Coyote Ridge Corrections Center (CRCC)
Hosts one of Washington State’s most extensive Sustainability in Prisons Project programs, integrating environmental stewardship with vocational training and community service. The facility features large-scale gardens—including a unique Diversity Garden—pollinator habitat, beekeeping, composting, and waste sorting that dramatically reduce waste and produce fresh food for kitchens and donation. Incarcerated technicians refurbish computers for schools, train service dogs, and create valuable compost and firewood for local partners. AHCC also supports innovative practices like worm farming.
Program Partners Highlights
Beekeeping
Highlights as of December 2025
In 2025, CRCC had 5 hives, 2 instructors, 18 new Beginner level graduates, and 5 Apprentice graduates. Produces own honey under “Second Chance” brand
Partners:
Composting: Minimum
Highlights as of December 2025
Produced 1,600 lbs. of compost in 2025.
Garden: Main Maintenance Area
Highlights as of December 2025
In 2025, incarcerated individuals at CRCC grew and donated over 9000 pounds to Harvest Now to be distributed to those in need.
Partners:
Gardens: Minimum
Highlights as of December 2025
This garden provides fresh vegetables to the kitchen for incarcerated individuals to enjoy.
Heritage Gardens
Highlights as of December 2025
Garden designed by incarcerated individuals using native plants, honors cultural and natural heritage of area and minimizes water needs; continues to thrive and add visual beauty
Land Restoration
Highlights as of December 2025
Planted new native plants in front of several units within the facility. These areas are thriving and enjoyed by staff, visitors, and incarcerated individuals at CRCC
Pumpkins for Schools
Highlights as of December 2025
CRCC grew approx. 400 pumpkins for Connell Elementary School. In 2026, they will donate to all North Franklin Schools.
Partners:
Ridge Dogs
Highlights as of December 2025
84 dogs graduated from the program in 2025
Partners:
Service Dogs for Veterans
Highlights as of December 2025
Program currently has 4 dogs in 2025. The goal is to maintain 8 trainers and 2 assistants.
Partners:
Teddy Bears from Reclaimed Materials
Highlights as of December 2025
Program on hold for 2025
Partners:
Hospitals, API events held at CRCC, ARC of Tri-Cities, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
Toy for Tots
Highlights as of December 2025
Program on hold for 2025
Partners:
“What does science mean to me? Science is the study of the world around us… I would not want to experience life without science.”
Morris Talaga
Program Participant
Stories & Reflections
We design and deliver hands-on programs that connect environmental education.
“I never did well in school and my skills were more on the manual labor side. While I was incarcerated at Cedar Creek Correction Center in 2015 thru…”
Darin Armstrong
Former SPP conservation technician
Together, We Reimagine
What’s Possible
Sustainability thrives on community. Be part of a unique collaboration that bridges
education, environmental justice, and rehabilitation in real, tangible ways.
