conservation
Protecting a Remarkable Landscape
The Nisqually Prairie is a rare and fragile landscape—and one worth protecting.
Once widespread throughout the South Puget Sound region, native prairie habitat has been dramatically reduced by development and changing land use. The remaining prairie provides important habitat for native plants and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species.
The Woodbrook Foundation works to help preserve this extraordinary place by supporting conservation, responsible stewardship, and partnerships among people who share these lands.
Conservation Through Partnership
Protecting the prairie is not something any one organization can accomplish alone.
Over the years, the Woodbrook community has worked alongside conservation organizations, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), equestrian groups, military personnel, students, youth organizations, and other volunteers to protect and care for this landscape.
Building strong relationships among the many people who use and care for these lands is an important part of conservation. Responsible recreation and conservation can work together—and the equestrian community can be a valuable partner in protecting the prairie for the future.
Conservation in Action
Stewardship means getting involved.
Members of the Woodbrook community have participated in hands-on conservation projects at JBLM, including work to address non-native plant species and improve habitat for threatened species. These projects have brought together horse riders, military personnel, Scouts, pony clubs, university students and other volunteers.
Riders also help care for the land simply by being attentive while they are using it. Through JBLM's recreation-management system, users can report illegal dumping and other problems they encounter on the landscape.
The result is conservation that is not only about protecting land. It is about creating a community of people who understand its value and take responsibility for caring for it.
A History of Advocacy
The Woodbrook community has also been involved in protecting the prairie when its future was threatened.
For more than two decades, Woodbrook joined conservation partners in efforts opposing the proposed Cross Base Freeway, which would have crossed remaining native prairie habitat on JBLM. After years of advocacy, Woodbrook and conservation organizations ultimately participated in litigation challenging the project.
That history reflects a longstanding commitment to preserving open land and the remarkable habitat surrounding Woodbrook. Those are the roots of our foundation.
“The conservation work of the Woodbrook community earned national recognition when Woodbrook received the Hunting Habitat Conservation Award from the MFHA Foundation.”
Help Preserve the Prairie
Protecting this landscape takes many hands.
Through stewardship, partnerships, volunteer work and community support, we can help ensure that the Nisqually Prairie remains a place where native plants and wildlife—and the people who value this remarkable landscape—can thrive for generations to come.
