Overview
Northwest Watershed Institute conducts comprehensive, science-based watershed conservation. Our work includes scientific assessment, historic research, long-term ecological planning, land acquisition and conservation, wetland, stream and shoreline restoration, monitoring, sustainable forestry, and education/volunteer involvement. Our major program areas and projects are described below.
Research & Assessment
Research & Assessment
Research and assessment are fundamental to the success of watershed and habitat conservation efforts. NWI biologists conduct a wide variety of habitat and watershed related studies, from monitoring the success of specific restoration projects to whole watershed and regional analyses of habitat and species.
Protection & Restoration
Protection & Restoration
NWI puts the science of restoration on the ground, using a full array of conservation tools, to protect and restore at-risk species and habitats. NWI works with willing landowners and partner organizations to permanently protect high priority habitats through land acquisitions, conservation easements, and advocacy. NWI has implemented hundreds of restoration projects including removing fish passage barriers, and restoring streams, wetlands, and wildlife habitats.
Education & Outreach
Education & Outreach
NWI conducts educational programs at the Tarboo Wildlife Preserve and in the larger Tarboo Watershed. From the restored streams, forests and wetlands of the Tarboo valley to the diversity of marine habitats of Dabob Bay, the area offers a unique opportunity to learn about Puget Sound environments.
Tarboo Watershed Program
Tarboo Watershed Program
Since 2002, NWI has been leading an innovative whole-watershed program to protect and restore the Tarboo watershed, from the headwaters of Tarboo Creek to Tarboo-Dabob Bay. With support from landowners and over 45 partnering organizations, NWI is working to restore abundant salmon runs of Tarboo Creek, protect the shellfish and wildlife resources of Dabob Bay, and grow a sustainable, natural resource-based economy.