- Getting to Know the Grasses: Building Expertise in Native Grass ID for Better Technical Assistance
- The North Bay Forest Improvement Program Is Now Taking Applications
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Montini Open Space Preserve Prescribed Burn Protects People & Nature
- TEAM Students Welcome Spring in Full Bloom
- Celebrating the Power of Partnership: Thank You to Good Fire Alliance Volunteers
- Resources, events, and more!
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Getting to Know the Grasses: Building Expertise in Native Grass ID for Better Technical Assistance
Native grasses may not be the flashiest plants, but they do incredible work behind the scenes both above and below in the soil and are vital to our ecosystems. They sequester carbon, improve soil moisture retention, provide essential habitat for birds and insects, and, with their deep root systems, can be exceptionally drought-friendly plants. Native grasses play a crucial role in creating complex habitats where insects and birds can shelter, feed, and rest. Recognizing the importance of native grasses in watershed health, several of our staff members recently attended a native grass identification workshop led by Sonoma Land Trust to deepen their knowledge and hone their skills.
In early June, three of our staff joined 30 others at the Old Schoolhouse in Bodega before caravanning out to Sonoma Land Trust’s Estero Americano Preserve. After introductions, the group began walking the land—often moving only a few dozen feet at a time before stopping to examine a patch of grass. Michelle Cooper, Preserve Manager and Resident Biologist for Audubon Canyon Ranch, captivated the group by highlighting the differences between robust native populations and the more aggressive invasive species they sometimes grow alongside. She passed around samples, described the details of flowering stalks and growth structures, and kept the group engaged with her warmth and humor. Even without hand lenses, participants learned to distinguish species based on growth habit, color, and leaf shape— simple and easy to identify features that can be done during any site visit.
One of our project managers in attendance, Ari DeMarco shared that she walked away being able to confidently identify five new species of native grasses as well as a new favorite: Melica californica, a stunning and graceful native. For Sophia Pruden, Program Coordinator, the training offered new insights that will directly support her work on grazing lands. Genevieve Tarino, Forestry Project Manager, noted that the workshop will help her more efficiently identify native grasses during plant surveys and when writing forest management plans. This workshop reinforced how valuable this knowledge is when collaborating with community members on restoration projects, invasive grass management, and native pollinator seed collection.
As with any restoration effort, success starts with knowing what’s already growing on the land—and what species are likely to thrive there. This training helped sharpen the eyes of our team, deepen their vocabulary, and grow our collective capacity to support resilient working lands and ecosystems. It also reminded us that sometimes, just 30 minutes marveling at a patch of grass can lead to meaningful insights and lasting impact. Thank you, Sonoma Land Trust and Audubon Canyon Ranch!
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The North Bay Forest Improvement Program Is Now Taking Applications
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. We have partnered with Conservation Works and CAL FIRE to form this program 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.
Applications for private landowners in Sonoma County are open and will close July 25! Please reach out to Genevieve Tarino, Forestry Project Manager, with questions at gtarino@sonomarcd.org.
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Montini Open Space Preserve Perscribed Burn Protects People & Nature
A coalition of local agencies and partners, including the Sonoma Valley Fire District, Sonoma Ecology Center, Sonoma RCD, and the City of Sonoma and CAL FIRE conducted a 20-acre prescribed burn at Montini Open Space Preserve during the week of June 23, 2025. This carefully planned operation aimed to reduce wildfire risk near the City of Sonoma and nearby neighborhoods in a Very High Severity Zone, while also supporting ecological goals of managing invasive species like yellow star thistle and promoting healthy native grasslands. More than 60 firefighters with support from Fire Forward carried out the burn. Prescribed fire is a proven land management tool that protects both our communities and natural landscapes. You can learn more here.
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TEAM Students Welcome Spring in Full Bloom
In Sonoma County, springtime brings sunshine, buzzing bees, blooming orchards, and students eager to spend time outdoors. It’s also when our Education Team heads outside with local elementary classes as part of our TEAM program to explore the beauty of the season. One of our favorite spring traditions is visiting the Dutton Family’s historic apple orchard—a partnership that continues year after year thanks to the cultural and agricultural significance of apples in our region. In April and May, 87 students visited the orchard to enjoy the first glimpses of spring and learn about local agriculture. From listening to bees hum from blossom to blossom to soaking in the sunshine during lunch, students experienced the sights, sounds, and smells of Sonoma County’s working lands and open spaces.
Throughout three different stations, students learned the importance of native California pollinators and the challenges that come with living outdoors. Students also became pomologists by examining apple trees and making connections between the trees and the wildlife they provide habitat for. The third station centers on students exploring the apple industry supply chain through a relay race that starts at the apple farm and ends with students bringing applesauce “home”. They end the apple station with a taste test of three different apple varieties to compare their different flavors, textures, smells, and colors.
Thank you to all the teachers and chaperones that make this program possible. We are also grateful to Ag + Open Space for their continued support of this program. This is one of many programs supported through the voter-approved ¼ cent sales
tax that was renewed in 2006 and funded through 2021.
If you are a teacher that is interested in participating at one of our upcoming field trips next school years, please reach out to Maria Wnorowski, Community Engagement Program Manager, at mwnorowski@sonomarcd.org. We will be sending out dates and applications in July!
| | | Thanks Erika Lutz for some of these incredible photos! | | |
Celebrating the Power of Partnership: Thank You to Good Fire Alliance Volunteers
On Saturday, May 17, nearly 50 community members gathered at Spring Lake Park for the annual Good Fire Alliance (GFA) spring barbecue—a well-earned celebration of the volunteers and partners working to return prescribed fire to the North Bay landscape. Hosted by Sonoma RCD for the first time and supported by funding from the NRDC DOC Regional Forest and Fire Capacity (RFFC) program, the event brought together landowners, fire practitioners, and agency partners for a relaxed afternoon of conversation, connection, and appreciation.
GFA volunteers play an essential role in supporting prescribed burns and pile burns across the region. The Alliance itself is a grassroots network of certified practitioners and community members dedicated to increasing the pace and scale of prescribed fire. As one participant shared, “Prescribed fire is becoming a unifying force across agencies and communities—bringing people together around shared goals and new collaborations.”
From colorful fire-themed balloons to a taco bar feast that included homemade Spanish rice, vegetarian refried beans, and every topping under the sun (thanks, Patti and Jason!), the gathering was a joyful reflection of the energy and commitment that fuels this community, with plenty of opportunities for volunteers to reflect on a busy spring burn season and look ahead to continued collaboration. Staff from Sonoma RCD, including Patti Aaron, Community Engagement Specialist, Jason Wells, Director of Forestry, and Ari DeMarco, Project Manager, helped coordinate logistics for the event, and have been working behind the scenes to provide capacity-building support to the GFA Steering Committee as they define their long-term priorities.
With additional pile burn workshops planned for later this year, and ongoing coordination across agencies, private landowners, and nonprofit partners, the Good Fire Alliance continues to grow as a model for community-led, ecologically beneficial fire. To learn more or get involved, visit the GFA website.
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Potter Valley Project Informational Meeting
Sonoma County Farm Bureau
Tuesday, July 1st
5:30 pm
Finley Community Center
The Potter Valley Project (PVP) is a hydroelectric and water diversion project on the Eel River that transfers water to the Russian River and serves as a critical water provider to Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin County Communities. PG&E, the owner of the PVP, is looking to decommission the PVP as it no longer generates energy in a cost-effective manner so they are seeking to release their liability. The New Eel Russian Project Authority (ERPA), made up of the County of Sonoma, the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission, and the Round Valley Indian Tribe, is collaborating to maintaining a level of water diversion to the Russian River. They are hosting a meeting to learn more about the impacts it will cause on our local water systems.
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Sonoma County Farm Bureau Love of the Land
Sonoma County Farm Bureau
Thursday, July 10
4:30 pm
Ticket range on event website
La Crema Estates & Saralee's Vineyard
Love of the Land is a mid-summer celebration honoring agricultural award winners who are leading the way to preserve Sonoma County’s rich farming heritage. The evening will begin with the Sonoma Grown reception, where local food and beverage is provided while guests mingle and pursue the silent auction. Following the reception, guests pass through the wine country BBQ buffet and take their seats in preparation for the program & live auction. The evening’s special awards include Farm Bureau Hall of Fame, Farm Family of the Year, Luther Burbank Conservation Award, and Friend of Farm Bureau. Funds from this event further the Farm Bureau's mission of preserving agricultural lands through advocacy and special programs and providing agriculture education for youth of all ages.
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Atascadero/Green Valley Watershed Council Quarterly Gathering
Saturday, July 12
10:00-12:00 pm
The Lions Grove Picnic Area, Ragle Park
Join the Atascadero/Green Valley Watershed Council for their Quarterly Gathering. It wil be at Ragle Park, up the hill from the volleyball courts in the grove of trees, with a back up location of Burbank Heights & Orchards Social Hall. Our special guest speaker will be Assemblymember Damon Connolly, author of the Beaver Habitat Restoration Program bill (AB 2196) which was signed into law last fall. Please join us to learn about the Beaver Program plus information about what is going on in the watershed and with the council. Visit their website here.
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Sonoma County Farm Fest
Sonoma County Farm Bureau
Sunday, July 20
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
$5 parking
Olympia's Valley Estate, Petaluma
Join the Sonoma County Farm Bureau in their annual Farm Fest. A day filled with experiences to connect and enjoying the specialties of Sonoma County agriculture. This free family event will have opportunities to meet local farmers and ranchers, see farm animals, enjoy interactive booths, local bites and live music! Be syrure to resreve your tickets today. Come see us at our table!
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2024 Annual Water Reports
Sonoma County's three GSAs monitor, track and annually report on groundwater levels, storage and quality in their respective groundwater basins. They are also required to measure whether groundwater pumping is causing land subsidence, intrusion of seawater, and affecting creeks, streams and other surface water.
Each year the GSA must provide an Annual Report to comply with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. The Annual Report must include a snapshot of groundwater conditions from the previous water year (Oct. 1 - Sept. 30), a status report on the Groundwater Sustainability Plan project implementation, and an account of the basin’s progress towards meeting defined sustainability.
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Conservation at Work with LandSmart®
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