Join the School Garden Network for an engaging hands on experience to learn tips and tricks for building soil health and learn composting techniques in your garden space!

This hands-on workshop will empower educators with the practical knowledge and skills to implement effective vermiculture and composting in their school gardens--reducing reliance on landfills for food material recycling, and fostering a commitment to living systems amongst young minds. Special guest presenters Stefan Stehling of ROOT Solution LLC and Emma Wood of Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District will blend practical knowledge with interdisciplinary garden-related programming, sharing a ground-level introduction to soil health, carbon cycling, and fertility building, along with NGSS and other curriculum on soil science and microbiology through the grades. There will also be opportunities for peer-to-peer sharing throughout the day.

This workshop will be ideal for school garden teachers, classroom science or multi-subject teachers, and environmental enthusiasts seeking to implement and champion sustainable resource management practices and foster a culture of low-impact, ecologically sound soil building practices in school gardens.

A seasonal lunch will be provided (with vegetarian and vegan options available), and participants will also receive giveaways of compost-related materials.

For more details and registration, click here or the button below.

Come on out and volunteer with us! We are planting trees at the Fort Bragg Dog Park on Lincoln Street to increase tree canopy in a current “tree desert”, enhance biodiversity, and add a touch of natural beauty into this beloved space. Thanksgiving Coffee is graciously donating coffee for event participants and all planting materials will be provided.

North Bay Forest Improvement Program - An Overview

The North Bay Forest Improvement Program (NBFIP) is an innovative landowner incentive pilot program located in Lake, Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma counties, bringing public resources to treat wildfire hazards on private properties throughout the region, with a focus on serving disadvantaged communities. Funded by CAL FIRE, NBFIP is in its fifth year of collaboration, with Conservation Works, Clear Lake Environmental Research Center and Resource Conservation Districts in Sonoma, Mendocino, and Napa working together to:

• Provide innovative land stewardship support and technical assistance across the region

• Create more accessible, nimble funding pathways

• Reduce fuel loads and risks of wildfire

• Implement a program designed for the unique challenges of the North Bay region

• Scale a replicable and durable model for resiliency and recovery programs and funds for other regions to adopt.

Remember: Collaboration doesn’t just happen. Learn more about how this multi-stakeholder partnership continues to work, with best management practices and lessons learned included.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/north-bay-forest-improvement-program-a-replicable-program-for-rcds-tickets-1034370418767?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join Us for the 40th Anniversary of Coastal Cleanup at Shell Beach!

Date: September 21, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Shell Beach, Sonoma County

Celebrate four decades of Coastal Cleanup by helping us preserve the beauty of our coastlines! This year, we are gathering at Shell Beach to remove litter, protect marine life, and enjoy the fresh ocean air together. All tools, including gloves and trash bags, will be provided—just bring your enthusiasm and community spirit!

Whether you're a long-time volunteer or a first-time participant, everyone is welcome. Let’s make a positive impact on our environment and ensure a cleaner coast for future generations. Together, we can keep our beaches beautiful!

How to participate:

• Meet us at the Shell Beach parking lot at 9 AM.

• All necessary tools will be provided.

• Please wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.

• Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

For more details, feel free to contact us at (707) 978-4149. We look forward to seeing you there!

Directions

Join Fort Bragg urban greening efforts by planting native milkweed to support Monarch butterfly migration patterns. Following recommended methods as defined by Xerces Society, we’ll be planting Asclepias Fascicularis at the Noyo Food Forest located on the Fort Bragg Highschool campus. Tools, gloves, and snacks will be provided.

This hands-on volunteer event has limited spaces, RSVP today!
Email: katcosta@conservationworksnc.org.

Led by Conservation Works in collaboration with Noyo Food Forest & California Climate Action Corp, funded by Bee Bold Thanksgiving Coffee.

• Location: 300A Dana St. Fort Bragg

• Parking: enter Dana St. parking lot and park in NE corner at Noyo Food Forest entrance

Navarro River Rainwater Harvesting Tank Installation Demonstration Day

Join us at the Rancho Navarro Clubhouse for a hands-on workshop on rainwater harvesting! Learn how to set up a rainwater harvesting tank system and discover the benefits of saving every drop in your own backyard.

Date: September 7, 2024

Time: 10 AM - 3 PM

Location: Rancho Navarro Clubhouse, 19100 Appian Way, Navarro

Registration: Register HERE. Spots are limited, so register early!

Bring your enthusiasm for conservation, and we'll handle the rest. See you there!

This event is brought to you by Conservation Works in collaboration with the Resource Conservation District of Mendocino County and the Rancho Navarro Association and community members. It's a fantastic opportunity to gain practical knowledge, meet experts in the field, and take a proactive step towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

Funding for this workshop has been provided through the CDFW's Wildlife Conservation Board Block Grant Reducing Drought Impacts in California and in partnership with the Resource Conservation District of Mendocino County, Rancho Navarro Association and the California Climate Action Corps

For more information, call us at (707) 978-4149 or email admin@conservationworksnc.org.

Conservation Works will be sharing our many Fort Bragg programs at the Noyo Food Forest’s 15th Annual Earth Day Festival Saturday, April 20th.

Hosted at the Learning Garden at Fort Bragg High School, Earth Day 2024 will have fun kids activities, informational workshops, a Spring plant sale, a maker’s market, delicious food, live music, local vendors, community nonprofits, and bicycle-powered smoothies – all with a focus on sustainability and cultivating community.

Click the link below for more details:
Earth Day Festival 2024

Rainwater Catchment for Farms & Ranches + Grant Application Assistance
Speakers: 

Join us at the CAFF Small Farm Conference - North Bay Regional Gathering @ Shone Farm on Thursday, February 29 from 1 PM - 5 PM. We will be hosting a special session from 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM on Rainwater Catchment Systems and Efficient Irrigation Practices.

Rainwater Catchment Systems - Jessica Pollitz, Sonoma Resource Conservation District

Rainwater is a valuable part of the hydrology story on farms and ranches. Capturing and storing rainwater can reduce the draw on wells and streams, and is an alternative water source for irrigation, livestock water, equipment washing, and more. This presentation will cover the basics of rainwater catchment, including how to determine the amount of water that can be captured off roofs, as well as highlight existing funding opportunities to support rainwater catchment on your farm or ranch.

Efficient Irrigation Practices - Laura E Garza Díaz, PhD, UCANR Mendocino

Efficient Irrigation Practices include a range of techniques and strategic approaches designed to optimize water use in agriculture. These practices not only contribute to water conservation but also enhance crop yields, reduce energy consumption, and mitigate environmental impacts. Its implementation requires a combination of efficient irrigation systems, decision-making, and proactive system maintenance. This presentation will cover the basics aspects of Efficient Irrigation Practices. Topics include irrigation management,  scheduling and monitoring techniques to ensure precise water application and the importance of maintenance. The presentation will also provide some tools and grants to implement efficient irrigation systems.

Agenda:

2:30 PM - 2:35 PM: Opening, housekeeping, and general introductions.

2:35 PM - 3:00 PM: Rainwater Catchment Systems - Jessica Pollitz 

3:00 PM - 3:05 PM: Quick Q&A for Rainwater Catchment

3:05 PM - 3:30 PM: Efficient Irrigation Practices - Laura E Garza Díaz, PhD

3:30 PM - 3:40 PM: Q&A

3:40 PM - 3:45 PM: Closing 

4 PM: Start of Next Sessions
5 PM: Stick around for happy hour and connect with your peers!Dutton Pavilion: Classroom 2

Join our California Climate Action Corps fellows and our friends at Community Soil Foundation as we revitalize the Pollinator Patch at the Larkfield Community Garden on Saturday, February 24th starting at 10:00am!  Promote climate resilience and support biodiversity by helping us plant native, drought-tolerant plants that will host a variety of butterflies, bees, moths, and other important species year-round.  Learn about California natives and leave with a packet of seeds to start your own pollinator garden at home.  Register to volunteer at tinyurl.com/pollinatorpatch

Conservation Works will be tabling at the Noyo Food Forest’s Earth Day 2023 festival Saturday, April 22. We are excited to be back this community event and fundraiser – their 14th annual! –

Earth Day is an international celebration. This multicultural and multi-generational event brings people and organizations from all across our community to celebrate the earth with our love and knowledge of sustainable farming and gardening, the environment, and local food sovereignty.

Earth Day 2023, hosted at the Learning Garden on the Fort Bragg High School campus, offers fun kids activities, informational workshops, a Spring plant sale, educational panels, artisan crafts, delicious food, live music, local vendors, community nonprofits, and our famous bicycle-powered smoothies – all with a focus on sustainability and cultivating community.

Click the link below for more details

https://noyofoodforest.org/earth-day/

Have an Earth Day adventure at Safari West! Each year Conservation Works tables at our wonderful local Safari West to celebrate the wildlife and wild places that make our planet wonderful. This Earth Day, Safari West has more local friends to help make the Sonoma Serengeti that much more special. Discover amazing organizations fighting to conserve species the world over! And of course, enjoy a safari adventure all your own.

Click on the link below for directions and more details