Conservation nursery technicians learn about the federally endangered swale paintbrush (Castilleja ornata) at WCCW. Photo by Drummond.

Ecological Conservation

SPP’s ecological conservation programs span a wide range of activities and topics, yet they all share three core elements. Centered on ecological conservation, each program is dedicated to preserving and protecting valuable species, landscapes, and natural resources. The work relies on strong partnerships with expert collaborators who contribute knowledge, resources, and enthusiasm alongside the foundational partnership between WA Corrections and Evergreen. Incarcerated program partners participate as both students and technicians, receiving formal education, hands-on training, and college-level internship experience, and successful technicians earn SPP certificates recognizing their achievements.

A federally endangered Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly rests on a cap, enjoying a sweet treat. Photo by SPP staff.

Environmental Education Access to College Credit

Incarcerated students can earn college credit for select SPP Programs. Using Evergreen’s Prior Learning from Experience model, SPP has awarded 1,326 college credits to 237 students since 2024. College credit is currently available for six programs, and SPP covers the associated student fee so no costs are passed on to participants.

 

The education offerings described below focus primarily on ecological conservation programs. For courses focused on environmental education, please see here.

A program participant poses with Conservation Nursery Manager Carl Elliot at a graduation at WSP. Photo by SPP staff.

Programs Offered by SPP

Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly technicians and program coordinator, Courtney Murphey pose in front of the program area at MCCC. Photo by SPP Staff.

Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly Program

In 2011, the Oregon Zoo partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the SPP to establish a pioneering butterfly-rearing facility at Mission Creek Correctional Center for Women. The zoo provided training and technical support through 2020, and the program continues to raise and release thousands of larvae each year. The program moved to Washington Correctional Center for Women in 2025, where both butterflies and incarcerated technicians continue to flourish.

Prairie Ecological Conservation Nurseries

SPP supports South Salish lowland prairie restoration through its Conservation Nursery Program. Funded by CNLM and JBLM, the program grows native prairie plants used by ecological conservation partners. These plants provide essential habitat and food for rare pollinators, including Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly, strengthening the connection between plant restoration and butterfly recovery efforts.

SPP’s prairie conservation nursery crew prepares containers for sewing at Washington Corrections Center for Women. Photo by Ricky Osborne.

A northwestern pond turtle in their tank at Cedar Creek Correction Center. Photo by SPP staff.

Northwestern Pond Turtle Rehabilitation

The northwestern pond turtle is a state-listed endangered species and one of Washington’s only native turtles. Some wild adults suffer from a treatable shell disease with an unknown cause. Ecological Conservation partners, including WDFW, PAWS, Woodland Park Zoo, and Oregon Zoo, work together to care for and protect these turtles.

Beekeeping

SPP partners with WASBA to offer 4 levels of beekeeping certification. As of July 2026, over 700 incarcerated individuals have become WASBA-certified beginner beekeepers. These courses are offered by either high level incarcerated beekeepers or volunteer beekeepers.

A beekeeper poses with Washington State Beekeepers Association president, Alan Woods, at a ceremony recognizing the facility of the year. Photo by SPP staff

Sagebrush nursery technicians show off their plugs of sagebrush at WSP. Photo by SPP staff.

Sagebrush-Steppe Conservation Nursery

Since 2021, around 200,000 plant plugs were produced, including sagebrush, forbs, and shrubs. Supposed by WDFW and USFW, these plants restore wildfire-impacted public lands in eastern Washington.