Our Mission

To conserve, enhance and steward ecologically valuable land in perpetuity and to provide education and outreach within, around and beyond the Chehalis Basin.

Our Goals

• Acquire sensitive lands for long-term protection throughout the Scatter Creek watershed and the Chehalis Basin in order to protect our natural resources.
• Further our "outdoor classroom" connection with youth education.
• Participate in ongoing environmental/water issues throughout the Chehalis Basin.
  

Facts about our organization

• State-recognized preserve, started in 1996.
• Maintain 850+ acres of wildlife and critical area in south Thurston County, WA
• Successfully completed many projects:
  • Restored over 1.5 miles of in-stream and riparian habitat.
  • Replaced 6 failing culverts with new bridges or functioning culverts in the headwaters of Scatter Creek.
  • Planted over 10,000 trees in new riparian areas throughout Scatter Creek and the Chehalis River Basin.
• Ongoing work includes:
  • Working with public and private schools throughout the Chehalis Basin, grades 4 to 12.
  • Strong working relationships with federal, state, local, and tribal governments.
  • Providing an environmental/citizen voice through our long time participation in the Chehalis Basin Partnership, aiding in the development and creation of the Chehalis Basin Watershed Management Plan.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with numerous other non-profit organizations throughout the Chehalis Basin and beyond, including but not limited to:
  • The Angela Bowen Foundation
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • Capital-Land Trust
  • Chehalis River Basin Land Trust
  • The Chehalis River Council

Founders

Board MEMBERS & Volunteers

Manfred Nettek
Chairman & president, co-founder

Gabriele Nicole-Heertje
Vice-president, co-founder, board member

Chanele Holbrook
Board member & previous director

Aimee Richardson
Local board member

Donna Weaver
Local board member

Tara Swenson
Local board member

Jeff Merryman
Local board member

Laura Upham-Farley
Board member, treasurer

Mike Jackson
Forester