Fire has been a land stewardship tool since time immemorial. Before fire suppression policies, fire was a consistent and natural disturbance in California ecosystems, whether ignited by lightning or by native communities stewarding the land. Many of our ecosystems need fire to maintain their natural plant and wildlife communities. California native species, both plants and animals, are adapted to fire and many rely on it to successfully play their role in an ecosystem.  

Tribes, agencies, and community organizations have been working towards bringing more ‘good fire’ back to California landscapes to restore healthier ecosystems. Napa RCD is proud and excited to be part of this community-centered effort in Napa County.

Read more about PBAs, the benefits of prescribed fire, and the future of a Napa County PBA on the Napa RCD website.

Napa RCD is Hiring! Finance Manager Position is Open for Applications

Come work with us- Napa RCD is looking for a Finance Manager to join our team here in Napa! The Finance Manager works closely with the management team and Board of Directors to ensure the organization’s smooth operation, financial resiliency, and to meet its strategic goals. We're looking for someone who will help us develop and implement effective financial systems as well as perform activities associated with human resources and other confidential matters.

Interested? Applications are open now and will remain open until filled. Read the full position description and apply today!

It's Coastal Cleanup Day (CCD)!

Join family, friends and neighbors and participate in one of Napa County's most popular annual volunteer events! We hope to see you at one of 17 Coastal Cleanup Day Sites here in Napa County!

Every year we look forward to gathering with all of you to help in the statewide effort to keep our waterways clean. Let's get that trash out of our precious water before winter storms have the chance to carry it to the ocean.

Find the full list of sites and sign up today at the Napa RCD website!

Napa RCD Part of Two Region-wide Projects Funded by University of California Climate Action Grants

As part of a historic partnership between the University of California and the state of California, the University has announced it is awarding over $80 million in climate action grants. The grants will spur implementation of solutions that directly address state climate priorities.

Napa RCD collaborated with partners on two successful proposals:

Demonstration network and metrics for accelerating adoption of climate smart farming practices. Lead Applicant: Sonja Brodt, UC-Ag and Natural Resources.

Resilient and Equitable Urban Stream Corridors. Lead Applicant: Gregory Pasternack, UC Davis.

You can read more about these two exciting projects at the University of California website.

Free Car Wash Consultation Service!

If you are planning on holding a car wash fundraiser, Napa RCD can help! Holding a green clean car wash can be easy. Contact Eric@NapaRCD.org and he can walk through your site, divert wash water to permeable surfaces, and keep our creeks and waterways soap free!  

Funding for Farmers to Improve Soil Health and Water Efficiency - HSP and SWEEP Opening for Applications Soon

First, the acronyms:

HSP= Healthy Soils Program

SWEEP= State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program

Second, the financial assistance that may come with knowing those acronyms!

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA- another acronym for you!) will soon open the grant application period for the SWEEP and HSP programs and Napa RCD is here to help you with the applications!  

HSP stems from the California Healthy Soils Initiative, a collaboration of state agencies and departments to promote the development of healthy soils on California's farmlands and ranchlands. HSP provides financial assistance for implementation of conservation management practices that improve soil health, sequester carbon, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

SWEEP provides financial assistance in the form of grants to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water on California agricultural operations. Eligible system components include (among others) soil moisture monitoring, drip systems, switching to low pressure irrigation systems, pump retrofits, variable frequency drives, and installation of renewable energy to reduce on-farm water use and energy.   

CDFA anticipates opening the grant application period for these two programs in November 2023. You can find the draft Request for Grant Applications below.

Napa RCD received funding from CDFA to assist farmers with application materials for these two programs.  

Please contact Miguel Garcia, Sustainable Ag Program Manager, if you are interested. Miguel@NapaRCD.org • 951-892-6712 

Fall Teen Conservation Internship Applications Due Oct 8

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.

Teen Conservation Interns will assist RCD staff in implementing community forest health and clean-up projects. This will include speaking to the public at events, volunteer days, and through outreach materials such as newsletter articles, videos, and social media posts. Interns may assist with other Napa RCD conservation and education activities as necessary. Training will be provided by RCD staff and partners. RCD can provide footwear, and all necessary tools to participate in your internship.

Please complete this application by Sunday, October 8, 2023 to be considered.

With questions, please contact Eric@NapaRCD.org

CNPS (California Native Plant Society) Announces Dates for Native Plant Sale

Date: October 7-8

Time: 9AM - 3PM

Location: Skyline Park, 2201 Imola Ave, Napa

At the Fall Plant Sale, you'll find a diverse selection of native plants that are not only beautiful but also well-suited to our local environment. Whether you're looking to enhance your garden's biodiversity, support pollinators, or simply enjoy the beauty of native flora, this event has something for everyone.

If you have any questions about the Fall Plant Sale or the California Native Plant Society - Napa Chapter, please don't hesitate to reach out to cnps.napa707@gmail.com

How to Spot Signs of the Mediterranean Oak Borer (MOB)

The MOB is in Napa County – yep, we're talking about the Mediterranean Oak Borer. This invasive beetle attacks valley oaks and blue oaks, causing damage first in individual branches before moving into the main trunk. If you suspect MOB is affecting your oaks, please submit a report to the CDFA website: www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/reportapest or call the pest hotline: 1-800-491-1899.  

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Want to learn more about the MOB? Check out this website from UC Ag and Natural Resources.

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Remember… Spread the WORD, not the MOB. Don’t transport wood- burn it where you buy or cut it! 

Coastal Cleanup Day 2023

Sept 23 | 9am-12pm

Green Friday Community Oak Planting Day

November 24 | 9-11:30am