eNewsletter| January Edition
In this month's edition:

  • 2020 Working Lands Calendar released
  • Save the Date: 3rd Annual Soil Health Symposium
  • Team Spotlight: Anya Starovoytov, Project Manager
  • Final spring LandSmart vineyard planning workshop
What's New at Your RCD
2020 Working Lands Calendar
Sonoma County’s heritage of agricultural diversity and stewardship is the direct result of multiple generations of farmers and ranchers, and the local, state, and federal agricultural organizations that support them. Protecting our working lands is foundational to the economic vitality of our county and ensures the resources we rely on and enjoy are conserved for future generations.

These same farmers, ranchers, and support organizations share the idea that carefully stewarding our natural resources – our soil, water, native plants and  wildlife – will ensure that the land remains healthy, productive, and viable for continued agricultural use. Caring for the land benefits our natural and human communities while also benefiting the farmer’s bottom line. The contributors to this calendar are natural resource conservation organizations that support the vitality of local agriculture and the people who steward these lands.

The individuals, families, and groups highlighted in this calendar are some of our region’s many leaders in farming, ranching, and natural resource conservation. We are honored to partner with the many innovative stewards of the land who help to preserve the beauty and bounty of Sonoma County.

Each month our newsletter for 2020 will highlight the producer showcased in that month of the Working Lands Calendar - enjoy! Copies of the calendar are available for pick up at our office during business hours.
Team spotlight
Anya Starovoytov, Project Manager

Yep, you heard right - she's back! Anya has been with the RCD for five years. As one of our project managers, she primarily works on LandSmart conservation farm plans or vineyards and implementation projects that stem out of those. The work she does typically focuses on ways to address natural resources concerns like erosion in balance with the needs of the vineyard operation. She is also involved with our soil health and carbon farming projects with local vineyards!

Anya said that her favorite part about her job was, "getting out to remote properties and learning the complexities of farming and ranching from the landowners we work with. I really admire people who are passionate about their work and we are lucky to interact with a lot of landowners who really love stewarding their land and are enthusiastic to share their passion."

When asked if she had a personal story that describes how she got into this line of work she responded with, "I grew up in Ukraine and spent most summers in the countryside. Given that I was always a city kid, I think my interest in agriculture and conservation work evolved in those early days. I also love food, gardening, and cooking so, supporting good agriculture through my work is right in line with my interests."

Something you might not know about Anya is her other passion is trail running. " I love exploring the trails in our regional and state parks and being a part of the awesome trail running community in Sonoma County. My biggest running achievement so far is completing a 50-mile race last year on the Tahoe Rim Trail." She was also accepted to be part of the 2019 Ambassador Team for her newest favorite shoe company - Topo Athletics!

Workshops
RSVP today for the 3rd Annual Soil Health Symposium!
This year’s focus is on vineyard tillage management. We’re excited to host Dr. Patty Skinkis, Professor & Viticulture Extension Specialist at Oregon State University, as our featured speaker. Her presentation will cover results from a long-term vineyard floor management research trial conducted in a commercial vineyard. No till, alternate row tilling, and clean cultivated alleys were compared over a nine-year period and monitored for soil moisture, plant water stress, vine growth, and yield. The RCD will also share findings from its 3-year vineyard tillage trial in Kenwood. More program details to follow. Please join us for this informative event!

The free event will take place at the Sonoma County Farm Bureau in Santa Rosa on Friday, March 13th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Please register in advance here!

If you have any questions please contact Keith Abeles, Soil and Water Specialist at 707-569-1448 ext 112 or email at  kabeles@sonomarcd.org . Visit the North Coast Soil Health Hub for information on soil health trials and research going on in our region: http://soilhub.org/

Hosted by the Sonoma and Gold Ridge Resource Conservation Districts and Sonoma County Winegrape Commission.
LandSmart ® Vineyard Plan work session
March 4th in Calistoga
8:30 am – 12:30 pm
$25, pay via Donate button at NapaRCD.org

Need help getting started on your LandSmart Vineyard Plan?
Our staff will be available during these work sessions to guide you. Bring draft Plan, property maps & ECPs on laptop, thumb drive, or hard copy – and let’s get to work! Vineyard Plan template located at www.LandSmart.org/vineyard

Why Complete a LandSmart ® Vineyard Plan?
Comply with water quality regulations (WDRs) in Napa River & Sonoma Creek watersheds
Achieve Napa Green Land Certification
Get technical help with sustainability projects and access to cost share opportunities 

RSVP: Frances Knapczyk, frances@naparcd.org , 707-690-3124

Sponsored by Napa County RCD, Sonoma RCD, USDA NRCS
Attend a technical workshop to receive the latest science-based information on how to best manage your soil, water and wildlife on
your property.
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With a tax deducible donation you can support conservation projects that protects water resources, improves soil health + restores habitat for endangered species.
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Conservation at work with LandSmart ®