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POCD Riparian Plant Nursery 

About the Nursery

The Pend Oreille Conservation District Riparian Plant Nursery, established in partnership with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, was created to provide a reliable source of native plants for riparian restoration and streambank stabilization projects throughout the Pend Oreille Watershed.

This nursery not only supports large-scale bank stabilization projects led by POCD and partners, but also makes plants available to landowners and the public for smaller conservation planting efforts.

Why Native Riparian Vegetation Matters

Healthy riparian zones are essential for:

  • Stabilizing Streambanks: Deep-rooted native plants reduce erosion.
  • Improving Water Quality: Vegetation filters runoff, enhances groundwater recharge, and improves ecosystem resilience.
  • Supporting Wildlife Habitat: Sedges, willows, dogwoods, and other native species provide food and cover for fish, birds, and pollinators.
  • Climate Resilience: Vegetated buffers regulate stream temperatures and reduce flooding impacts.

Our Facilities

Located at the Indian Creek Community Forest Natural Resource Annex, the nursery is designed for long-term propagation and plant survival success.

  • Nursery Beds: Eight 200’ x 10’ flood table beds simulating riparian flooding conditions.
  • Annual Propagation: 1,000 plants started each year.
  • Growth Cycle: Plants are held for 3 years to grow above the browse line, increasing survival when transplanted.
  • Live Stake Program: Species such as coyote willow, Drummond willow, and Pacific willow are soaked and rooted for regional plantings.
  • Experimental Techniques: Coconut coir logs are being tested to rapidly establish vegetation on erosion-prone sites.
Sign for Indian Creek Community Forest, Kalispel Tribe Natural Resources Annex, set in a grassy area with trees and a building nearby.
Long black pipes and a white bag on sandy ground near a forest.
Plastic-covered rows and pipes on a dirt field, surrounded by trees under a clear sky.
Long sheets of tarp with securing elements laid out on a dirt ground.
Rows of black pots with small plants on a reflective surface, possibly in a nursery or garden setting.
Rows of black pots with seedlings, positioned along a wet path next to a straw-filled tube on sandy ground.
Rows of potted plants on a dirt path, surrounded by forested area.
Rows of potted plants in a nursery with trees and blue sky in the background.
Rows of potted plants under a white net canopy with water channels, a few people walking on the left, and trees in the background.
Sign for Indian Creek Community Forest, Kalispel Tribe Natural Resources Annex, set in a grassy area with trees and a building nearby.
Long black pipes and a white bag on sandy ground near a forest.
Plastic-covered rows and pipes on a dirt field, surrounded by trees under a clear sky.
Long sheets of tarp with securing elements laid out on a dirt ground.
Rows of black pots with small plants on a reflective surface, possibly in a nursery or garden setting.
Rows of black pots with seedlings, positioned along a wet path next to a straw-filled tube on sandy ground.
Rows of potted plants on a dirt path, surrounded by forested area.
Rows of potted plants in a nursery with trees and blue sky in the background.
Rows of potted plants under a white net canopy with water channels, a few people walking on the left, and trees in the background.

Community Involvement

The nursery is not just about growing plants — it’s about growing community stewardship:

  • Public Access: Seasonal plant availability for landowners and residents to use in smaller restoration projects.
  • Youth Engagement: The Kalispel Natural Resource Youth Crew and community volunteers actively help with planting and nursery care.
  • Partnerships: Collaborative effort with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and support from the Washington State Conservation Commission’s Riparian Plant Propagation Program (RPPP).

Goals

  • Propagate 1,000 native plants annually.
  • Supply 1,000 plants per year for restoration projects in Pend Oreille County.
  • Maintain the program for at least 5 years to establish a sustainable source of riparian plants.
  • Enhance critical wildlife habitat and improve ecosystem services such as water filtration, runoff reduction, and water quality improvement in the Pend Oreille River and Little Spokane Watersheds