Ventura County Resource Conservation District
August Newsletter
August 2022 | Visit www.vcrcd.org for more information
We Collaborate with Landowners, Government Agencies, and Willing Partners to Facilitate the Conservation and Restoration of Ventura County's Natural Resources for Current and Future Generations.
NOTEWORTHY | UPCOMING EVENTS
The Ventura County Resource Conservation District is hiring an Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability Specialist. The Agricultural and Environmental Sustainability Specialist will use their background in sustainable agriculture, agroecology/permaculture, environmental ecology, and environmental science to assist landowners with stewardship practices involving soil health and climate/wildfire resilience, sustainable management of working lands, and restoration planning and implementation. Applications will be accepted until August 19th at 5pm.
Visit Our Table at the Ventura County Fair


The VCRCD is leading a table for the Ventura County Wildfire Collaborative at the Ventura County Fair. Stop by our table to learn about the Ventura County Wildfire Collaborative and our main goals for the next year. Our second table features several examples of ways to protect your home from wildfires, including metal fences, gutter guards, and noncombustible roof options.

You can find our table inside the Agriculture Building! While you are there be sure to check our fellow table neighbors, the Ventura County Fire Department, and the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council, our partners in the Ventura County Wildfire Collaborative.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Biological Monitoring
VCRCD staff, Desirae Braga, continued her biological monitoring and noticed several animals of interest. Pictured here is a cluster of large milkweed bug juveniles. Their bright colors serve as a signal to potential predators that they would not make a good meal.
County Wide Wildfire Meeting
As a partner in the Ventura County Wildfire Collaborative, the VCRC hosted a special meeting with wildfire professionals and city officials throughout the county. This meeting was designed to solicit city concerns and support for integrated county wide wildfire planning.
VC Wildfire Collaborative Partners, Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council, Jensen Hughes, Ventura County Fire Department, Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council, and Bell Canyon Fire Safe Council were all in attendance to help discuss the projects.
Ventura County RCD presentation on Internships
VCRCD staff were asked by the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts to lead a presentation focused on starting new internship programs. The presentation highlighted some recent youth led projects including our Monarch Habitat Interns and an upcoming restoration crew.
Monarch Sites Update
Several Monarch habitat restoration sites were surveyed in July. The Carpinteria site, pictured here was in full bloom with several monarchs spotted. Des and Deb conducted initial baseline surveys for eight new sites to be restored for either monarch overwintering or breeding/migratory habitats. They occur at schools, a golf course, parking areas, a state park, and a girl scout camp. 
Monarch Outreach in Simi Valley
VCRCD Outreach staff, Heidi Ortloff, was invited to speak to a local Simi Valley group in July on monarch butterflies. The group learned about different types of milkweed, current efforts to restore their habitat, and their basic migration patterns.
If you would like to request a presentation on monarch butterflies please contact Heidi.Ortloff@vcrcd.org
GET INVOLVED
Become a Volunteer
The VCRCD relies on volunteers to help with habitat restoration days and public outreach. To learn about upcoming restoration days register at the link below:
If you have special interest in volunteering for specific projects or help with our education and outreach please email Heidi.Ortloff@vcrcd.org
Please consider donating to VCRCD!
Did you know that grants typically provide funding for exciting field work but not the boring yet necessary expenses like utility bills and office supplies?

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.
FOLLOW VCRCD'S INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK!
Follow to stay up to date on upcoming events and program opportunities!


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!
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Please contact us before stopping by the office. VCRCD staff may be out doing field work and we'd hate to miss you!
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Ventura County Resource Conservation District | [vcrcd.org]
3380 Somis Road, PO Box 147, Somis, CA 93066        
phone: 805-764-5130
email: info@vcrcd.org   |   web: www.vcrcd.org