After two years of work, the Puyallup River Watershed Council has successfully elevated the Puyallup – White River Watershed as a vital area of focus for ecosystem recovery, both for the region, and nationally. On Wednesday, December 5, 2018 the Puget Sound Partnership’s Leadership Council unanimously voted to make the Puyallup River Watershed Council a new Local Integrating Organization (LIO), ensuring that recovery of the local ecosystem is community based and supported by local, state, and federal agencies.

Now in its 16th year, the Children’s Water Festival is scheduled for March 19, 2019 at the University of Puget Sound. PCD coordinates this annual event for local 5th graders, bringing together 700 students and 120 volunteers for this day of learning. Over 40 organizations contribute their time and energy to offer hands-on learning experiences for the students as they travel around the campus.

Much appreciation to the many volunteers who came out to the Dropstone Farm and South Prairie planting events this past September and October. The beautiful fall sunshine provided a lovely backdrop to the hard work and friendly chatter that resulted in nearly 2,000 plants installed between these two sites. As they grow, these trees and shrubs will provide many important ecosystem functions and transform their respective landscapes.