The 2023 Give!Guide season set records for us as an organization and also set records for the CanDo Give!Guide campaign as a whole. What a wonderful end to the year! Each dollar donated is truly a win for our community, given all the great work that these organizations accomplish.

Our donors are key in making sure our programs are successful, allowing us to carry out long-term projects, respond quickly to community needs, and hash out innovative partnerships and projects.

We are so thankful for all of you that donated to Napa RCD through the Give!Guide this season.

We raised a whopping $18,559 for stewardship this season! You helped us absolutely smash our goal of $14,000. In 2020, we hit our highest number of donors ever- 101. And guess what? We beat that this year, too! 102 folks made contributions through the Give!Guide this year. Thanks for a record-breaking year, everyone!

We'd also like to give a big thank you to the folks that have given to us directly throughout the whole year - your contributions are just as crucial, and we are so thankful for your support!

Did you know you can support Napa RCD year-round? We have a donation portal on our website that will allow you to make a donation at any time, and even allows you to set up recurring donations every month throughout the year.

We're Hiring! Join Our Team as a

Full-Time Finance Manager

The Finance Manager manages the accounting operations of the Napa RCD including budgeting, auditing, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, and more. This role oversees development and implementation of financial systems for the organization. The Finance Manager also performs activities associated with human resources and other confidential matters and works closely with the management team and Board of Directors to ensure the organization’s smooth operation.

December Rainfall Summary

December brought six storms and 13 days of measurable rainfall to the Napa Valley. Rain totals at the County ALERT monitoring stations (napa.onerain.com) were just slightly below average for the month, ranging between 4.7 inches near downtown St. Helena and 9.6 inches at the peak of Mt. St. Helena. These totals represent approximately 18% of mean annual precipitation. On average, we get 21% during the month of December.

Seasonal totals (beginning October 1) range between 6.9 and 13.8 inches and remain below average, representing about 26% of mean annual rainfall. The long-term average for this time of year is 37%.

MLK Day of Service Volunteer Opportunity

Napa RCD is hosting an MLK Day of Service Volunteer Opportunity at Westwood Hills Park on Monday, January 15, from 9am-12pm. This is a great opportunity to get the whole family out and about and doing some good work, and also qualifies for student volunteer service hours!

We will be removing French broom from the park, contributing to our countywide efforts to increase forest health and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. This event is part of an ongoing project in partnership with the City of Napa Parks and Recreation.

For Monarchs & More, Apply Today!

The Monarchs and More Western Habitat Program provides regionally specific seed mixes, milkweed plugs when appropriate, and technical assistance for pollinator plantings on land in California and Southern Oregon for free or highly subsidized based on land steward need.

Seed mixes include regionally specific wildflowers, including annuals and perennials, designed with overlapping bloom periods throughout the growing season. We are excited to engage land stewards in the establishment of self-sustaining native habitat to support all pollinators.

Groundwater Sustainability Plan:

One More Workshop, and an Open Comment Period

The Napa Valley Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan called for the development of 3 workplans to achieve sustainable groundwater conditions in the Subbasin:

• Napa County Water Conservation Workplan: A Guide for Vineyards, Wineries and Other Water Users
• Groundwater Pumping Reduction Workplan: Napa Valley Subbasin
• Interconnected Surface Water/Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems Workplan: Napa Valley Subbasin

Drafts of the 3 GSP Workplans, and a Combined Program Overview document are open for public comment.

Comments will be accepted until January 30, 2024. Click here to learn more.

The Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Agency will be holding a workshop on January 9 to review the 3 draft workplans and the expected outcomes to improve sustainability within the Napa Valley Subbasin.

The public is invited to attend and ask questions.

January 9, 2024

Location: Napa County Public Library (in-person)

Time: 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Applications Open for Napa RCD Scholarship and Spring Teen Conservation Internship

The Napa RCD Scholarship for Emerging Environmental Leaders is intended for Napa County students completing their high school education who want to pursue further education towards an environmental career or profession. At least two students will be awarded $1,000 each to support pursuit of their environmental goals. Contact Eric@NapaRCD.org with questions.

The Teen Conservation Internship is a pathway for high school youth to develop career skills, gain workplace experience, and lead meaningful environmental projects in their community. Interns will learn to plan and implement volunteer events, conduct restoration ecology projects, and coordinate community outreach campaigns. Contact Ashley@NapaRCD.org with questions.

Salmon Spotting Reports Wanted!

It's Salmon Season in the Napa River! If you see any salmon in the watershed, whether it be in the river or in one of the streams, please let us know! We'd like a photo or video paired with either a GPS point or good location description.

Please email sightings to Martin Perales, Napa RCD Environmental Scientist, at MartinP@NapaRCD.org #salmonseason

Pile Burning for Fuels Reduction Workshops at Pepperwood Preserve

Our friends at Pepperwood Preserve are hosting two burn pile workshops for folks that want to learn how to safely and legally burn woodpiles on the properties they live and/or work on. Check out their website for more information and to register. There are two workshops, January 21 and March 9.

Two Volunteer Opportunities Coming Up

We aren't the only ones hosting invasive plant removal days in Napa County!

This weekend, City of American Canyon is hosting a fennel removal work party at Wetlands Edge. Saturday, January 6, from 9am-1pm.

In two weeks, our friends at Napa Land Trust

Volunteer- MLK Day of Service at Westwood Hills Park

January 15 | 9am-12pm

Volunteer- Invasive Plant Removal at Newell Open Space

February 10 | 9am-12pm

Volunteer - Invasive Plant Removal along the Napa River

February 17 | 9-12pm

Learn- 3rd Saturday Hike at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

February 17 | 9am-12pm