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Helping you care for our land, water, soil, and wildlife
This Month's News
Program Spotlights
  • Acorns to Oaks Volunteer Day - June 5
News & Announcements
  • Bay-Friendly Garden Month Resources
  • It's Car Wash Season
  • Conservation Champion: Krista Van Der Velde
In Case You Missed It
  • NRCS is Hiring!
  • ACCPF is back to In-Person Park & Play!
Upcoming Programs
  • See below for details
Program Spotlight
Volunteer Event
Community Oak Maintenance Day
June 5 • 9-11:30am
We are excited to host a volunteer oak maintenance day on June 5, from 9-11:30am, at Alston Park in Napa. We will be working to free oak plantings from weeds and grasses that are using up the precious resources.

Volunteers are needed to:

  • Weed around oak plantings
  • Spread mulch
  • Repair protection around plantings
  • One group will be assigned to digging out larger invasive plants

All ages are welcome. Everyone must wear masks. Bring your own water bottle and snacks, and be sure to wear thick pants and sturdy shoes.

 
Questions? Contact Ashley at (707) 690-3117
or email at Ashley@NapaRCD.org
News & Announcements
Bay-Friendly Garden Month
2021 Resources Available Online
Many thanks to our partners, featured gardeners, and our evening speakers for another successful Bay-Friendly Garden Month! Together with the City of Napa Water Division and the UC Master Gardeners of Napa County, the month of May brought 3 evening talks, 4 garden tours, and multiple water-wise resources to the residents of Napa County.

You can find a complete list of resources from this year, as well as all of our videos and resources from last year, on the Bay-Friendly Garden Month website. Some of this month's videos include:


We are extending the month another week to include one more workshop! Josh Stokes with City of Napa Water Division will chat with us about Greywater Systems. Stay tuned for an announcement in the next week.
 
Questions? Contact Ashley at (707) 690-3117
or email at Ashley@NapaRCD.org

Sponsors and partners for these events include the City of Napa, Napa County RCD, and UC Master Gardeners of Napa County. This programming is inspired by Bay-Friendly Landscaping & Gardening, a program of ReScape California (rescapeca.org), a non-profit organization that advocates for a sustainable approach to landscaping.
Creek-Friendly Car Washing Tips
Summer is a popular time to wash cars and vehicles. Follow these simple car washing tips to protect creeks, streams, and wildlife:
 
  • Wash vehicles on grass, gravel, or wood chips to prevent runoff
  • Use a spray nozzle or hose wand to save water. E-mail Napa’s Water Conservation Specialist for free nozzles and water-saving devices.
  • Go to a commercial car wash. All stations in California are required to collect and clean wash water, preventing pollution.
  • Host a “Clean Water Car Wash” event. Contact eric@naparcd.org for a consultation, including methods and materials to block storm drains during car wash fundraising events.
June Conservation Champion:
Napa County Intern Krista Van Der Velde
Our June Conservation Champion works closely with staff here at Napa RCD on several different monitoring projects: County of Napa Intern Krista Van Der Velde!

Krista grew up in Ohio and Florida, where she got her B.S. in Geology from the University of Florida. After graduation, she followed her parents' lead and moved to the west coast with the hope of finding a job related to groundwater. Krista found herself a position right here in Napa County.

Her duties include monthly and semiannual well monitoring; making Stream Watch observations; coordinating, updating and editing the WICC and Groundwater Sustainability Websites and their newsletters; and assisting with data collection for the Groundwater Sustainability Plan.

But what does Krista like most about her work here? Collecting the Stream Watch data and well data- she gets to see how the surface and groundwater changes in short-term time! She also really enjoyed bringing the Groundwater Sustainability Agency's new website online.

While Krista misses being closer to the ocean, she loves seeing the mountains in the distance and the sweeping valley views- both things she gets to enjoy when she is out in the field!

We've loved working with Krista on the Stream Watch program and the monthly well monitoring, and are sad to see her go. However, we are very excited to hear that Krista's next adventure will keep her involved in the groundwater world- she is headed to Sacramento State this fall for their Geology Master's Program.

Good luck, Krista, and thank you for all the work you do for Napa County's watersheds!
In Case You Missed It
NRCS is Hiring in Napa!
Want to work with all of us here at Napa RCD? Join our partners in conservation, the USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service!

NRCS just announced that they are hiring a biologist position for Napa County. This position:

  • Provides assistance to producers and field offices on wetland conservation activities
  • Primary tasks involve gathering information for and issuing wetland determinations, completing scope and effect evaluations, and related activities.
  • Gathers the necessary data and works in the field with producers and other NRCS personnel to conduct on-site investigations for wetland determinations.
  • Independently services requests for reconsideration of determinations the employee has issued.
  • Develops and maintain effective working relationships with partners such as Conservation Districts, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
  • Maintains liaison with other NRCS specialists regarding wetland related activities.
  • Works individually and as a member of a team to develop and implement ways to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of the products and services provided to internal and external customers.
  • Enters data into the wetland tracker tool.

To apply, you must use the process outlined on the USAJobs website. Applications will be accepted June 2-July 15, so don't delay!
ACCPF is back to in-person Park & Play!
Park & Play is back for summer 2021 with exciting changes... in-person play! We will be rolling into five neighborhood parks with live music, fun new play activities, and visits from local food trucks including Heritage Eats & Kona Ice.
​​
Onsite play activities include:
​
  • Giant Kick Croquet
  • Jump Rope
  • Hula Hoop
  • Sidewalk Chalk
  • Badminton
  • Frisbee
  • and Giant Blue Blocks!! 
​​​
Mark your calendars & plan a fun family picnic night at the park! June's Park & Play is on June 18 from 4-7pm at Shenandoah Park in American Canyon!
Upcoming Programs


For more watershed-related events, visit NapaWatersheds.org
Did you know that we have a separate email list for volunteers?
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Napa County Resource Conservation District | 707-252-4189 | NapaRCD.org