By Alix Clausen, Interim Director of Education & Engagement Our Education & Engagement department connects students, families, and the community to agriculture, restoration, and conservation through hands-on learning. Our work takes many forms, from FEAST (Food Education & Ag Stewardship…
By: Gabriela Cervantes, Director of Restoration Our restoration team works to establish and enhance habitat for native wildlife through native plant restoration on local private and public lands. With grant funding awarded by the Wildlife Conservation Board, the team implements…
By: Chris Yohannan, Director of Conservation The ESRCD Conservation Department works directly with local farmers and ranchers, providing hands-on technical assistance including farm visits, conservation planning, irrigation evaluations, field inspections, and support implementing practices that improve soil health, water efficiency,…
By Alix Clausen, Communications Manager Conservation education has changed a lot over the last 30 years. What once relied on classroom lectures and textbook diagrams now includes hands-on learning that connects kids and community members directly to the land and…
By: Gabriela Cervantes, Sr. Project Manager, Conservation & Restoration Working in habitat restoration requires careful planning to optimize a project’s success. Proper research and site assessments allow us to gather information about a site’s specific conditions before diving into the…
By: Chris Yohannan, Director of Conservation Conservation planning has changed a lot over the years. What once relied on paper maps and field notes now includes digital tools that help farmers, ranchers, and conservation professionals make informed decisions for working…
By: Alix Clausen, Communications Manager For local farmer Bob Ott, conservation is about practical decision-making and ensuring the land remains productive for future generations.The Ott family farm spans four generations, with roots in our region dating back to Bob's grandfather,…
Top Image: Almond Orchard Before Restoration (2024) Bottom Image: Almond Orchard After Hedgerow Implementation (2026)
By: Chris Yohannan, Director of Agricultural Conservation Grant dollars at work on working lands create opportunity, stability, and long-term resilience for farmers navigating increasingly complex challenges. From rising input costs to water limitations and regulatory pressures, many producers operate on…
