May 2020 Newsletter - Visit www.vcrcd.org for more information!

VCRCD is looking for landowners to work with on Agricultural Enhancement Projects! If you'd like help planning or implementing on-farm or on-ranch projects that enhance climate resilience, wildlife habitat, or ecosystem benefits, please contact Jamie Whiteford at jamiewhiteford.vcrcd@gmail.com or 805-764-5132. If you'd like to learn more about this upcoming opportunity, click here.

REMINDER! VCRCD is looking for property owners impacted by the 2018 and 2019 wildfires . If your property was burned during one of these wildfires and has resulted in environmental degradation, please contact the District Resource Conservation Specialist Andy Spyrka at andyspyrka.vcrcd@gmail.com . We may have funding to assist with restoration efforts.

TIME IS RUNNING OUT! The CDFA Healthy Soils Program (HSP) application period ends June 26 but applications can be submitted on a first-come, first-serve basis! VCRCD can help you apply for FREE! If you have an HSP project in mind (cover crop, hedgerow, mulch, compost, etc.), contact Jamie Whiteford at 805-764-5132 or jamiewhiteford.vcrcd@gmail.com.

Monarch butterflies, pollinators, and other beneficial insects need your help! VCRCD is looking for funding to establish or enhance habitat for these important members of our natural community. If you have a project in mind, contact Jamie Whiteford at jamiewhiteford.vcrcd@gmail.com or 805-764-5132.

If you're farming in the lower Calleguas Creek Watershed and need help with irrigation, nutrient, and sediment management, VCRCD has funding to help you! For more information, visit the CCWAMMP program page or contact Jamie Whiteford at jamiewhiteford.vcrcd@gmail.com or 805-764-5132.

Just a reminder, VCRCD is still looking for growers in the Somis Valley to participate in an atmometer study. If you'd like to track your crop's evapotranspiration rate, this study is for you! For more information, visit the project webpage or contact andyspyrka.vcrcd@gmail.com.

The IIMRLN (Interactive Irrigation Management to Reduce the Leaching of Nitrogen) project will start accepting applications soon! This grant will provide funds to assist growers with soil moisture monitoring and nitrogen management. If you'd like to participate, contact Jamie Whiteford at 805-764-5132 or jamiewhiteford.vcrcd@gmail.com.

NEW! VCRCD expects to receive funding next month to continue construction on the fire-wise native garden at our office in Somis. Once completed in 2021, the garden will be open to the public and guide local landowners on the correct paths to safely implement defensible space around your home and actively prevent wildfires! The program will also entail local homeowner evaluations with respect to defensible space effectiveness, announcements for signing up will occur next year.

Do you like to garden, conduct research or just want to help our local environment? The VCRCD is always looking for enthusiastic and passionate volunteers to join our team and assist in our wide-range of projects. Please sign-up here if you are interested in volunteering.

Interested in working at the Ventura County Resource Conservation District? We are currently looking for a Restoration Ecologist. Please submit your resume to Debra Gillis, VCRCD Executive Director, at debra.gillis@vcrcd.org .

Would you like a FREE NRCS Conservation Plan or Nutrient Management Plan? Of course you would! Contact Dawn Afman, NRCS District Conservationist, at 805-984-2358, ext. 101, to get your plan.

Please consider donating to  VCRCD ! Your tax deductible donation will be greatly appreciated! Scroll to the bottom of this newsletter for our easy donation link. You can also donate via Amazon! We can accept donations through AmazonSmile under Fund for Resource Conservation. Be sure to shop via the link smile.amazon.com to make a donation.

The next Ventura River Watershed Council General Membership meeting is postponed until further notice.

NEW! The next Ventura River Instream Flow (VRIF) project Framework meeting is May 19 via videoconference. Ventura River stakeholders who can provide insight regarding instream flow enhancement opportunities are encouraged to participate. If you'd like to learn more, please visit the VRIF webpage or contact Jamie Whiteford at 805-764-5132 or jamiewhiteford.vcrcd@gmail.com.

Healthy Soils Program (HSP) application assistance workshops have been switched to remote webinars! If you'd like to schedule one-on-one remote assistance, please click here to submit an RSVP. For more information on the VCRCD HSP Technical Assistance program, please click here.

The next VCRCD Board of Directors' meeting will occur on May 20, 2020. Currently meetings will be held remotely. Agendas and the website will provide information on accessing the meetings via an application or on your telephone. Check www.vcrcd.org for more information.

Did you know VCRCD operates on grants and donations? Supporting VCRCD means supporting your local community and helping conserve soil, water, and wildlife.

Make a donation now by clicking the button below. All donations are tax deductible and a receipt will be provided.

Thank you for your support!

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