While working for Washington State Magazine, eleven journalists traveled throughout the region to interview farmers, chefs, wine tasters, mountain climbers, scientists, and more. The resulting stories highlight the Evergreen State’s captivating people, industries, and history, describing influential programs, cities from Aberdeen to Zillah, and a wide variety of trends, research, and innovative solutions.

The writers introduce the people who keep the largest ferry system in the country running, examine the most deadly pathogen ever recorded, and reveal the secret ingredient that makes Cougar Gold cheese possible. They also cover creating the Cosmic Crisp, producing Skagit Valley tulips, how soil composition impacts the taste of wine, and the fickle business of growing cherries. Additional accounts chronicle art and the Makah canoe, significant architecture, the advent of Master Gardeners, a stash of Mount St. Helens ash, challenges related to ocean life, and much more. Featured pieces include favorites from Eric Apalategui, Pat Caraher, Brian Charles Clark, Adriana Janovich, Ken Olson, Rebecca Phillips, Eric Sorenson, Tim Steury, Hannalore Sudermann, Andrea Vogt, and Dave Wasson.

Gathered from thousands of pieces published in Washington State Magazine across two decades, The Evergreen Collection celebrates the state’s vast diversity and the impressive accomplishments of those who call it home.