What were RCDs up to in February?
California is home to 95 unique Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) operating in ten regions throughout the state. RCDs are California’s boots-on-the-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.
Yolo County RCD at Flyway Nights
The Yolo Basin Foundation’s Flyway Nights Speaker Series February talk featured the Yolo County RCD’s executive director Heather Nichols. Heather spoke about their first habitat project now taking place in the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. This effort, in collaboration with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and funded by the Delta Conservancy, will create five miles of cover for wildlife escaping flood events, implement agriculture-compatible habitat improvements, and engage the public.
Napa County RCD’s Conservation Burning for the Vineyard Workshop
The Napa County RCD hosted a Conservation Burning for the Vineyard Workshop on February 7. The workshop covered how to burn woody material like old grapevines in a way that greatly reduces particulate releases, captures carbon, and improves compost and soil health.
Sonoma RCD and Mendocino County RCDs’ Rancher to Rancher Event
The Sonoma RCD, the Mendocino County RCD, and Daily Acts hosted a Rancher to Rancher field day on Saturday, February 1 at Ridgewood Ranch in Willits. Lead by Richard King of Rancher to Rancher, this was an interactive day with the goal of creating an environment for participation, observation, and shared learning.
Trinity County RCD’s Great Backyard Bird Count
The Trinity County RCD, Trinity River Restoration Program, and Shasta College Foundation hosted a local Great Backyard Bird Count expedition on February 15. This free, fun, all-ages, no experience necessary event was great way to get outdoors this winter!
Placer County RCD Featured in Gold Country Media
The Placer County RCD’s work with the American River Canyon shaded fuel break project was featured in Gold Country Media. “According to Sarah Jones, Executive Director with the Placer County RCD, the American River Canyon shaded fuel break, which totals 353 acres, is about a third of the way completed as 114 acres between Olive Orchard and Maidu Road have been treated. A grant of just under $2 million was provided to the RCD for treating the fuel break.” Read the full story here.
RCDs Participate in the Small Farm Conference
Several RCDs attended the annual Small Farm Conference hosted by the Community Alliance with Family Farmers. The California Association of Resource Conservation Districts tabled with the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas RCD to inform farmers about RCD services available to them. The Cachuma RCD presented on irrigation efficiency and nutrient management and the Coastal San Luis RCD presented on “Carbon Farming and Climate Resilient Agriculture.” Several other RCDs were attended to learn and connect with the farming community.
