeper, Washington State Beekeepers Association
Prairie Conservation NurseryCenter for Natural Lands Management, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Zoo, Pacific Rim Institute for Environmental Stewardship, Whidbey-Camano Land Trust, Friends of Puget Prairies, and Wolf Haven International
Gardening curriculum developmentMCC, Institute for Applied Ecology, TX Dept of Corrections, Oregon Food Bank
Gardens and greenhousesCoastal Harvest Food Bank, Harvest Now
Lifer GardenCoastal Harvest Food Bank, Harvest Now
Sustainability Fundraiser
Pollinator plantings
Flower gardens, boxes, baskets
Bird houses
Sustainability channel
Large-scale composting
Waste sorting & recycling
Water catchment
SPL: Bicycle RepairLions Club
SPL: Wheelchair RepairWheels for the World
Freedom TailsHarbor Association of Volunteers for Animals (HAVA)
Service dogs for veteransBrigadoon Service Dogs
Toy TimeChristmas for Kids, Correctional Industries
Skill Builder Unit Looming Class
Electric cars and charging stations
Roots of Success environmental literacy
Skill Builder Unit Art Class
In 2019, WCC hosted two prison-garden enthusiasts from France; this photo was taken as they were seeing the expansive gardens for the first time. Photo by Ricky Osborne.

Washington Corrections Center (WCC)

ProgramProgram Partners (partner with DOC, Evergreen, or both)
Environmental Workshop Series (suspended due to COVID)Guest experts from nonprofits, agencies, business, etc.
Prairie Conservation NurseryCenter for Natural Lands Management, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Oregon Zoo, Friends of Puget Prairies, Wolf Haven International
Beekeeping, “Intensive Bee Management Unit”Olympia Beekeepers Association, Washington State Beekeepers Association
Gardens and greenhousesThurston County Food Bank, The Saint’s Pantry Food Bank, Matlock Community Church, Hoodsport Food Bank
Flower gardens, boxes, baskets
Potted plants and plant startsKiwanis Hoodsport; Saints Pantry Food Bank
Construction: bus stops, tiny homes, Neighborhood Pantries, bird housesCentralia College, Kiwanis Hoodsport, Hood Canal School District
Training dogs for veterans
House plants
Large-scale composting
Vermiculture/Soldier Fly and Bokashi Composting
Waste sorting & recycling
Shoe and clothing repurposingCorrectional Industries
Gardening in Intensive Management Unit (IMU)
Chicken program
Horticulture student Celeste Nathan prepares to plant tomato starts at WCCW. Photo by Ricky Osborne.

Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW)

ProgramProgram Partners (partner with DOC, Evergreen, or both)
Environmental Workshop Series (suspended due to COVID)Guest experts from nonprofits, agencies, business, etc.
Prairie Conservation NurseryCNLM, JBLM, WA DNR, WDFW, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Zoo, Pacific Rim Institute for Environmental Stewardship, Whidbey-Camano Land Trust, Friends of Puget Prairies, and Wolf Haven International
Gardens and greenhousesTacoma Community College, WSU Extension, Pierce County
Pollinator plantings
BeekeepingMother Earth Farm, Little Eoarth Farm, Tacoma Community College, Washington Master Beekeepers
Community College HorticultureTacoma Community College, WSU Extension, Pierce County (Master Gardeners)
Mother Earth Farm, offsite farm crew (suspended due to COVID)Mother Earth Farm, Emergency Food Network, Tacoma Community College
Prison Pet Partnership
Sisters of Charity: quilts, fabric crafts, wildlife rescue (suspended due to COVID)Community members donate supplies; LIHI and multiple non-profits/charities receive donations
Waste sorting & recycling (suspended due to COVID)
Large-scale composting (suspended due to COVID)
Anthony Ralls in the sewing shop at the Sustainable Practice Lab smiles as he describes his work (Washington State Penitentiary). Photo by Ricky Osborne.
Anthony Ralls in the sewing shop at the Sustainable Practice Lab smiles as he describes his work (Washington State Penitentiary). Photo by Ricky Osborne.

Washington State Penitentiary (WSP)

AreaProgramProgram Partners (partner with DOC, Evergreen, or both)
WSPInstitutional Sustainability GardenDonate to Blue Mountain Action Council and Christian Aid Center
WSPWaste sorting & recycling
WSPComposting, main
WSPElectrical upgrades
WSPWater conservationGovernment rebates via PPL Electric Utilities; ICON Systems Inc.
BARKitten program (suspended due to COVID)Blue Mountain Humane Society
BARCrochet Program (suspended due to COVID)
SPLSPL OverviewSustainable Practices Lab: receive materials donations from partners; donated to 550 charities since start of SPL in 2012
SPLSPL: Learning Center
SPLSPL: Wood Shop & CarvingWSP Employees Veterans’ Committee, Hard Headz, Habitat for Humanity, Humane Society, Fallen Outdoors, Salmon for Soldiers and other non-profit groups
SPLFurniture Repair
SPLSign Shop
SPLAquaculture and Aquaponics
SPLWorm Farm
SPLArt programVarious nonprofit partners
SPLQuilting (suspended due to COVID)Fallen Outdoors, United Methodist Church, Brian Fisher Memorial org, local retirement/convalescent homes.
SPLCreative projects
SPLWater treatment systemsProject 41, Ohio State University, Duke University, Suez, Worldwide Assist, Assist International
SPLParole-a-bear
SPLGreen ZoneFarm to school, Lettuce Grow,
Master Gardening program, OSU
South ComplexRental garden boxes
MSUBeekeeping (suspended due to COVID)West Plain Beekeepers, Washington State Beekeepers Association
MSUFlower gardens
MSURental garden boxes (suspended due to COVID)
MSUDog Program (suspended due to COVID)Walla Walla Humane Society
MSUCommunity crew (suspended due to COVID)City/County of Walla Walla, Veterans Administration, Port of Walla Walla, Walla Walla Fairgrounds, Walla Walla Landfill, Walla Walla County Private Properties, and local Cities and/or Counties such as Waitsburg, Dayton, College Place, Prescott