January 2024

Garden Tours

Did you know the Ventura County Resource Conservation District has a fire-wise demonstration garden? VCRCD is offering FREE 30 minute tours from January 9th - March 7th. Sign up to learn more about some suggested "do's and "don'ts" when preparing your landscape to protect your home from wildfire.

Click the link below or scan the QR code to get started.

Feb 9th Pollinator Planting Day

9am

The VCRCD is hosting another planting event on Feb 9th in Camarillo. Help us create pollinator habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators! Please bring sun protection and a water bottle. We will provide the plants, gardening tools, and gloves. Meet us at the main parking lot at 9am to be taken to the pollinator garden location.

To RSVP please email info@vcrcd.org

Youth Lessons

Santa Paula 5th graders learned all about whales, marine mammals, and other animals who live in the Santa Barbara Channel. VCRCD staff led activities related to plastic pollution, where animals live in the ocean, and how to properly observe marine wildlife. These classroom lessons were designed to help students prepare for an upcoming whale watching trip led by the VCRCD.

HIZ Assessments

The Ventura County RCD is offering free home ignition zone assessments. Take this opportunity to find out how you can make your home more wildfire resilient. Assessments include a guided walk-through and a comprehensive report with photos and suggestions. Appointments are approximately 45 minutes.

Click the link below to get started or scan the QR Code.

Matilija Dam Field Trip

The Ventura County RCD serves at coordinator for the Ventura River Watershed Council. Last month VCRCD partnered with the Ventura County Public Works Agency to host a field trip to the Matilija Dam. Prior to the field trip the audience was given a presentation on the status of the Matilija Dam and learning about current planning efforts.

To be notified of future Ventura River Watershed Council meetings please use the link below.

Learn More

Accepting Applications for Agricultural Operations

Agricultural operations can receive up to $200,000 for approved practices. Learn more about project and producer eligibility requirements, and start your application through our website!

SWEEP Block Grant: vcrcd.org/sweep-bgr/

HSP Block Grant: vcrcd.org/hsp-bgr/

Please reach out to Emma Youngquist or Emily Nye for questions and application assistance.

emma.youngquist@vcrcd.org

emily.nye@vcrcd.org

*Due to heavy interest, there is no guarantee a project proposal will be funded.

New Plantings in Saticoy

Last quarter we had four successful planting days to convert 4 parking islands and 2 roadsides at the Ventura County Watershed Protection District office from bare to monarch and pollinator habitat with the help of ARC Inc. people and staff. In early December several members of the work release program helped VCRCD with drip irrigation hook ups while learning about native plants. All of the planted areas are thriving and we look forward to seeing pollinators using these natural resources.

Feb 8th - Ventura River Watershed Council General Meeting

9am - 11am

555 Mahoney Ave, Oak View, CA

Feb 28th - Santa Clara River Watershed Committee General Meeting

9am - 11am

3561 Rose Ave, Oxnard, CA

For more information email Heidi.Ortloff@vcrcd.org

Managing Stormwater Runoff

Stormwater is the excess water from rain, snowmelt and irrigation that doesn’t absorb into the ground as surface runoff.

This type of pollution is significant because, unlike the water that goes down a sink or toilet in your home, stormwater is untreated and flows directly to a lake, river, or the ocean.

There are things residents can do to help such as keeping cars maintained and cleaning up after our pets. Click the link below to learn more.

Learn More

VCRCD offers several planting and weeding events throughout the year. To receive emails when these events arise please sign up at the link below.

Become a Volunteer

If you can't volunteer your time consider making a donation to the VCRCD. Donations can help pay for resources that may not be covered by grant funds.

Donate

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