- Staff Promotions
- Our Compost Survey
- Ag Heritage Series at the Santa Rosa Schools Farm
- Rainwater Harvesting Success at Helen Putnam Regional Park
- North Bay Forest Improvement Program: Now Accepting Project Applications
- FREE Technical Assistance for Ag Producers
- Soil Health and Irrigation Management Workshops – Happening this Spring
- UCCE Winegrape Vineyard Nitrogen Management Survey
- Resources and Community Events
| | |
| |
Staff Promotions
We are thrilled to share that two of our wonderful team members have recently been promoted!
Jen Franco is now our Operations & Human Resources Manager. In her new role at Sonoma RCD, she leads human resources operations, organization-wide administration, and supports board relations. Jen is happy to contribute to an organization that benefits both people and natural resources within her community.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a knowledgeable and dedicated team, deepen my understanding of Sonoma County’s incredible natural resources, and support the organization through my role.”
Sarah Greer has been promoted to Staff Accountant. In her new role, she will continue to support the RCD’s financial integrity and operational efficiency by performing a range of accounting, reporting, and compliance.
“Working for the RCD this past year has been such a great opportunity, and I’m thankful for our team’s commitment to ecological stability and partnership collaboration. I look forward to entering this new role with a continued commitment to supporting the fiscal operations that help us facilitate these important efforts.”
Congratulations to you both, we are beyond blessed to have you both be a part of Sonoma RCD!
| | |
| |
Our Compost Survey
We are exploring several opportunities to provide agricultural producers with compost at low cost. We need your feedback to develop a hassle-free programto meet your needs.
This 10-minute survey helps us to gauge the level of interest in our ag community for low-cost compost, understand which cost scenarios and conditions will work for potential participants, and understand the geographic spread of where compost is needed. Anyone who fills out the survey will be added to a contact list and notified first of any upcoming opportunities for low-cost compost through Sonoma RCD.
| | |
| |
Ag Heritage Series at the Santa Rosa Schools Farm
Our Community Engagement team hosted an Ag Heritage Series event at the Santa Rosa City Schools Farm off Alba Lane, in partnership with Gold Ridge RCD, Sonoma County Farm Bureau, and Santa Rosa High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA). Protected by a conservation easement with Ag + Open Space since 1993 and thoughtfully rebuilding after the farm tragically burned in the 2017 Tubbs Fire, the site welcomed more than 40 community members, students, and families for a guided tour to see progress firsthand and discuss how the community can support the farm’s evolving mission.
Speakers reflected on the farm’s past and future, with an alumna sharing memories of its former kitchen garden and long days on the land, while current students outlined plans for a new kitchen garden, olive trees, and potential community garden space. At the newly completed barn, students highlighted expanded opportunities to learn livestock care and showmanship in preparation for the county fair, and partners and staff shared future restoration plans and agricultural career pathways supported through partnerships with Jackson Family Wines and Santa Rosa Junior College.
We are looking forward to hosting two more Ag Heritage Series events this spring, so stay tuned. Our Ag Heritage Series events are free to participants thanks to Sonoma County taxpayers, who fund the work of Ag+ Open Space with a quarter-cent sales tax.
| | |
| |
Rainwater Harvesting Success at Helen Putnam Regional Park
Last December, we highlighted the work our Water Resources Team had done to support the installation of rainwater catchment tanks at Helen Putman Regional Park in Petaluma. We are excited to share, that for the second year in a row, both tanks have officially filled up!
Rainwater was collected from the roofs of the restroom off Chileno Valley Road and the ranger housing during the heavy rains at the end of December and beginning of January. Collectively, these two buildings captured over 45,000 gallons of water – enough to fill both tanks. The stored water will be used this summer to water sheep and goats grazing on site to reduce fuel loads and for fire suppression when needed. We encourage you to swing by the catchment tanks during your next visit to Helen Putnam Regional Park to see what 45,000 gallons really look like!
| | |
| |
North Bay Forest Improvement Program: Now Accepting Project Applications
We are excited to share that the next round of North Bay Forest Improvement Program applications for implementation projects is now open! Applications will be accepted through Friday, February 13th, 2026.
The North Bay Forest Improvement Program (NBFIP) provides critical funding to treat wildfire hazards on private properties throughout the region, with a focus on serving disadvantaged communities. The program supports planning and implementation and provides financial incentives to landowners to reduce risks of wildfire and promote forest health. In partnership with Conservation Works, CAL FIRE, local Resource Conservation Districts, and CLERC, this program functions to help private, non-industrial, small-parcel, forestland owners (between 5 and 5,000 acres) implement noncommercial forest improvement activities such as thinning, planting, pruning, and fuel hazard reduction.
Please reach out to the representative in your County if you are interested in applying. You can find your local contact here.
| | |
| |
FREE Technical Assistance for Ag Producers
We currently have several grants supporting FREE technical assistance for producers throughout the county. We created a Google Form for interested producers to fill out to begin a conversation and site visit with our Agriculture Team.
We also encourage all community members to reach out to info@sonomarcd.org with any technical assistance questions you have - whether that be for erosion issues, invasives, flooding, or anything else. Our staff is here to support you with any of natural resource needs & questions.
| | | | |
Soil Health & Irrigation Management Workshops – Happening this Spring
Join us in partnership with Napa RCD and the Sonoma County Vineyard Technical Group this spring for two workshops focused on improving irrigation efficiency and vineyard resilience. There will be one workshop offered in English on Friday, February 20th from 10:30 am – 12 pm and one offered in Spanish on Tuesday, March 10th from 8 am to 3 pm.
The English workshop will include two speakers: Phillip Gauthier, from Fruition Sciences, who will present on how to use plant data for modulating vine water use and our own Keith Abeles who will present on soil’s ability to serve as a reservoir in storing water.
The Spanish workshop will center on soil sampling and irrigation system management and assessment. It will cover irrigation management strategies, the use of technology to optimize irrigation timing and use, and distribution uniformity tests as a tool for improving irrigation system efficiency.
Sign up using the links below!
______________________________________________________
Únase con nosotros, el Distrito de Recursos de Conservación de Napa y el grupo técnico de viñedos del condado de Sonoma esta primavera para dos talleres enfocados en mejorar la eficiencia de irrigación y resiliencia de viñedos. Se ofrecerá un taller en inglés el viernes, 20 de febrero de 10:30 am – 12 pm y otro taller en español el martes, 10 de marzo de 8 am – 3pm.
El taller en español se enfocará en exámenes de tierra y mantenimiento y evaluación de sistemas de irrigación. Cubrirá estrategias de manejo para irrigación, el uso de tecnología para optimizar el tiempo y uso de irrigación, y exámenes de uniformidad y distribución como una herramienta para mejorar la eficiencia de su sistema de irrigación.
| | | | |
UCCE Winegrape Vineyard Nitrogen Management Survey
The Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program has convened a Statewide Agricultural Expert Panel to evaluate whether and how nitrogen should be regulated across all crops, including vineyards. To ensure regional practices are accurately represented, winegrape growers are encouraged to complete a short survey sharing their nitrogen management approaches. Developed by University of California Cooperative Extension Advisors from the North Coast region, the survey is especially relevant for those working in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, and Marin counties, though input from growers statewide is welcome. Responses will be used in aggregate to inform the panel and help ensure grower perspectives are reflected in future recommendations.
| | | | |
CAFF Small Farm Conference
February 22 - 27
Online & Regional in-person gathering
$ 25-200 Sliding scale
Community Alliance with Family Farmers
Join CAFF for their annual Small Farms Conference. Throughout the week of February 22-27 there will be over 50 online workshops to attend ranging from farm business and management to pest management and soil health. To finish of the week, you can join in on the in-person North Bay regional gathering which will take place at Shone Farm & Green Valley Farm + Mill. Space fills up quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot! For more information click the link below.
| | | | |
Right Plant, Right Place Workshop
Saturday, February 28
10:00 am- 11:30 am
FREE
Daily Acts + City of Petaluma
Petaluma Community Center
Ready to transform your front yard into a water-wise, pollinator-friendly habitat? Join Daily Acts, in partnership with the City of Petaluma, to learn the basics of garden design, irrigation setup, and maintaining your landscape to support local pollinators and water conservation efforts. This workshop will additionally highlight the City’s Mulch Madness program and show you how to apply for access to free sheet mulching supplies and plants for your garden!
| | |
| |
Zero Foodprint: Compost Connector
As a result of Senate Bill 1383 implementation, California is ramping up compost production. Through Compost Connector, Zero Foodprint works with local jurisdictions to make the best use of this compost by directing it to farms and ranches where it can sequester carbon and promote healthy soil.
If you’re a California farmer or rancher purchasing compost from an Zero Foodprint approved facility, you’re eligible to apply for Compost Connector.
| | |
| |
Zero Foodprint: Restore Grants
Make your calendars! Grant applications for the next round of Zero Foodprint’s Restore Grants will open on March 3rd, 2026. Farmers and ranchers in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington will be eligible to receive up to $25k to implement farm practices that sequester carbon. Learn more about eligible practices and the application process.
| | |
| |
SEEC Youth Career Expo
Saturday, March 14
10:00 am-2:00 pm
FREE
Sonoma Environmental Education Collaborative (SEEC)
Chop's Teen Center
Are you interested in exploring what career pathways are available in the realm of environmental science? Save the date for SEEC's annual career expo. Open for students of 14-25 years of age, come listen to a panel of environmental professionals, their journey to joining the field. Additionally, there will be a job and informational fair with local organizations, free headshots, and free breakfast and lunch. Make sure to save the date, as the day comes near!
| |
Conservation at Work with LandSmart®
| | | | |
