The Native Plant Salvage Project was initiated in 1994 to involve Thurston County residents in protecting water resources and improving wildlife habitat in Southern Puget Sound. Thirty advisory committee members representing over 15 non-profit organizations, private businesses, real estate developers, local governments, state agencies, and private citizens, are volunteering in a unique partnership to sponsor the program.

The Native Plant Salvage Project's goal is to collect native plants from land scheduled for development, care for the plants, then replant the salvaged vegetation on sites where water quality and wildlife habitat has been compromised. The salvaged plants are used to create buffers along streams and wetlands and in residential landscapes.

In addition to the salvaging activities, a series of workshops, lectures and field experiences are offered. These activities teach residents how to identify, responsibly salvage, and successfully use native plants to protect water quality by reducing toxic chemical use, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce landscape maintenance cost and effort. We welcome new information on the identification, propagation and landscape use of native plants.

The Native Plant Salvage Guide which assists in identifying, propagating and landscaping with Native Plants is available on the web.

2008 Schedule of Classes & Events

For more on the latest classes and volunteer opportunities, visit www.nativeplantsalvage.org. or call: (360) 754-3588, extension 110.