- New Publication: Streambank Erosion Resource Guide
- Genevieve Tarino shares forestry pathways at biochar workshop
- Funding for technical assistance for growers in the Alexander Valley
- Transhumance Festival: Grazing, Community, and Connection
- One Block Challenge - Here in Sonoma County
- Ag Heritage Series: Behind the vines
- North Coast Soil Hub's grass identification workshop for RCDs
- Upcoming Events: Invasive Species Workshop, Leasing Land Workshop, Gualala Community Meeting
- Resources: FREE soil testing and Grazing mini-grants
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New Publication: Streambank Erosion Resource Guide
As a result of a number of factors, including climate change and urban development, we have been seeing a steady rise in technical assistance requests from landowners and managers facing both the immediate and long-term issues of streambank erosion on their properties.
While each situation is unique, many share common questions such as: Where to start? What different solutions are out there? What is the cost associated with each one? What does the permitting process look like? In partnership with Sonoma Water and the City of Santa Rosa, we’re excited to share our new resource, Streambank Erosion: A Resource Guide for Sonoma County Residents with Streamside Erosion Concerns, designed to help community members navigate these questions with confidence.
We hope this resource serves as a helpful starting point, and our staff is always here to help as a guide in navigating how to prevent, mitigate, and adapt to erosion.
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Genevieve Tarino shares Forestry pathways at biochar workshop
Genevieve Tarino, our Forestry Project Manager, recently spoke at a workforce development workshop hosted by Ag + Open Space and Gold Ridge RCD for members of the Conservation Corps North Bay (CCNB). She shared her journey into forestry and highlighted the many pathways into the field, encouraging corpsmembers to think creatively about how their skills can translate into careers in the sector.
Participants were also introduced to biochar, an innovative way to repurpose woody material from fuels reduction projects into a soil-enhancing resource. The workshop included hands-on training in kiln building, biochar production, and soil application.
With growing demand and limited supply, presenters emphasized the emerging opportunities in biochar.
Genevieve shared, “I hope the workshop inspired some corpsmembers to explore this as a potential business opportunity. I was inspired by the opportunity to turn something we see as waste and return it to the land – it's often just a matter of creativity and perspective.”
Workshops like this help connect workforce development with practical, on-the-ground solutions for managing fuels and supporting healthy working lands.
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Funding for technical assistance for growers in the Alexander Valley
If you are a grower in Alexander Valley, we’d like your input to help shape upcoming water management resources and technical assistance in the area. We have funding for free technical assistance or site visits related to water conservation, water supply, soil health, or other resource concerns on your farm. Please fill out the interest form below to get started. d
The results of the interest form will also inform future resources, workshops, and potential funding opportunities for water conservation projects.
See the flyer below for more information!
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Transhumance Festival: Grazing, Community, and Connection
April was a busy month out in our community! Our team participated in the annual Transhumance Festival and the City of Sonoma’s Earth Day Festival, connecting with community members around local conservation efforts. At the Transhumance Festival a long-standing RCD tradition staff helped prepare residents for the event and guided the community in herding sheep from the fairgrounds to Steamers Landing. Along the way, we shared how managed grazing supports healthy ecosystems, reduces fuel loads, and helps protect communities while maintaining a low carbon footprint.
Rooted in collaboration and Sonoma’s agricultural heritage, the event highlights how traditional practices like grazing continue to play a vital role in modern land stewardship. We’re already looking forward to next year!
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One Block Challenge – Here in Sonoma County!
Our Agriculture Team recently attended the kickoff of Regenerative Viticulture Foundation’s One Block Challenge. The One Block Challenge invites winegrape growers to dedicate one vineyard block to regenerative practices for a minimum of one year. Throughout the challenge, viticulturists monitor their soil to track the impacts of these regenerative practices.
Anya Nejedlo, Agricultural Program Director, and Keith Abeles, Soil and Water Specialist, attended the event at Donum Estate Winery to learn more about the program, identify opportunities for future grant funding collaborations, and to offer their technical assistance as growers are beginning to implement their specific regenerative practices.
We encourage anyone interested in learning more to visit the One Block Challenge website. For any viticulturists interested, there will be a second in-person kickoff held on Wednesday, June 3rd from 10 am – 12 pm at Preston Farm and Winery. Learn more below!
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Ag Heritage Series: Behind the vines
We hosted our second Ag Heritage Series event at Balletto Vineyards in April, highlighting the Balletto family’s deep roots in Sonoma County and their commitment to the land. Their dedication to stewardship led to a conservation easement, in partnership with Ag + Open Space, helping ensure the property continues to support local ecosystems, agriculture, and the community.
In collaboration with Ag + Open Space, the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, and Gold Ridge RCD, attendees enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour led by John Balletto. The experience offered insight into vineyard operations, winemaking, and the importance of sustainable practices. The event concluded with a tasting and an opportunity for guests to connect directly with the Balletto team.
We welcome you to join us for our final Ag Heritage Series event which will take place on Saturday May 30th, from 10 am – 12:30 pm. This final event will focus on the sustainably of dairy operations in Sonoma County which highlights the process of small artisanal cheese making. This is a free event to attend thanks to the voters of Sonoma County who fund the work of the Ag + Open Space District through a ¼ cent sales tax!
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North Coast Soil Hub's grass identification workshop for RCDs
The North Coast Soil Hub hosted a plant identification workshop this month for RCD staff and partners. Held at Leiss Ranch, attendees were welcomed by Nancy, who shared the property’s multi-generational history and her passion for land stewardship. Participants exchanged plant identification resources and learned from one another’s diverse experiences across Sonoma County landscapes. The workshop fostered collaboration and left staff inspired to deepen their knowledge of native and dominant plant species to support ongoing conservation efforts.
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Invasive Species Management Workshop
Friday, May 1st
9:30 am - 12:00 pm
FREE
Rancho Mark West
Join us for a hands-on workshop to learn how to identify and manage invasive species on your property. While we’ll focus on species commonly encroaching in post-fire landscapes, all community members are welcome.
The workshop will begin with a presentation by Jason Mills of Ecological Solutions, offering an overview of invasive species and management strategies. We’ll then head out onto the property for a hands-on exploration, where you’ll receive practical, real-world guidance and see examples up close. This workshop is funded through a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant.
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Save the Date: Leasing Land Workshop
Wednesday, June 10th
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
FREE
TBD
We are excited to be partnering with Kitchen Table Advisors to offer a workshop focused on bringing together parties who are interested leasing land. This will include landowners, especially vineyards, who have space available for leasing to producers. It will include a presentation, panel, and plenty of time for networking. While we are still finalizing the venue, we have developed a quick RSVP to start getting a headcount. There will be free refreshments available for all attendees.
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Gualala Community Meeting for Roads Assessment Order
Thursday, June 18th
10 am - 12 pm
In-person and online - details below
North Coast Regional Water Board
The next Gualala Community Meeting for Roads Assessment Order has been scheduled. Both the in-person and online sessions will be held at the same time. In-person will take place at Lake Sonoma Visitor Center (3333 Skaggs Springs Rd, Geyserville, CA 95441). Online will be on Zoom. The Meeting ID is 891 7818 5678 and password is 920495. Please reach out to paaron@sonomarcd.org with questions.
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Probing the Nation Soil Health Project- FREE Soil Health Tests
A new public–private partnership aimed at improving how soil health informs management decisions is underway in the United States. The project, “Probing Our Country’s Soil Health,” is currently seeking farmers and ranchers to participate. Landowners who take part will receive compensation for approximately one hour of their time, a personalized soil health report for their fields (with lab work valued at about $1,200 per field at no cost), and a complimentary hard-copy photo book titled Probing Our Country’s Soil Health, which highlights soil conditions and project outcomes nationwide. Participation involves signing up for a one-hour Zoom meeting to complete a management survey for two or three fields, and later granting access for hand-probe soil sampling at two or three sites per field (typically conducted 3–6 months after the survey, with advance notice). If you’re interested, you can enroll by scheduling an appointment through the booking link below.
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Community Grazing Mini Grants!
Cooperative grazing can be difficult without appropriate infrastructure. The LandSmart Grazing program is here to provide financial assistance for materials purchases. The purpose of this program is to support and increase the capacity of community grazing cooperatives within Sonoma County. This includes the purchase of equipment that will increase your capacity as a cooperative. Such equipment includes, animal watering equipment, temporary fencing, and animal transport system. As a member of a grazing cooperative, you are qualified to request funds from our funding that is available for materials to promote the growth of your coop.
This is a non-competitive, 'first come, first serve' program which will be funded by the Gold Ridge and Sonoma Resource Conservation Districts to a maximum of $2000. This is structured as a reimbursement program, so once the materials have been purchased and you submit your W9 and receipts, we will reimburse you as soon as possible.
Please fill out the form below if you are interested in receiving a mini grant.
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Conservation at Work with LandSmart®
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