WSU Extension Jefferson County provides outreach and educational resources for the communities we serve. Our research-based publications and workshops offer practical guidance for protecting natural resources associated with streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, estuaries and marine waters. Topics of special interest include:
WSU Beach Watchers: Understand, value, and protect our watersheds and priceless marine environment - become a Beach Watcher. Each spring a new class of Jefferson Beach Watchers participates in 9 days of classroom and field training followed by volunteer service. Our programs are creative, educational and diverse, allowing every volunteer to use their interests and talents to improve, maintain and protect Puget Sound through education, community outreach, stewardship, and research.
Shoreline Living. Waterfront residents, farmers, and businesses join Shore Stewards to learn better ways of managing their land to protect local waters and preserve critical habitat for fish, wildlife and birds. Download the Guide to Shoreline Living and read the Shore Steward newsletters. Become a Jefferson County Shore Steward!
Water Discussion Course. This course held in 6 weekly discussion sessions provides basic knowledge about our water and watersheds. The course format is designed to be held in community small group settings. Short articles encourage group members to apply personal experience and share learning. Sign up to lead or sponsor a Water Discussion Course.
Rain Gardens. These attractive landscape features capture and hold rain and stormwater runoff, and reduce the amount of pollutants flowing into surface waters. Rain gardens are a great tool for homeowners seeking an affordable, low-tech way to improve water quality and prevent soil erosion. View our educational videos to learn how to build rain gardens and design landscapes that protect Washington's water.
Low Impact Development. An innovative approach to designing landscapes and the built environment in ways that mimic natural drainage patterns, absorb rainwater, and filter contaminants from motor oils, lawn chemicals, and pet wastes. Visit WSRC for more information.
Watershed Management. A watershed is a natural area of land that catches rain and snow and drains into a marsh, stream, river, lake or groundwater.
It's Your Watershed - Water Matters is a downloadable document that provides information about watersheds and their functions. Educators and the general public can print out these pages for educational use in their communities.
Specific Jefferson County information can be found on the East Jefferson Watershed Council website. EJWC, formerly WRIA 17, has documents, research, history, and educational materials related to the water resources of the northeast Olympic Peninsula.