Wind River Nursery

The Wind River Nursery is a historic forest nursery located near Carson, Washington, within the Wind River Historic District. Established by the U.S. Forest Service in the early 1900s, the nursery played an important role in reforesting burned and logged lands across the Pacific Northwest. Seedlings grown at Wind River were used throughout national forests in Oregon and Washington, and the site became known for developing innovative growing techniques, equipment, and nursery practices that helped shape modern reforestation work.

Beyond its forestry legacy, the nursery holds deep local significance. Generations of Wind River Valley residents worked at the nursery, and the surrounding fields, buildings, and trails continue to tell the story of the area’s connection to forests, conservation, and natural resource stewardship.

Our Work with Wind River Nursery

UCD has partnered with Wind River Trust to support the redevelopment of native plant nursery operations at the former U.S. Forest Service Wind River Nursery in Stabler, Washington. This work supports shared goals around native plant production, habitat restoration, community engagement, and renewed stewardship of the historic nursery site.

Early efforts focus on establishing a small-scale container nursery at the Ranger’s Yard, growing native shrubs and trees for conservation projects and plant sales, and supporting the long-term development of a larger nursery area at Martha Creek Field.

Through this partnership, UCD is helping support the continued stewardship of this historic site while contributing to broader conservation, education, and restoration efforts in the Wind River area.