The Conservation Spotlight is a regular segment of Willamette Wake up on KMUZ community radio 88.5 & 100.7 FM and streaming at kmuz.org. This is where Polk & Marion SWCDs shine a light on partnerships and programs that conserve our beautiful natural resources in the Willamette Valley. We are illuminating our collective mission of conserving soil, water, and natural resources for urban and agricultural audiences in the Willamette Valley. We discuss topics that are relevant for farmers, land managers, and anyone interested in conservation! Listen live by joining us every third Wednesday of the month at 8am or click below to listen to the podcast anytime!
October 16, 2024 - Conservation Spotlight - Oregon Agricultural Trust
Nellie McAdams, Executive Director & Andrea Krahmer Director of Ag Business Support
In this episode of Conservation Spotlight, we talk with the folks from Oregon Agricultural Trust. OAT partners with farmers and ranchers to protect ag lands for the benefit of Oregon's economy, communities and landscapes. As Nellie says, " we may not all farm, but we all eat." Listen in to hear how agriculture is changing, why you should care and how you can support their mission.
September 18, 2024 - Conservation Spotlight - Willamette River Preservation Trust
Travis Williams, President
Join us for a conversation with Travis Williams, the President of a new land trust in the Willamette Valley that will help to conserve creeks, rivers, floodplains, oak woodlands, and more.
August 21, 2024 - Conservation Spotlight - Glenn-Gibson Watershed Council
Tune in for a conversation with the Glenn-Gibson Watershed Council as we dive into watershed health. Join us to hear about the goals and mission of the Council. We'll also learn about the natural resource concerns that inform the current projects they're involved in and how you can protect the watershed and engage in urban conservation.  
July 17, 2024 - Conservation Spotlight - Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Rachel Kato, Multi-County Riparian Specialist 
Tune in to discover the importance of improving waterways and habitat on working lands!
This Conservation Spotlight episode features Rachel Kato, a Multi-County Riparian Specialist who will share with us about the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). CREP is designed to incentivize riparian restoration on working lands.
June 19, 2024 - Conservation Spotlight - Wildfire Ready
Kassondra Keller - Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal
On this episode, we'll learn how the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal works to protect people, property, and the environment from wildfire. We'll discuss how homeowners and land managers can build fire resistance by preparing their properties and creating defensible spaces.
May 15, 2024 - Conservation Spotlight - Salem Harvest
Tune in for a conversation with Elise Bauman and for a glimpse of the incredible service Salem Harvest provides that brings fresh fruits and vegetables to everyone and keeps crops from going to waste in the Mid-Willamette Valley.
April 17, 2024 - Conservation Spotlight - Stacy Teller and Kassi Roosth - City Nature Challenge
On this episode, we talk with Stacy Teller with the City of Salem, and Kassi Roosth, Urban Areas Conservation Planner with the Marion Soil and Water Conservation District. They have both been instrumental in bringing the City Nature Challenge to Salem. This four-day, worldwide challenge is an opportunity for community members to go out and make observations of wild plants and animals using the iNaturalist app. These observations go into a database used by scientists to further their knowledge and research on biodiversity. Listen in to learn how you can be a community scientist by participating in this challenge!
March 20, 2024 - Conservation Spotlight - Jakob Shockey - Project Beaver
On this episode, we will learn all about our Oregon state mammal, the beaver, with Project Beaver. We chat with Jakob Shockey, Executive Director of Project Beaver, an organization focused on protecting and coexisting with beavers. During this episode, Jakob teaches us about the history of beavers in the Willamette Valley, their importance to watershed health, and how humans can live with them in harmony.
February 21, 2024 - Conservation Spotlight - Todd Anderson, OSU Small Farms 
On this episode, we are talking with Todd Anderson, new Small Farms faculty with OSU Extension in Polk, Benton, and Lane counties. Todd has just joined the team and his role focuses on horticulture-based crops and supporting small to mid-size farms. We will learn about his new role, his background with a diverse range of crops, and what he has planned.
January 17, 2024 - Conservation Spotlight - Winnie Kong and Kaitie Benedek, Friends of Trees
On this episode, Polk SWCD staff talks with Friends of Trees. We’ll chat with Winnie Kong, who is the organization’s Neighborhood Trees Specialist and Kaitie Benedek, their Green Space Specialist. They will talk about the projects they lead in Salem and how Friends of Trees works to foster a relationship between the community and the environment. Tune in to find out how you can support Friends of Trees and get involved!
Planting days:
  • Saturday, February 10, Ellen Lane Park
  • Saturday, March 16, Orchard Heights Park
  • Saturday, April 13, NE Salem Neighborhood Planting  
December 20, 2023 - Conservation Spotlight - Rikki Heath, Oregon Forest Resources Institute
On this episode of Conservation Spotlight, Marion SWCD staff chat with Rikki Heath. Rikki is an Environmental educator with Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI). She will talk about the many opportunities they offer from events like Earth Day and Homeschool Day at the Oregon Garden to funding for transportation on forestry field trips. Learn how OFRI engages youth and adults in developing their understanding of the social, environmental, and economic benefits of Oregon’s forests. Join us for the conversation and catch Rikki’s enthusiasm for sharing nature with students!
​November 15, 2023 - Conservation Spotlight - Heather Stoven, OSU Extension Olea Project
​On this episode, we’ll chat with Heather Stoven, Extension Horticulturalist involved with the Olea Project. The Olea project is a collaboration between Oregon State University (OSU) Extension’s Mid-Valley Small Farms Program and local olive growers. Olea was initially funded by the Sustainable Agricultural Research & Education (SARE) program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is currently funded by the OSU College of Agriculture, OSU Extension.
We talk about growing olives in Oregon, the cold-hardiness trial, and a few tips for home gardeners.
October 18, 2023 - Conservation Spotlight - Harry Fuller, Salem Audubon Society, Author
​On this episode, we’ll chat with Harry Fuller. Harry is the author of several natural history books, a birding guide, member of the Salem Audubon Society and overall bird expert! He will talk about the importance of our feathered friends and the role that they play in keeping our ecosystem in balance. Harry will also share information about the fall migration and what you can do to get involved in community science to support bird research.
September 20, 2023 - Conservation Spotlight - Marion SWCD Planners
In this Conservation Spotlight segment, the Conservation Planning team at Marion SWCD gives an overview of their services and how they are here to help you achieve your conservation goals large and small.
August 16, 2023 - Conservation Spotlight - Jenifer Cruickshank, Dairy Management with OSU Extension
Conservation Spotlight talks with Jenifer Cruickshank, Dairy Management with Oregon State University Extension Service, about wildfire smoke exposure and its effects on livestock health, with a focus on dairy cows, and how to be prepared if you have animals.​
July 19, 2023 - Conservation Spotlight - Joe Scott, Traditional Ecological Inquiry Program
On this episode, we’ll chat with Joe Scott. Joe is the Teaching and Learning Coordinator for the Traditional Ecological Inquiry Program. He will talk about the role that fire plays in managing the landscape and the resulting ecological benefits. He'll also discuss using storytelling as a means to pass along traditional ecological knowledge and bridging that with contemporary insight on land management. 
June 21, 2023 - Conservation Spotlight - Growing Oaks, Willamette University
Conservation Spotlight talks with the founders of the Growing Oaks program at Willamette University - a student led coalition with an interdisciplinary focus on cultivating relationships and projects among communities in the Willamette Valley with the shared mission of restoring Oregon White Oak habitats.
May 17, 2023 - Conservation Spotlight - Jeffrey Wyant, Open Table Farms
On this episode, we talk with Jeff Wyant of Open Table Farms in Salem. Open Table Farms is a diversified vegetable and herb family farm that sells direct to consumers at the Salem Saturday Market. Tune in on Wednesday to hear what the name "Open Table" means to him, why he likes to grow purple produce, and how they incorporate sustainable practices.
April 19, 2023 - Conservation Spotlight - Sam Bartling, Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex
On this episode, we’ll chat with Sam Bartling. Sam is the Visitor Services Manager with the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex. She will talk about the conservation priorities for the refuges and how they support threatened and endangered plants and wildlife. She will also discuss her role and how she works to make the refuges a welcoming and inclusive public space for the community to explore and learn about our environment. As Sam says, "there are so many ways that you can do nature", from birding to hiking to quiet observation. There is something for everyone!
March 15, 2023 - Conservation Spotlight - Heath Keirstead, Marion SWCD
On this episode, we’ll chat with Heath Keirstead. We’re flipping the mic, so our listeners can get to know their hosts on Conservation Spotlight. Heath is the Communications and Education Specialist with Marion Soil & Water Conservation District. She will discuss the journey she’s taken to arrive at Marion SWCD, what’s special about Conservation Districts, the various ways we connect with the community, and how our listeners can get involved.
February 15, 2023 - Conservation Spotlight - Morgan Neil, Polk SWCD
On this episode, we’ll chat with Morgan Neil. We’re flipping the mic, so our listeners can get to know their hosts on Conservation Spotlight. Morgan is the Outreach Coordinator with the Polk Soil & Water Conservation District. She will highlight the work that the district has been doing to conserve Polk County’s natural resources, how they connect with their community, and how our listeners can be involved.
January 18, 2023 - Conservation Spotlight - Hayley White, OSU Extension
On this episode, we are talking with Hayley White. We’re flipping the mic, so our listeners can get to know their hosts on Conservation Spotlight. Hayley is the Small Farms Outreach Coordinator with OSU Extension for Marion and Polk Counties. She will share with listeners about the role that agriculture plays in conservation. She’ll also discuss challenges that farmers face and opportunities for supporting the local farming community.
December 21, 2022 - Conservation Spotlight - Casey Grogan, Silver Bells Tree Farm
Tune in to learn about the current state of Christmas tree farming in the mid-Willamette Valley with Silver Bells owner and manager Casey Grogan. We’ll discuss how Christmas tree farming is adapting to extreme weather events and the reasons why a natural tree is a still a more eco-friendly choice than an artificial tree. 
November 16, 2022 - Conservation Spotlight - Alice Morrison, Friends of Family Farmers
Conservation Spotlight talks with Alice Morrison of Friends of Family Farmers about how the organization supports small farms as well as the importance of supporting local agriculture and challenges farmers face.
October 19, 2022 - Conservation Spotlight - Wyatt Williams, Invasive Species Specialist, Oregon Department of Forestry
On this episode, we are talking with Wyatt Williams, Invasive Species Specialist for the Oregon Department of Forestry. Wyatt will share with listeners about the role that ODF plays in conservation. He’ll also discuss Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), its potential effect on Oregon Ash habitat and what people can do to help to the spread of EAB.
September 21, 2022 - Conservation Spotlight - Shawn Rivera, District Ranger, Detroit Ranger Station
Detroit Ranger District Shawn Rivera discusses his career path, then dives into the fire severity of the 2020 Labor Day fires in the Willamette National Forest: fire damage to the landscape, regeneration efforts post fire, and how management techniques adjust to fit a fire regime.
August 17, 2022 - Conservation Spotlight - Audrey Comerford, Agritourism Coordinator, OSU Extension
Hayley White, Small Farms Outreach Coordinator, will be talking with Audrey Comerford, the Agritourism Coordinator for OSU Extension in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties. Audrey helps farmers incorporate agritourism to foster connection with the public and to help build financially viable farms. We will learn about the program, how the community can experience local agriculture, and even hear a bit about Audrey’s own farm.
July 20, 2022 - Conservation Spotlight - Lindsay McClary, Restoration Ecologist, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
On this episode, we are talking with Lindsay McClary, Restoration Ecologist with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Lindsay has been working with the Tribe for 12 years and she is also a voting member on the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. She’ll share with listeners about the Tribe’s land management practices and priorities in the Willamette Valley, partnerships that leverage resources, resulting in successful projects, and her vision for the land for future generations.
June 15, 2022 - Conservation Spotlight - Owen Dell, author of “Sustainable Landscaping for Dummies"
On this episode, Delanie Herb will be talking with Owen Dell, author of “Sustainable Landscaping for Dummies.” Owen is not only an author, but is an internationally recognized landscape architect, certified master water auditor, certified permaculture designer, and educator. He is the principal of Owen Dell and Associates, LLC out of Corvallis, Oregon and has been a part of the landscape community since 1971. He has also travelled all over the United States and Canada to deliver lectures on sustainable landscaping. He will discuss sustainable landscaping in your yard and what you can do to keep your yard thriving with less.
May 18, 2022 - Conservation Spotlight - Perla Garcia-Villegas, Farm and Garden Education Coordinator, Marion Polk Food Share Youth Farm
This week Hayley White will be talking with Perla Garcia-Villegas, the Farm and Garden Education Coordinator with the Marion Polk Food Share Youth Farm. You’ll hear about the youth program, what they grow at the farm, why community food systems are so important, and how you can support them! 
April 20, 2022 - Conservation Spotlight - Karin Stutzman, (former) District Manager, Polk Soil & Water Conservation District
Karin Stutzman was the District Manager for the Polk SWCD for over 8 years.  She will share with listeners about the programs and technical assistance that the District provides. Karin is responsible for spearheading the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) with the District that supports oak habitat restoration. She also talks about all of the partnerships that have made the District's work possible.
March 16, 2022 - Conservation Spotlight - Andony Melathopoulos, Assistant Professor of Pollinator Health Extension in the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University
Andony Melathopoulos, Assistant Professor of Pollinator Health Extension in the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University has over 15 years of experience working together with commercial beekeepers and land managers to develop solutions for keeping bees healthy. Since 2016, he has been leading OSU’s efforts to design, implement and evaluate a state-wide pollinator health program. He is on the Coordinating Team of the state-wide bee protection initiative, the Oregon Bee Project, and coordinates the Oregon Bee Atlas.
Feb 16, 2022 - Conservation Spotlight - Rose High Bear of Elderberry Wisdom Farm 
​Rose founded Elderberry Wisdom Farm, which is a Native American nonprofit corporation. It was created to assist Native Americans as they integrate academics, experiential service learning activities and cultural and ecological knowledge while creating their own agricultural and horticultural career pathways.
Jan 19, 2022 - Conservation Spotlight - Sue Reams, Soil Conservationist with NRCS  
After 30 years with NRCS, Sue is retiring. She has been a passionate and tireless conservationist for Polk County and we didn’t want to miss this opportunity to share Sue’s work with our listeners. We will talk about ­­­­­­­conservation planning, soil science and her experience in the field.