By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
Building a future to withstand flood risks where thriving King County communities and healthy ecosystems coexist in harmony with area rivers – this is the Vision of the King County Flood Control District (KCFCD). The work we do to achieve this Vision coalesces around our Mission, which is implementing flood risk reduction policies and projects to protect life and property while advancing various benefits including equity and social justice, sustainable livelihoods, habitat protection, salmon recovery, recreation, and resilient communities. Our commitment to these high standards is embedded into all we do, not just the flood risk reduction capital projects we implement.
An excellent example of this commitment is the KCFCD’s support of EarthCorps, a 501c3 non-profit located in Seattle. The KCFCD’s 2026 budget includes $1.3 million designated for EarthCorps. This collaboration was initiated by Supervisor Rod Dembowski and supported unanimously by the Board of Supervisors.
“The collaboration between the Flood Control District and EarthCorps is truly a win-win, providing environmental benefits throughout King County while also giving young adults the opportunity to develop leadership skills and gain hands-on technical training in ecosystem restoration,” said Supervisor Dembowski.
What is EarthCorps?
EarthCorps’ Vision is in close alignment with the KCFCD’s. EarthCorps envisions an equitable world where all people and nature thrive together.
The non-profit, which has Seattle roots dating back to 1993, does this by bringing together passionate and hardworking young adults for a yearlong leadership training program. Participants come from King County and from across the United States and countries around the world. Each EarthCorps Corpsmember is dedicated to creating a better and more equitable world for all. After the yearlong program, these young leaders are equipped with the tools and skills needed to take on the numerous, urgent challenges brought about by global climate change.
EarthCorps supports underserved communities and communities of color, schools, businesses, neighborhood groups, and devoted individuals as they steward and shape natural areas that foster community health and quality of life. The work of EarthCorps takes many different forms, with each effort implemented to ensure that all people and nature can thrive together.
The EarthCorps work includes:
- Ecosystem Restoration: invasive species removal, plant native trees and shrubs, create pollinator habitat, and forest monitoring
- Protect Puget Sound: stream and wetland restoration, pollution clean-up, and green infrastructure implementation
- Increase Access to Nature: urban park restoration and trail maintenance
- Adress Climate Change: maintain resilient ecosystems, tree planning, blue carbon, and developing global leaders
- Special Projects: Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative and Mycoremediation Pilot Program
Flood Control District Collaboration with EarthCorps
“This partnership shows what’s possible when public investment, ecosystem restoration, and leadership development come together. With the Flood Control District’s support, EarthCorps is restoring natural systems that help communities better withstand flooding and climate impacts, while preparing the next generation of environmental leaders to carry this work forward. We’re deeply grateful to Supervisor Rod Dembowski and the full Board of Supervisors for investing in solutions that strengthen both communities and ecosystems across King County.”
For More Information
The KCFCD works tirelessly, year-round, implementing flood risk reduction policies and projects to protect life and property while advancing various benefits including equity and social justice, sustainable livelihoods, habitat protection, salmon recovery, recreation, and resilient communities. You can learn more about our flood risk reduction investments and projects and about the more than $12.2 million invested in 2026 in 80 watershed restoration and salmon recovery projects.
To learn more about EarthCorps, visit their website at earthcorps.org. There you can learn more about the projects and programs implemented by EarthCorps and how you can get involved to support their mission. Young adults interested in participating in EarthCorps can also learn how to join by applying to be an EarthCorps member.
