Water is our life’s blood. We all know this, and realize we must take whatever steps we can to conserve and use it wisely. For landowners, the protection and storage of water can be vital. In this two-part series you will learn about effective approaches to preserving and enhancing the creeks and ponds vital for local ecosystems. This will include the role of maintaining stream flow, woody debris, restoring riparian vegetation and invasive species control (with a focus on bullfrogs and invasive plants).
The first field day will be at the Hopland Research and Extension Center (HREC), the University of California's principal field research facility for agriculture and natural resources in the North Coast region. The following week we will meet at Sonoma State University’s 3,670-acre Galbreath Wildlands Preserve in the upper Navarro watershed in Yorkville. The properties are very different from each other and the approaches to restoration have been different. It is encouraged, but not necessary, to attend both sessions in order to to learn actionable skills.
Leaders
The program is co-designed by experts at both sites and led by Adina Merenlender, Professor of Cooperative Extension in Conservation Science at University of California, Berkeley. Adina works at HREC and is an internationally recognized conservation biologist known for land-use planning, watershed science, landscape connectivity, and naturalist and stewardship training.
Invited guest experts for Part One at HREC include:
- Deborah Edelman, Water Program Manager, Mendocino County Resource Conservation District
- Robert Keiffer, Wildlife Biologist and retired Principal Superintendent of Agriculture, HREC
- Dr. Kevin Lunde, Amphibian Ecologist and Water Resources, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board
- Dr. Jenn Riddell, Naturalist and Ecologist, Mendocino County Resource Conservation District
Logistics
We will meet at 10:00am at Shippey Hall, Hopland Research and Extension Center (4070 University Road), there is ample parking nearby. We will spend most of the time outside. Please come prepared for a short easy walk on uneven ground.
See Pond and Creek Restoration Field Day, Part Two for more information and to register for the Galbreath Wildlands Preserve field day.
COVID-19 Safety
Do not attend if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you have any symptoms that may be indicative of COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated. You are highly encouraged to get vaccinate and properly wear a mask when indoors (e.g., while driving in carpools). All SSU updated guidelines can be found here.
What to Bring
Wear a hat, sturdy shoes for hiking, long pants, long sleeves and sun and insect protection; ticks may be present. Bring water and lunch. You are welcome to have a picnic on site after we are finished.
How to Sign Up
See registration link below. Each person should register separately. This event is free of charge.
About the Center
Sonoma State University’s Center for Environmental Inquiry empowers university students to work with community members on the environmental challenges of the North Bay. Our mission is to create an engaged and environmentally ready society, one where all people have the skills to find solutions to the challenges facing our earth. SSU Preserves are open to everyone engaged in education or research. Reservations are required.