Current Projects (2025-2026)
In our third year, we were able to grow our impact, funding seven new projects for $30,700!
Lion's Gulch Floodplain Restoration
Conservation North West
$5,000
Conservation Northwest connects the big landscapes, restores iconic wildlife and protects our natural heritage for future generations. Staff will work with US Forest Service and WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife to restore 200ft of stream channel and .25ac of floodplain by placing logs, planting native shrubs, and removing old railroad fill. This will reduce sediment impacts to critical mid-Columbia Steelhead habitat, and produce outreach materials about the project.
Naneum Ridge Trail
Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance
$5,000
The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance is Washington's largest mountain bike organization, and the Kittitas Chapter aims to improve riding in Kittitas County through sustainable trail construction. This project will complete two separate .5mi sections on the directional downhill Rustler trail in the Naneum Ridge State Forest trail network. The grant will support construction crew costs.
The Kittitas Environmental Education Network cultivates an active understanding of the impacts of climate change on the endangered shrub-steppe and fosters commitment to environmental stewardship through culturally relevant nature-based education. The project will produce four high-quality educational signs, installed along the trail adjacent to restored wetlands at Helen McCabe State Park, increasing public understanding of native wildlife, wetland restoration, and ecological stewardship.
Salmon, Streams & Stewardship
Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group
$5,000
Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group is dedicated to protecting and restoring wild salmonid populations, their habitats, and ecosystem functions through restoration, protection, education, and community involvement throughout our region. This project will engage 400+ students in experiential watershed learning here in Kittitas County —raising salmon, studying local waterways, and conducting on-the-ground restoration guided by professionals.
Sled Dog Trail System Wayfinding Signage
North West Sled Dog Association
$700
The North West Sled Dog Association promotes the safe and hame use of dogs for sport and companionship by conducting races, demonstrations, recreational events, and by the dissemination of information to members and the general public. This project supports that goal by designing, printing, and installing signs at key intersections of the non-motorized groomed winter trail system at Cabin Creek. The system is used by skiers and snowshoers as well as the sled dog and skijoring communities, so the signs will help reduce conflict and encourage responsible recreation.
Dispersed Campsite Improvements & Restoration
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
$5,000
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife preserves, protect sand perpetuatse fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. This minigrant will provide funds to improve and maintain two heavily overused dispersed camping sites in riparian areas along Taneum Creek. Staff and volunteers will build buck-and-rail fencing, fill in rutted areas with new gravel and soil, and place barrier rock to prevent vehicles from driving through Taneum Creek.
Mobile Explorer Partner Teacher Program
Washington Outdoor School
$5,000
The Washington Outdoor School cultivates a child's sense of wonder and fosters a sense of stewardship through immersion in the natural world. In addition to their own programs, the WOS partners with classroom teachers to take learning outside for meaningful, guided and student-led experiences in the natural world during the regular school day. This grant will help fund staff time for a second year, allowing the Mobile Explorer Partner Program to continue operating within three K-12 schools across Kittitas County.
Curious about past grant recipients? Check out previous years' supported projects here!
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