View as Webpage

• Guiding conservation, strengthening community
• Watershed recovery in action
• Redbud Resource Group regional training 
• New Executive Director of Fire Safe Sonoma: Ben Nicholls 
• Join Our Team: Finance Manager
• Soil Health & Irrigation Management Workshop (Spanish Led) 
• FREE technical assistance for agricultural producers
• Now accepting proposals for Habitat Kit Program
• Plus announcements from Zero Foodprint and March community events!

Guiding conservation, strengthening community

Located in southern Sonoma County and northeastern Marin County, the Petaluma River Watershed spans 146 square miles in a pear-shaped basin that reflects a long and evolving relationship between people and biodiversity. In 2022, the Sonoma Resource Conservation District completed the Petaluma River Watershed Conservation and Enhancement Plan in partnership with the Petaluma Watershed Collaborative, a group of local stakeholders working to strengthen institutional capacity for sustainable watershed management and restoration. The Plan’s purpose is to identify practical, science-based strategies to protect, conserve, and enhance the watershed for generations to come.

Building on prior updates of the Plan from 2013 and 2015, the 2022 Plan incorporates critical information not included in earlier versions. The Tribal Heritage Preservation Office (THPO) of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria provided review and editorial support of cultural resource information detailed in the Plan. Reza Environmental also provided editorial and technical support during the development process alongside the Collaborative. The updated Plan also integrates data from recent regional efforts, including the March 2018 Petaluma Valley Historical Hydrology and Ecology Study prepared by the San Francisco Estuary Institute in collaboration with Sonoma RCD.

The first Enhancement Plan was completed in 1998 with input from a Landowner Advisory Committee and engaged watershed residents. As intended, this Plan continues to evolve. Watershed plans are living documents that are strengthened over time through science, collaboration, and community stewardship.

Thank you to the many partners whose ongoing work restores, protects, and sustains the Petaluma River Watershed. This update was made possible with funding secured by the RCD from the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART grant program.

Watershed recovery in action

We recently completed the first phase of invasive French and Scotch broom removal on two properties in Sonoma County as part of a broader effort to support post-fire recovery and protect local watershed health. 

Originally introduced to California in the mid-1800s, both species are highly invasive and significantly increase wildfire risk in ecosystems. They contain a high oil content and can act as ladder fuels, carrying fire into forest canopies. Additionally, broom thrives as a “post-fire opportunist,” meaning fire stimulates the germination of its seeds. Following the 2020 Walbridge Fire and Glass Fire, many burn scars saw a surge in broom establishment, allowing these species to outcompete native plants and alter local ecosystems. 

Beginning in 2024, with funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)’s National Coastal Resilience Fund, we have partnered with local landowners to remove broom and other invasive species in priority watershed areas. Broom seeds are often spread downhill by wind and water—especially along waterways—so by prioritizing removal in upstream sites, we can help prevent their spread into downstream habitats. 

This work is not a one-time effort. Managing invasive species requires multiple treatment passes, long-term stewardship, and strong partnerships. By combining removal, native replanting, and continued site management, we are working to restore our county’s biodiversity while reducing wildfire risk. In our March eNews, we will share a closer look at how this work is unfolding on the ground in the Mill Creek and Mark West Creek watersheds. 

Redbud Resource Group regional training 

In January, RCD technical staff began the year with a training led by Redbud Resource Group and coordinated by the Inner Coast Collaborative, a regional partnership focused on improving forest health and fire resilience across Colusa, Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo counties.  

The session brought together conservation partners and tribal members for direct conversation and shared learning. Through interactive activities, staff gained a clearer understanding of the historic and ongoing impacts experienced by federally recognized and unrecognized tribes. The training included practical reflection on equity and accessibility in our work. 

Redbud Resource Group also provided concrete tools to support stronger engagement with local tribes, emphasizing early outreach, relationship-building, and meaningful inclusion in program development. Thank you to Redbud Resource Group and our Inner Coast Collaborative partners for coordinating this important training.

New Executive Director of Fire Safe Sonoma: Ben Nicholls 

We are excited to spread the exciting news that Ben Nicholls has officially been named the first Executive Director of Fire Safe Sonoma. Ben recently retired as a Division Chief with CALFIRE in Sonoma County. As someone from the area, he has over 30 years of wildfire and emergency response experience. We are grateful to have his leadership locally and look forward to continuing our collaboration with Fire Safe Sonoma, driving landscape-scale wildfire resilience across Sonoma County.  

Fond farewell to Wendi

We bid a fond farewell to Wendi Asuncion, our Staff Accountant, as she officially begins her retirement. Wendi dedicated more than six years supporting the RCD’s finance team, bringing a strong attention to detail and commitment to transparency. She supported staff in managing grant budgets and contract awards, ensuring financial accuracy and maintaining the trust of our funders and contractors. We are deeply grateful for her dedication and the joy she shared with those around her, and we wish her all the best in her retirement.

Finance Manager

The Finance Manager manages the RCD's accounting operations, including budgeting, auditing, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, and financial reporting. This role oversees the development and implementation of financial systems for the organization that support the District’s ability to achieve its mission. The Finance Manager is a results-oriented, hands-on professional with big picture vision and a commitment to excellence, transparency, and fiscal accountability. 

This is a full-time position with a starting compensation range of $112,300 to $122,720 per year. It is based in Sonoma County, with a partial remote-work option. Application reviews will begin on March 13th.

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.

Reach out to info@sonomarcd.org to learn how to have the RCD listed as your TA provider.

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.

AGVWC Spring Quarterly Gathering: Native Bees

Saturday, March 21st

10 am - 12 pm

FREE

7777 Bodega Aven, Sebastopol

Atascadero/Green Valley Watershed Council

Presenters from the Sonoma County Beekeepers Association will be sharing about native bees of Sonoma County, how they live in our environment, and how we can help them thrive. They will be focusing on our unsung pollinating heroes who are so essential to a healthy ecosystem. 

Partner

with us for productive lands and thriving streams

Invest

in your local RCD to support local conservation

Sign Up

for our eNewsletters or follow us on social media

Conservation at Work with LandSmart®