From the snowcaps of the Central Cascades to the Salish Sea and beyond, the health of Washington’s waters is essential for sustaining critical habitat for aquatic species, treaty-protected resources, the life and livelihoods of people and the ecosystem processes that sustain the natural world upon which all life depends.
In partnership with Native Nations, community-based organizations and government agencies, TNC is addressing some of the leading threats to waters including climate change, pollution, degraded habitat and biodiversity loss, with the intention to increase the climate resilience of people and ecosystems.
Protecting Washington's Waters
TNC Preserves
TNC’s preserves showcase how science and conservation play a vital role in developing innovative solutions that address the health and climate resilience of Washington’s waters for people and nature. From the arid shrub-steppe, to the snow-covered peaks of the Central Cascades, to the rushing waters of the Hoh River and the tidal flows of Salish Sea estuaries, water is a vital resource that connects us all.
Preserving Connections to Water
Supporting Indigenous Rights
Tribes are deeply connected to the waters of Washington and are at the forefront of sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and river and nearshore restoration. TNC recognizes the explicit need to support and honor tribal sovereignty, and is committed to partnering with Tribes to exercise their rights and enrich tribal tradition, spirit and economic opportunities.
In that light, we work where we are invited, needed and welcomed; increasing tribal access, restoring habitat and culturally dependent species and collaborating on tribally led efforts to steward tidelands and waters that provide cultural and economic opportunities.
Advancing Community-Led Conservation
Stormwater Solutions
Communities are leading the way in addressing runoff, pollution and urban heat by introducing nature-based solutions engineered to filter, cool and manage stormwater. At a moment of historic public funding opportunities, TNC is collaborating with local organizations and communities facing pollution, urban heat and environmental health disparities in accessing public funding to build community-driven solutions that benefits to people and species in freshwater and marine ecosystems.
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Recent Stories
Listening Sessions with a Marsh: Port Susan Bay Preserve's Estuary Restoration
TNC is working to restore important estuary habitat at Port Susan Bay Preserve, a living laboratory to advance wetland science.
Water Connects Us All
The way of connection is revealed by water—snowy summits melting, forging rivers, winding streams and cutting wetlands to spill over a salty edge.
Harnessing Nature's Ebbs and Flows
The dynamic ecosystems that occur where the ebbs and flows of a river meet with the land are the cultural, spiritual and economic cornerstones of many communities.