- Meet Our New Team Members
- Advancing Forestry Through Technology and Innovations
- Stewarding the Land: FARMS Leadership at Rancho Mark West
- Building Resilient Landscapes Through Engagement
- Engaging Students & Families in Watershed Education
- Spring Well Monitoring: Sign Up or Check Your Email!
- Exciting Conservation Workshops on the Horizon
- Hirings, Resources, Events, and more!
| | | | |
Meet Our New Team Members
We are very excited to welcome two new staff members to our team!
Brett LeDuc is our new Agricultural Project Manager. Brett earned her B.S. in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems from UC Davis, where she also specialized in regenerative farming methods. She has hands-on farming experience in the Central and San Joaquin Valleys, Illinois, and Sonoma County. Through these diverse experiences, she has cultivated a deep understanding that each producer is unique and allows this to be a primary driver in her work. She is interested in agroecology and the connections between farming and natural ecosystems. Outside of work, you can find Brett spending time with her favorite person (and fiancé!), Bob—whether it’s on a nature walk, enjoying a home-cooked meal, or geeking-out over cute birds and weird bugs.
Sarah Greer is our new Accounting Technician. Sarah, originally from Richmond, Virginia, moved to Sonoma County in 2011. She brings expertise in workflow strategies, cultivated by diverse experiences in event planning, apparel manufacturing, and the public arts sector. She is currently pursuing three businesses certificates from the Santa Rosa Junior College and has already begun to use her skillset to support our financial team in streamlining and expediting invoices, grants, and more. Sarah enjoys reading, creating art, traveling, and hanging out with her cat, Cosmo, in her free time!
| | | | |
Advancing in Forestry Through Technology & Innovations
Our Director of Forestry, Jason Wells, and Forestry Project Manager, Genevieve Tarino represented Sonoma RCD at the California Licensed Foresters Association Spring Conference. The conference took place in Redding near the beautiful Sundial Bridge this past month. This year’s conference focused on evolving solutions through technology inclusive of forest inventory, remote auditory sensing for birds, LIDAR, riparian corridor management, wildfire prevention and monitoring. Over the course of the conference, Jason and Genevieve were networked with other forestry professionals, while continuing to grow their toolkit of practices and innovations that can aid our local forested lands. We would like to also extend a celebratory congratulations to one of our former Associate Board Directors, Matt Greene, for being awarded the Forester of the Year award!
| | | | |
Stewarding the Land: FARMS Leadership at Rancho Mark West
Each year, our FARMS Leadership students visit Rancho Mark West - an outdoor classroom, community hub, and place of refuge in the Mayacamas Mountains. This field day continues to be a highlight for staff, teachers, and students alike.
This year, students began by learning about the site’s history and the dedication of Jim and Betty Doerksen, who have stewarded the land for nearly six decades. In 1993, Jim and Betty sold the development rights of the land to Sonoma Ag + Open Space, ensuring its protection through a conservation easement. Since 1998, they have partnered with LandPaths to share this beautiful space with outdoor education groups, including FARMS, with LandPaths taking full ownership of the property in 2011.
In 2020, much of Rancho Mark West burned during the Glass Fire. Since then, Jim, Betty, LandPaths, and community members have worked tirelessly to support the land’s recovery. During our visit, students contributed to these restoration efforts through hands-on projects. They worked in teams to prune native oak trees, helping guide the oaks’ growth upwards instead of outwards (like a bush). With guidance from Betty and RCD Forestry Staff, students learned how to identify strong, healthy trunks and trim competing branches that could hinder vertical growth. Students enjoyed the tangible impact of their work, seeing firsthand how much could be accomplished in just a few short hours!
After pruning work was done, students hiked throughout the property to explore its diverse ecosystems and see with their own eyes the importance of land stewardship. They wrapped up with a delicious lunch before hearing from RCD staff and an SSU Forestry Master’s student about the many career paths within forestry. Sitting under an open sky, surrounded by birdsong, soaking up the sun, students were reminded of the deep connections between humans and the natural world.
| | |
| |
Building Resilient Landscapes: Forestry Team Workshop Recap
Our Forestry Team just finished a series of exciting virtual and in-person workshops, focused on fuels reduction, grazing, and post-fire mitigation.
On Saturday, March 1, Patti Aaron, our Community Engagement Specialist, facilitated a conversation with Heather Morrison, Registered Professional Forester, Certified Botanist, and Pest Control Advisor, during the Post-Fire Considerations Workshop. Morrison covered key topics including reforestation challenges and solutions, the establishment and impact of invasive species, and best management practices for herbicide use and road maintenance. A key takeaway was that post-fire recovery is an ongoing process requiring long-term maintenance. The workshop brought together a great mix of landowners, land managers, and technical staff for a productive discussion, concluding with a Q&A session.
Then, the following Saturday, March 8, Genevieve Tarino, Forestry Project Manager, presented at the Wildfire Resilience for Communities in East Sonoma County workshop, organized by Cal Poly’s Fuels and Vegetation Education Program. The workshop aimed to deepen community members' understanding of fuels management, wildfire resilience, and community protection, highlighting real-world examples from local communities in the Mayacamas Range.
Genevive also presented at Monan’s Rill, an intentional, intergenerational community, one site in our North Bay Forest Improvement Project in 2022. She discussed cost-share programs, previous fuels reduction treatments, and the use of prescribed burns on the site. She also emphasized the value of cooperative management in wildfire resilience efforts. Reflecting on the experience, Genevieve shared, “It was really cool to highlight a property while we were physically there. I could show other landowners and communities firsthand what they can accomplish through collective management. We saw the value of post-fire recovery work and how good fire can be used for prevention. It gave people a real-life look at what’s possible.”
These wonderful workshops rounded out this past Saturday, March 15, with Patti facilitating a workshop with Certified Rangeland Manager Roxanne Foss. The Grazing & Range Management Workshop included a panel of technical experts covering key topics such as rangeland management fundamentals, land management planning, fuels management through grazing, animal selection, funding resources, and fencing strategies. A major takeaway was the importance of selecting the right grazing animals and timing—such as using goats and cows to control Scotch broom within its first three years of growth to prevent establishment. The discussion also reinforced that grazing is not a one-time solution but an ongoing land management practice. The workshop attracted a diverse group of landowners and land managers with properties ranging from 20 to 500 acres, highlighting grazing as a critical tool for fuels management in Sonoma County.
Both workshops on March 1and March 15 were funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. We are grateful for their support. Stay tuned for more learning opportunities in the future!
| | | | |
Director of Finance & Adminstration
The Director of Finance & Administration (DF&A) manages the RCD’s financial, human resources, and administrative functions to ensure the district meets its mission and strategic goals. This hands-on leadership role involves overseeing a team and working closely with the Executive Director, leadership team, and Board of Directors. The position is part of a succession plan, offering mentorship from the current DF&A for the new hire.
This is a full time position with a starting compensation range of $115,000 to $125,000 per year. It is based in Sonoma County with a partial remote work option. It will remain open until filled.
| | | | |
Engaging Students & Families in Watershed Education
Spring is here, and so are a host of wonderful student and family events. Over the past month, our Community Engagement Team has enjoyed the first rays of spring sunshine while teaching community members of all ages the importance of our watersheds.
Using our interactive watershed model, we showcased the diverse Sonoma County landscapes and explored how our actions can impact our watersheds. From forests and grazing and farming lands to riparian habitats, and urban settings, community members walked away with a deeper understanding of the conservation practices the RCD supports and how we can collectively work to steward our natural resources.
A big thank you to everyone who visited our exhibit at the North Bay Science Discovery Day, the Sonoma County Office of Education Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math Showcase, and the Sonoma County Ag Days! Your enthusiasm and curiosity remind us that by working together, we can create positive change for our local lands.
| | | | |
Spring Well Monitoring: Sign Up or Check Your Email!
Last October, we officially kicked off our first season of well-monitoring in partnership with the Sonoma County Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs). The goal of this program is to monitor how groundwater changes from the driest months of the year to the wettest, helping the GSAs manage groundwater more effectively in both the short and long term.
The month of April will bring our springtime monitoring. Participants who measured their well levels in the fall will receive an email from Sonoma Water to schedule their spring data collection day. If you didn’t participate in the fall but would like to join, fill out the form below.
| | | | |
Exciting Conservation Workshops on the Horizon
Our Agriculture Team has been busy this late winter and early spring - onboarding our new Agricultural Project Manager, planning a series of conservation farming workshops, and gearing up for a season full of learning opportunities. Here’s what they’ve got coming up next month:
Soil Health & Irrigation Management Workshop - Tuesday, April 1, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at Shone Farm – free to attend
This workshop will be held in Spanish (with an English workshop planned for summer). It will explore how soil health can influence irrigation efficiency and vineyard resilience. It will cover soil sampling and irrigation system management and assessment. There will be a focus on irrigation management strategies, using technology to optimize irrigation timing and water use, and conducting distribution uniformity tests to improve system efficiency. This workshop is funded through our Water Efficiency Technical Assistance grant. You can sign up here.
Salud del Suelo y Evaluación de Irrigación en Viñedos - Martes, Abril 1, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm en Shone Farm –Gratis para atender
Este taller será conducido en español (con un taller en ingles planeado para este verano). Exploraremos como la salud del suelo puede influir la eficiencia de irrigación y resiliencia de viñedos. Cubriremos exámenes de suelo y evaluaciones de los sistemas de irrigación. Habrá un enfoque en estrategias de gestion de riego, usando la tecnología para optimizar el tiempo de riego y uso de agua, también conduciremos exámenes de distribución uniforme para mejorar la eficiencia de su sistema. Este taller es patrocinado por nuestra subvención de asistencia tecnica para la eficiencia de agua o WETA. Se puede registrar aquí.
Cultivating Biodiversity, Soil Health, and Community in North Coast Vineyards – Wednesday, April 2, 8:30 am to 1:30 pm at Medlock Ames Winery in Healdsburg - $40 to attend
This half-day workshop will be focused on building community and advancing our shared understanding of how to improve soil health and biodiversity in North Coast vineyards. It will feature a grower panel on transitioning to regenerative practices, science talks on integrated sheep vineyard systems and soil health evaluation, and resources for supporting wildlife habitat and biodiversity. You can sign up for the Soil Symposium here.
Hedgerow Tour at Ridge Vineyards – Wednesday, April 2, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at Ridge Vineyards in Healdsburg – free to attend
As part of North Coast Soil Hub’s Soil Symposium, we will co-lead a tour of hedgerow projects that provide habitat for pollinators, pest predators, and wildlife throughout the vineyard. Attendees will learn about the multitude of benefits of hedgerows and how hedgerows can serve as an asset in farm management systems. You can sign up for the Soil Symposium here.
Rancher 2 Rancher Workshop – Friday, April 18, time TBD, at Freestone Ranch
Join us for a knowledge exchange among local ranchers! More details will be shared on our social media pages soon.
We hope to see you at one (or all!) of these events as we continue to build resilient agricultural systems together.
| | | | |
Resilient Rangelands: Stewarding Grassland Ecosystems for the Future
North Coast Soil Hub: Soil Symposium
Wednesday, March 26th
8:30 am to 1:30 pm
$30
Stemple Creek Ranch
Join the North Coast Soil Hub, Stemple Creek Ranch, and Point Blue Conservation Science for a day on the land exploring on-farm resilience, grazing management strategies for resource conservation, and evaluation and monitoring tools. With extreme weather events increasing in the region, hear from local ranchers how they are building resilience to drought, floods, wildfire, and seasonal shifts. In addition to learning valuable tools for evaluating changes and monitoring indicators of ecosystem health over time, participants will have the opportunity to gather together, share experiences, and strengthen our regional network.
| | | | |
North Coast Soil Symposium: Resilience from the Ground Up
North Coast Soil Hub
Now- April 2
The 5th Annual North Coast Soil Symposium is an opportunity to build community around advancing knowledge of soil health, learn from the experiences and successes of local farmers and ranchers, explore region-specific research, and connect with industry leaders. Tailored to the diverse agricultural systems of the North Coast, the events will feature on-the-ground projects and practical strategies to build on-farm climate resilience. Don’t miss this opportunity to gather in person, share knowledge, and strengthen our agricultural community!
| | | | |
California Monarch and Pollinator Habitat Kits - Project Proposals
Xerces Society
Due by Friday, April 4th
The Xerces Habitat Kit Program provides climate-smart native plants to project partners who are willing to provide the time, labor, and land to develop pollinator habitats. Kits are intended to be used to create or enhance monarch and pollinator habitat on working lands, public lands, tribal lands and private/non-working lands recovering from wildfires, with landowner or land manager collaboration. This includes farms, ranches, tribal land, post-wildfire recovery areas, urban farms or gardens, city parks, school gardens or other public areas.
| | | | |
Chip it, Don't Skip It: Keeping Our County Clean and Green
Permit Sonoma
March 1st to October 1st
First Come, First Serve
Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention Division provides free chipper services to residents who are engaged in making their property more wildfire safe. The purpose of the program is to create defensible space, specifically around the home, structures, and access routes to the structures, for properties located in the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County.
| | | | |
Transhumance Festival
Friends of the Petaluma River
Saturday, April 12
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
FREE
Petaluma Fairgrounds/Steamer Landing Park
Get connected to the land with the annual Transhumance Festival! A collaboration between local conservation and agriculture groups. Join the celebration at the Petaluma Fairgrounds to see the sheep as they prepare for their herding journey to Steamer Landing Park. After seeing the herding of the sheep, be sure to join in the festival celebration filled with music, artisanal booths, and all things sheep related!
| | | | |
SRCD Agriculture Heritage Series
Sonoma Resource Conservation District
Saturday, May 10th
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
FREE to attend
Santa Rosa High School FFA Farm
We welcome you to join us at our upcoming Ag Heritage Series event. We will be highlighting the Santa Rosa High School FFA school farm. This family event will be filled with student-led tours, farm animals, educational and craft booths for the whole family, enjoying some of the county’s bounty with some local food tastings. Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend for some floral arranging to take home. Hope to see you there!
| |
Conservation at Work with LandSmart®
| | | | |
