Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC)
MCC is made up of three facilities: Sky Rivers Treatment Unit (SRTU), Twin Rivers Unit (TRU), and the Minimum Security Unit (MSU). Each facility includes different program offerings including Beekeeping , Foundations in Gardening , Foundations in Composting , a variety of gardens, dog programs, and more.
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.
Facility Programs Highlights
Beekeeping
Program Highlights:
In 2025, 9 Beginner and Apprentice beekeepers were trained and 3 hives made it to Spp-Led.
Area:
MCC – TRU
Partners:
Northwest District Beekeeping Association, Washington State Beekeepers Associations
Beekeeping
Program Highlights:
MCC-MSU has started its first beekeeping class.
Area:
MCC-MSU
Partners:
Northwest District Beekeeping Association, Washington State Beekeepers Associations
Foundations in Composting
Program Highlights:
6 students completed MCC’s first Foundations in Composting class.
Area:
MCC – TRU
Foundations in Gardening
Program Highlights:
12 students started the 4-credit class in 2025.
Area:
MCC – TRU
Cat Program
Program Highlights:
There are approx. 25 cats and kittens that went through the Cat Program in 2025.
Area:
MCC-SRTU
Partners:
Purrfect Pals
Dog training and adoption
Program Highlights:
As of 2025, 4 graduations were completed, 4 courses are scheduled for 2026. 8 dogs are currently being trained by 9 dedicated two-person handler teams, and 14 dedicated dog walkers.
Area:
MCC – TRU
Partners:
Summit Assistance Dog
Garden
Program Highlights:
2 MSU units grow vegetables that are used in the facility kitchen.
Area:
MCC-MSU
Gardens
Program Highlights:
MCC-TRU harvested over 3,000 lbs. of produce that was delivered to the facility kitchen to provide incarcerated individuals with fresh ingredients.
Area:
MCC – TRU
Lifer’s Garden
Program Highlights:
6 incarcerated individuals rent out garden beds to grow flowers or herbs for personal use.
Area:
MCC – TRU
Nature Imagery
Program Highlights:
Individuals can opt to watch nature imagery; it also serves as a space offered to mental health staff to engage in therapeutic discussion during times of mental distress.
Area:
MCC-SRTU
Partners:
Nature Imagery in Prisons Project
Sewing Room
Program Highlights:
As of 2025, staff and partners are working hard to re-establish this program. MCC-TRU aims to have this program operating by Spring 2026.
Area:
MCC – TRU
Teddy Bear Creations
Program Highlights:
Teddy bears are created using recycled fabric and then donated to local fire and police organizations.
Area:
MCC-SRTU
Vegetable Gardens
Program Highlights:
The MCC-SOU garden produced 207 lbs. of produce to be served from the facility kitchen to provide fresh ingredients to incarcerated individuals.
Area:
MCC-SRTU
Together, we imagine what’s possible
Sustainability thrives on community. Be part of a unique collaboration that bridges
education, environmental justice, and rehabilitation in real, tangible ways.
Once a year, SPP reports on all things sustainable happening in Washington State Prisons.