For the Reporter

The King Conservation District awarded a total of $1,090,595 in grants to 30 local governments and nonprofit organizations throughout King County in 2014. Nearly $95,000 was awarded for three projects in Auburn.

The three grants awarded in Auburn:

• City of Auburn – Auburn International Farmers Market – $15,000

Continue support for marketing and promotion to the surrounding community and coalition building among multiple community agencies to provide educational demonstrations about buying healthy, local food and the positive impact on the environment and economy that results.

For more information, contact Joanne Macnab, jmacnab@auburnwa.gov, 253-931-3051.

• Seattle Tilth Farm Works – Growing Sustainable Farmers & Farms – $50,000

Supports a farm incubator program located near Auburn where farmers receive small farm business training, hands-on experience and awareness of best management practices for refugees, immigrants, and limited-resource individuals.

For more information, contact Matthew McDermott, matthewmcdermott@seattletilth.org, 253-737-5833.

• White River Valley Museum – Equipment & Education at Mary Olson Farm – $29,775

Purchase equipment necessary for the property to function as an educational demonstration site as well as host tours and field trips for Auburn middle school students.

For more information, contact Patricia Cosgrove, pcosgrove@auburnwa.gov, 253-288-7437.

About the King Conservation District

The district is an independent, non-regulatory public agency devoted to protecting and enhancing natural resources in our service area. Chartered in 1949 by the Washington State Legislature, the District serves 34 municipalities and unincorporated King County, with a combined population of 1.8 million.

It awards grants for projects that directly improve the condition of natural resources, provide education and outreach to increase awareness, build capacity to enhance implementation natural resource improvements and implement pilot or demonstration projects.

KCD provides information, grants and technical assistance for resource conservation projects. Community outreach activities include workshops, education, site visits, farm plans, and consultation on land, water, and wildlife management.

For additional information, visit www.kingcd.org.