Prairie Conservation Nursery Programs

Plants and seeds for Salish Lowland Prairie Restoration

SPP continues to be among the most generative organizations for South Salish lowland prairie restoration. SPP receives funding support for Conservation Nursery Program from the Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) and Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). Plants produced by SPP’s prairie conservation nurseries are used by state and federal agencies and conservation organizations including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, JBLM, WA Dept . of Fish and Wildlife, WA Dept. of Natural Resources, and CNLM. We grow prairie plants known to be food and habitat for rare and endangered pollinators, such as the Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly; in this way our western Washington plant programs and butterfly program are closely linked.

prairie-panorama

A glorious spring day on the prairie of Joint Base Lewis-McChord was captured by biologist and photographer Rod Gilbert.

Plant-Plug Production

SPP produces container-grown plants for prairie restoration at two sites: Stafford Creek Corrections Center (SCCC) and Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW).

Overall, while increasing production and species diversity, SPP’s Prairie Conservation Nursery Program has maintained impressively high survival rates. The total number of plant-plugs produced since 2009 is also impressive: we have surpassed 2 million.

Nursery Coordinator Sal Hernandez with technician Michelle Nichols going over sowing logs. Photo by Emily Passarelli.  

Seed Production

SPP cultivates field-grown native plants to support Coast Salish prairie restoration efforts at Washington Corrections Center (WCC). Approximately 1.5 acres are dedicated to a diverse mix of native prairie species. In addition to field production, the facility includes three hoop-houses used for seed cultivation and container-grown plants to be transplanted to the field. This project is located within the Sustainable Practice Lab (SPL) at WCC. Infrastructure development was made possible through support from JBLM’s Fish and Wildlife program and Ecostudies Institute.

Technicians at Stafford Creek sow plants during the winter months. Photo by Nathaniel Kelly.

Group 2, Grouped object

Technicians perform a variety of tasks at the Prairie Conservation Nurseries. Photos by SPP Staff.

Training and Education

The Salish Lowland Conservation Nursery Technician program provides interdisciplinary academic and vocational education centered on conservation ecology in Salish lowland prairie ecosystems. Concepts in plant propagation, nursery management, conservation biology, restoration ecology and federal and state environmental policies are examined. Students explore topics and concepts through readings, participation in seminars, hands-on workshops, presentations, and writing assignments. SPP’s graduate student program coordinators provide frequent and direct guidance and education to incarcerated technicians. The graduate students serve as the primary liaisons between all partners, including the Washington DOC staff who supervise and counsel the incarcerated individuals.

Salish Lowland Conservation Nursery Technicians are responsible for meeting daily needs of the program and work closely with WA Corrections staff and SPP Evergreen staff to maintain high program standards. Technicians are expected to attain subject matter expertise, job autonomy, and exhibit personal accountability for projects. The program requires detailed technical work, self-direction, and advanced problem-solving skills. Duties include maintaining records and field notes, ensuring effective plant cultivation, implementing scientific trails, and communicating frequently with team members, partners, and the public to update program status and outcomes.