Late summer in Sonoma County is heralded by heaps of heirloom tomatoes, bushels of apples, rows of sweet corn, zucchini the size of kayaks, and dahlias as big as dinner plates, but this year, it was also marked by the lightning-sparked fires here and throughout the state. We at Farm Trails are keeping all those who have been impacted by the fires in our hearts. We are deeply grateful to all the firefighters and first responders from near and far who work tirelessly to protect our communities and our lands. We thank the County supervisors and emergency management team, frontline workers, community and ag organizations, farms, restaurants, hoteliers, and media for doing their best to keep us all safe, prepared, and informed, and for caring for evacuees and first responders.

If you are able, please consider donating to the following fire relief efforts specifically geared to help farms and public lands impacted by the fires. And of course, please continue to support local farms, ranches, farmers' markets, eateries, producers, and all ag-related businesses who are here for you, through thick and thin! (As always, you can search for them on our website.)

CAFF Fire Relief Fund for Farms: Community Alliance for Family Farmers has relaunched its Family Farmer Emergency Fund, offering direct financial support to fire-ravaged agricultural communities, in particular farmers and farm workers who typically fall through the cracks of traditional safety nets.

Sonoma County Farm Bureau Wildfire Relief Fund: The Sonoma County Farm Bureau has created a special fund to support farmers, ranchers, and their livestock, poultry, crops and fencing that have been displaced or impacted by the recent wildfire.

Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation Farmworker Resiliency Fund: SCGGF has reopened its resiliency fund for ag workers and their families who were displaced from their homes, lost wages, or were impacted by the fire. The fund will serve to assist any workers who are employed by a farmer, rancher, or an agricultural employer in Sonoma County.

State Parks Wildfire Relief Fund: California State Parks Foundation is raising funds to restore fragile habitats, rebuild park structures, and aid park staff who have lost homes and vital equipment they need to do their jobs.

From coast to valley, north to south, Sonoma County is home to scores of vibrant small-scale farm stands, where you can shop for the freshest food just steps from the fields. Here's a sampling of some to check out this month. Visit FarmTrails.org to search by location and product for a farm stand near you. There are many gems to explore and support!

If you choose to eat local pastured meat and sustainably harvested seafood as part of your healthy, farm-fresh diet, consider subscribing to a monthly box! These local ranchers and purveyors offer exciting options, and some can be customized based on household size, meat preferences, cuts, and price points. Go on a fun culinary adventure while supporting local agriculture and aquaculture!

Bodega Bay Oyster Company Tides Club: Join the Tides Club and enjoy monthly selections of fresh seafood, recipes, wine pairings. Whatever they don’t farm themselves, they buy fresh at the wholesale market and pass on the savings to you. For example, the September box features 2 pounds of halibut filets and 2 dozen freshly harvested for Miyagi oysters at 20% off the regular price.

Panizzera Meat Membership Program: This subscription service by Panizzera Meat Company offers a fine selection of meats with familiar cuts. Members receive a box of premium meat, delivered to their home, on a monthly basis (can be more frequent upon request). Members are also offered 10% discounts at both retail locations in Sonoma County; also save $20 when you pick up your order at either location. 3905 Main Street, Occidental, or the butcher shop outside Andy's Produce Market, 1691 Gravenstein Hwy N., Sebastopol.

Sonoma Meat Company Subscription: This traditional butcher shop specializes in local meat, sausages, and smoked meat. Choose from a large array of meats and cuts, including beef, pork, poultry, lamb, sausages, bacon, jerky, and more, for monthly delivery or pickup from their Santa Rosa location (35 Sebastopol Ave.). Shares also available.

Stemple Creek Ranch Meat Subscriptions: Start a monthly subscription for a Stemple Creek Ranch product, and it will show up at your door each and every month! Start as many subscriptions as you'd like, and cancel any time. Options include different cuts of lamb or beef—or both—raised completely on pasture on this 1,000-plus-acre ranch near Tomales. Shares also available.

Tara Firma Farms CSA: Choose from flat-rate Premium, Family, Chicken, Ground Meat, and Sausage Shares for the best value, with an average savings of 15 to 20%. Select delivery frequency: weekly, every other week, every 4 weeks, or every 8 weeks to most places. You can also add on from a selection of vegetables, eggs, fruit, and more.

Vic Farms Meat Subscription: Get a wide selection of pasture-raised meat and chicken and save. Select a Vic Farms Meat Box or build your own custom box and save 15 to 25% off of retail prices. Choose from monthly, biweekly, or weekly frequency; and add on special breakfast meats. Pick up your box at the Sebastopol butcher shop (6762 Sebastopol Ave. #100) or at farmers' markets that they attend; or choose home delivery to most of the greater Bay Area or overnight shipping to the western U.S.

Looking for shares of whole or half animals (such as lamb, beef, hog, and chicken) that you can pay for and enjoy monthly, rather than subscribing to monthly boxes of mixed cuts and products? Check out the share programs by the following local ranches.

Freestone Ranch: Stock your freezer with nutrient-dense local beef from this coastal spot dedicated to restoration ranching. Quarter, half, and whole shares available beginning each May.

Green Star Farm: The 85 acre pasture-based livestock farm in West Sonoma County produces pasture-fed eggs, chicken, pork, lamb, and goat throughout the year. Choose from shares of each, or a combination, as available.

Joe Matos Cheese Co: Purchasing a beef share is an economical way to feed yourself, your family, and friends with local, nutrient-dense, sustainable, biodynamic beef. One share consists of a quarter of beef (about 125 to 150 pounds in the freezer).

Rosotti Ranch: This family-owned and -operated ranch specializing in pasture-raised veal, all-natural grass-fed goat, and limited quantities of duck and chicken. Choose from whole shares of chicken, veal, and goat.