Mason Conservation District: Conservation & Community

From backyard gardens to schoolyard lessons, the Mason Conservation District (MCD) is helping our community grow—one plant, one project, one person at a time. Whether it’s connecting families with fresh produce, teaching kids to dig in the dirt, or supporting local farmers, MCD is quietly cultivating a healthier, more sustainable Mason County.

MCD is deeply connected to local food security efforts, ensuring that fresh, nutritious food reaches those in need. Through the Mason County Food Security Initiative, the District actively supports local agriculture by contracting with farmers to grow produce specifically for food banks, ensuring a consistent supply of locally grown food.

Programs such as Grow-a-Row encourage home gardeners to plant an extra row of crops for donation, while the Gleaning Program collects surplus produce from farms and markets to minimize food waste & support families in need.

The Callanan Park Community Garden, a partnership with Hands on Personal Empowerment (HOPE) and the City of Shelton, serves as both a food resource for residents and a hands-on educational space where community members can learn about sustainable gardening. Additional community gardens at Shelton Veterans Village and the Shelton Civic Center expand access to fresh produce and provide engagement opportunities for volunteers.

In addition to supporting local agriculture, MCD works on habitat conservation and restoration. The District leads projects focused on salmon recovery, flood mitigation, and water quality improvement. These efforts include replacing fish passage barriers, restoring streamside vegetation, and implementing marine shoreline restoration projects. Together, these initiatives help stabilize natural ecosystems, protect vital habitats, and ensure clean water for recreational areas and shellfish beds.

MCD also facilitates the Salmon Grants Program, allowing residents to have a voice in conservation priorities by participating in funding decisions that support long-term environmental sustainability.

Community engagement is a core component of MCD’s mission. Volunteers are invited to upcoming events such as Indigenous Agroforestry Planting at Salish Roots Farm on March 13, 20, and 27, and the Earth Day Planting Event at Huff ‘N’ Puff Trail on April 19.

MCD also partners with WSU Forestry Extension to offer workshops on small forest management, wildfire preparedness, and habitat restoration. Additionally, outdoor learning programs connect students to local ecosystems through field trips and hands-on activities, supported by AmeriCorps volunteers and District staff.

MCD promotes sustainable landscaping through its annual Native Plant Sale, beginning December 1. In partnership with the City of Shelton, this program encourages residents to use native plants that reduce stormwater runoff, prevent soil erosion, and support pollinators and wildlife. The Natural Yard Care Package offers a curated selection of native plants suited to the region’s climate.

Unlike state agencies, MCD does not receive direct government funding. Instead, it relies on grants to deliver programs that reach hundreds of landowners and over 1,300 students annually. Through conservation, education, and partnerships, MCD supports the long-term health of Mason County’s environment and community.

Learn more, get involved, or donate at masoncd.org or call (360) 427-9436.

Mason Conservation District (MCD) is a non-regulatory, special purpose district that has served the people of Mason County since 1956. Dedicated to the sustainable use, conservation, and restoration of natural resources, MCD provides technical assistance to landowners, farmers, and residents to help them achieve their goals. The District offers guidance on best practices for agriculture, freshwater and marine habitat, forest land, and youth education, often providing financial assistance based on natural resource needs.