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

NEW! Monarch butterflies, pollinators, and other beneficial insects need your help! VCRCD is applying 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.

NEW! If you're farming in the lower Calleguas Creek Watershed and you need help with irrigation and sediment management, VCRCD has funding that may help you! For more information about this opportunity, visit the CCWAMMP program page or contact Vic Akundzadeh at vic.akund@gmail.com.

NEW! 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.

NEW! The CDFA Healthy Soils Program (HSP) application period will open VERY SOON ! VCRCD can help you apply for FREE! If you have an HSP project in mind (cover crop, hedgerow, compost, etc.), contact Jamie Whiteford at 805-764-5132 or jamiewhiteford.vcrcd@gmail.com and note the HSP workshop February 19 (see "Meetings" below).

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 in March! 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! 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.

NEW! 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 debragillis@sbcglobal.net .

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 scheduled for February 11th from 6:30-9:30 p.m. This watershed meeting is open to the public and will be addressing the Matilija Dam Project. For more details, click here.

A Healthy Soils Program (HSP) workshop is scheduled for February 19th, 9-11 a.m, at the UCCE office in Ventura. For more details and to register for this event, click here.

The next two VCRCD Board of Directors meetings will occur on February 19th and March 18th. Meetings start at 8:30 a.m. in the VCRCD conference room, 3380 Somis Road, Somis, CA 93066. Check www.vcrcd.org for more information.

Mark your calendars! A Cover Crop Field Day is scheduled for March 3rd at the Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center. For registration information, contact Allison Fish at amfish@ucanr.edu.

The next Ventura River Watershed Council Leadership Committee meeting is scheduled for March 5th from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. This meeting is open to the public. For more details, click here.

The next Watersheds Coalition of Ventura County General Membership meeting will be March 25th from 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. For meeting information, contact Lynn Rodriguez at lynn.rodriguez@ventura.org.

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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