Beekeeping graduates pose with their certificates in the MCC-Special Offender Unit program. Photo by Kathy Grey.

Monroe Correctional Complex hosts a world-class composting program within Washington State Reformatory. Incarcerated technicians started the program in 2010 with a literal handful of worms; since then, with great support from prison staff and leadership, they have grown the program to process 20,000 lbs. of food waste each month, with three kinds of "bugs" including 8.5 million worms. Photo by Erica Benoit.

The composting program attracts interest from scientists, specialists, and other corrections agencies from around the world. Photo by Ricky Osborne.

Two prisons within Monroe Correctional Complex host beekeeping programs. In this photo, a prison hive is on display at the Evergreen State Fair; a partner from Northwest District Beekeepers Association shows off a prison hive to fair visitors. Photo by Bethany Shepler.

Since 2006, MCC's Special Offenders Unit has hosted a cat program, Purrfect Pals. 800 cats and kittens have been adopted from the program. Photo courtesy of Kathy Grey.

Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC)

Area	Program	Program Partners	Highlights as of December 2024
MCC-WSR	House plants		New houseplants propagated and potted, three large carts full, for 4th floor/hospital area; decorative wood planters for some
MCC-WSR	Bird habitat		Multiple bird houses and hummingbird feeders around Education and Gate 7
MCC-SOU	Beekeeping	Northwest District Beekeepers Association, Washington State Beekeepers Association	14 certificates earned (7 Beginner, 7 Apprentice), 3 active hives
MCC-SOU	Vegetable gardens		Grew 213 lbs. of vegetables and herbs; by summer’s end there was approx. 600 ft² available for E Unit gardens. new heated greenhouse ~30 x 60; every living unit has garden space; flowers planted by SOU staff and incarcerated residents
MCC-SOU	Nature Imagery		Gaining interest from staff and incarcerated individuals; six regular users; recent success with offering it for anxiety management
MCC-SOU	Cat program	Purrfect Pals	25 kittens and 6 adult cats were fostered since Jan 2020; most have been adopted out. Over 900 cats have been adopted since 2006.
MCC-TRU	Beekeeping	Northwest District Beekeepers Association, Washington State Beekeepers Association	In 2023, 7 Beginner and 6 Apprentice beekeepers were trained.
MCC-TRU	Gardens		Grew ~386 lbs. for prison kitchen, donated 7,600 lbs. to local food banks and schools; every living unit has garden space; ~4,000 ft² of gardens; lots of flower and pollinator plantings
MCC-TRU	Dog training and adoption	Summit Assistance Dogs	In 2024, 4 program classes graduated. 8 dogs were trained by 9 dedicated two-person handler teams, and 16 dedicated dog walkers.

Articles about MCC

2020

Buzz about the bees: A chance to offer transformational education

Delighted by bees: SOU Beekeeping Program

2019

Peer education created by and for incarcerated gardeners

First Place Honey!

Origin Story of a Compost Program

Growing a Gardening Curriculum

MCC-SOU graduates Beekeepers: their excitement is contagious!

2018

UW & Prison Study Soil Health

Astrobiology for the Incarcerated – Washington

Recognizing a world-class program

2017

Prison Shares Earthworm Wealth with Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

2016

Sustainable Practices Lab at Washington State Reformatory

It was a Toad-ally Ribbiting Lecture with the Special Offenders Unit

SPP Internship on Reentry

2014

Ideas Worth Spreading: “Turning Keys” in a Washington prison

2012

Using Worms to Reduce Food Waste at Monroe Correctional Complex!