Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC)
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, 9 Beginner and Apprentice beekeepers were trained and 3 hives made it to winter
Area
MCC- TRU
Partners:
Northwest District Beekeeping Association, Washington State Beekeepers Associations
Cat Program
Highlights as of December 2025
There are approx. 25 cats and kittens that went through the Cat Program in 2025
Area
MCC- SOU
Partners:
Dog training and adoption
Highlights as of December 2025
As of 2025, 4 graduations were completed, 4 courses are scheduled for 2026. 8 dogs are currently being trained by 9 dedicated two-person handler teams, and 14 dedicated dog walkers.
Area
MCC – TRU
Partners:
Foundations in Gardening
Highlights as of December 2025
12 students completed the 4-credit class in 2025.
Area
MCC- TRU
Gardens
Highlights as of December 2025
MCC-TRU harvested over 3,000 lbs. of produce that was delivered to the facility kitchen to provide incarcerated individuals with fresh ingredients.
Area
MCC- TRU
Nature Imagery
Highlights as of December 2025
Individuals can opt to watch nature imagery; it also serves as a space offered to mental health staff to engage in therapeutic discussion during times of mental distress.
Area
MCC- SOU
Partners:
Sewing Room
Highlights as of December 2025
As of 2025, staff and partners are working hard to re-establish this program. MCC-TRU aims to have this program operating by Spring 2026.
Area
MCC – TRU
Vegetable Gardens
Highlights as of December 2025
The MCC-SOU garden produced 207 lbs. of produce to be served from the facility kitchen to provide fresh ingredients to incarcerated individuals.
Area
MCC-SOU
“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.
