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SERVICES

Manzanita Consulting helps public agencies and mission-driven organizations plan, fund, and implement conservation and recreation projects. We combine expertise in natural resource management, strategic planning, funding strategy, and community engagement to deliver practical, implementable solutions.

Core Services

Natural Resources Planning

  • Strategic natural resource planning

  • Conservation & restoration planning & implementation

  • Urban forestry

  • Recreation planning

  • Climate resilience

  • Integrated Pest Management planning

Funding Implementation

  • Financial analysis, strategy and implementation

  • Budget development

  • Sustainable funding strategy

  • Grant research and strategy

  • Grant writing

  • Grant administration

Community Building

  • Stakeholder facilitation

  • Public outreach and education

  • Volunteer and workforce development

  • Translation of technical information for diverse audiences

Selected Projects

Natural Resource Strategic Plan
Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District
Project lead: Morgan Houk, as Natural Resource Manager

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Developed the District’s first comprehensive Natural Resource Strategic Plan to establish a long-term framework for managing more than 1,500 acres of public land. Led the planning process, including assessment of existing conditions, identification of management priorities, development of strategic goals and actions, and coordination with staff and community partners. The plan provides a practical roadmap for restoration, habitat management, stewardship, climate resilience, and sustainable investment in the District’s natural areas.

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Hilltop Restoration Plan

Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District

Project lead: Morgan Houk, as Natural Resource Manager 

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Led development of a restoration plan for Hilltop Preserve to guide long-term ecological restoration and adaptive land management. Assessed site conditions and ecological priorities and developed phased recommendations for habitat restoration, invasive species management, forest and vegetation management, wildfire resilience, and ongoing stewardship. The plan provides a framework for prioritizing future investments and coordinating restoration activities across the site including planned prescribed fire in partnership with the Bainbridge Island Fire Department and the Bainbridge Island Land Trust.

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Natural Resource Annual Report

Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District

Project lead: Morgan Houk, as Natural Resource Manager

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Created annual report to communicate the District’s natural resource accomplishments, investments, and priorities to leadership, community members, and partners. Synthesized data and project information across the natural resources program into a clear, accessible overview of restoration, stewardship, grants, partnerships, volunteer engagement, and land management activities.

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Recreation and Conservation Office, Outdoor Learning Grant - Application, implementation, and administration

Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District

Project lead: Morgan Houk, as Natural Resource Manager 

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Led the development and administration of a $50,000 Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office Outdoor Learning Grant. Managed the project from application through implementation, including grant development, coordination with partners and staff, project planning, contracting and reporting, and delivery of outdoor learning opportunities. The project connected students of all abilities with local natural areas and hands-on career development.

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Student Conservation Corps

Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District

Project lead: Morgan Houk, as Natural Resource Manager 

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Developed and managed a student conservation program providing hands-on experience in natural resource management and environmental stewardship to more than 50 teens annually. Coordinated work planning, field activities, supervision, and partnerships to engage students in restoration, invasive species management, habitat improvement, and other stewardship projects while building practical skills and connections to local public lands.​

Selected Presentations
  • Urban Forests in Action: Creating a Community-Informed Natural Resources Strategic Plan, Society of American Foresters 2026 National Convention

  • Shared Ground: Habitat People and Parks, Bainbridge Island Environmental Conference, 2026

  • Grassroots Efforts: Conservation Education & Career Development for Teens of All Abilities, North American Invasive Species Management Association Annual Conference, 2026

  • Building a Legacy: Developing Sector Workforce, Society of American Foresters 2025 National Convention

  • Conservation Education and Career Development for Teens of All Abilities, National Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference, 2025

  • Student Conservation Corps: Youth Employment for Neurodiverse Teens, Washington Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference, 2025

Selected Publications
  • Starting a Small Business from Home Checklist, Mother Earth News, 2023

  • The Power of Invoicing, Acres USA, 2020

  • Use your bookkeeping system to communicate more effectively with wholesale customers, Cornell Small Farm Quarterly, 2019

  • Are you trying to track too much? It’s a common bookkeeping mistake, Growing for Market, 2018  

  • Farm Dreams, Edible Seattle, 2018

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CONNECT

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Morgan Houk, Principal

Bainbridge Island, Washington

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morgan@manzanitaconsulting.co

(206) 817-1363​​​

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©2026 by MANZANITA CONSULTING, LLC

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