What were RCDs up to in December?
California is home to 98 unique RCDs operating in ten regions throughout the state. RCDs are California’s boots-on-ground, providing everything from technical assistance to design and installation of conservation projects to community education — and more. Each month, we work to compile a small sampling of the incredible work that the districts are doing in and on behalf of their communities. Please see below for an update on what some of the state’s RCDs were up to in December.
Nevada and Placer County RCDs Sediment and Erosion Control Plan Workshop
This workshop went over the Sediment and Erosion Control Program (SECP) course, exam, and self-certification for compliance with the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program. It was also a great overview of soil science and how to implement sediment and erosion control on your property or farm/ranch. There was an optional session from covering an update on ILRP Regulation with Program Experts, and opportunity for questions and answers.
Tehama County RCD & Butte Environmental Council’s Rain Barrel Catchment System Workshop
Butte Environmental Council and the Tehama Resource Conservation District hosted a rain barrel catchment system workshop in Red Bluff on December 1. This event discussed how to conserve and save water at home along with being able to create, take home, and install your very own catchment system made from recycled barrels.
Gold Ridge RCD Hosts Healthy Soils Workshop
Gold Ridge RCD hosted the workshop “Healthy Soils for Small Coastal Dairies” in Valley Ford on December 18. The workshop was for dairy producers and ranchers who are interested in learning more about the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Healthy Soils Program.
8 RCDs Awarded California Fire Safe Council Grants
California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) announced 45 projects selected for funding for the 2018 Grants Clearinghouse Fire Prevention Program, of which resource conservation districts made up eight. CFSC approved $4.795 million in federal grant funds to support wildfire risk reduction projects in at-risk communities in 30 counties across California. To view the results, click here to open the 2018 Grant Report.
NACD Blog Post “Growers Lead the Way: Soil Health in Glenn County, California”
National Association of Conservation Districts hosted a great blog post by Glenn County RCD’s Melina Watts on the existing intergenerational soil health knowledge in Glenn County. With three amazing accompanying videos!
Gold Ridge RCD Awarded by Fisheries Restoration Grant Program
Gold Ridge RCD had four projects funded under California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fisheries Restoration Grant Program. CDFW announced projects awarded funding under the Fiscal Year 2018-19 Fisheries Restoration Grant Program solicitation. 41 projects were awarded a total of $13.2 million in funding.
Trinity County RCD’s Workshop Living with Wildfire: Preparing for New Extremes
Trinity County RCD hosted an evening discussion about living with fire under California’s new fire extremes at the Trinity County Library on Tuesday, December 18. This workshop will provided important information to help prepare homeowners from increasingly severe wildfires seen throughout California. Topics included fire insurance, firewise landscaping and construction, funding resources for home modifications, and evacuation planning.
Trinity County RCD’s More Kids in the Woods Project
The More Kids in the Woods project is a collaborative effort between the Trinity County RCD and the Shasta-Trinity US Forest Service. Three Weaverville students received brand new mountain bikes, generously donated by the Lions Club and Rotary Club of Weaverville. The goal of the project is to get more kids outside and to inspire a lifetime of outdoor recreational activities. The RCD hopes that when these youth have advanced in their mountain biking skill levels that they will utilize the Weaver Basin Trail System.
Riverside-Corona RCD Gardening with Natives
On December 15, attendees learned about gardening with natives. They heard from author Julie Dauer about her experience with native plant gardening, as well as how they could convert their yards to native landscapes.
Trinity County RCD Tree Seedlings
TCRCD has free tree seedling available to the public, with a limit of one hundred trees per person which could be picked up at their office.