Over the years, the RCD and its collaborative farmer-partners have tested and refined a number of cost-effective, innovative practices that enhance agricultural operations, as well as watershed resources. 

In order to share this information with local growers and landowners, the RCD has published several manuals and field-guides to assist with the implementation of these practices (link to RCD Educational Materials).

Additionally, the RCD offers an annual meeting series that consists of several free workshops hosted at on-farm sites in Yolo County. Check below for upcoming events and contact information (details can also be found on our Calendar). To download a copy of the 2007 - 2008 schedule to print, click here.

On-Farm Conservation Field Meeting Series 2007-2008

Upcoming Workshops

Beneficial Pollinator Insects for the Farm

Learn about the latest research on crop pollinating native bees, and discover practical steps you can take to help increase native pollinator populations on your land. This workshop is organized by the Xerces Society and Audubon landowner Stewardship Program.

January 17, 2008; Thursday, 9am - noon, FREE; The Farm on Putah Creek; 5265 Putah Creek Road, Winters, CA.

On-farm Tailwater Management Methods

Learn about water quality benefits associated with sediment traps and field & drainage ditch vegetation. We will also discuss design considerations and costs. Held in conjunction with the Solano Resource Conservation District.

February 21, 2008; Wednesday; 9am - 11am; FREE; Location TBA.

All About Snakes

Snake identification and safety for farmworkers. Learn to distinguish between beneficial  and venomous snakes.

March 19, 2008; Wednesday; 9am - 11am; FREE; Location TBA.

Riparian Weed Control Methods

Discuss and observe the results of integrated riparian vegetation management methods, with emphasis on controlling tamarisk and arundo using herbicides. Held in cooperation with the Cache Creek Conservancy.

April 16, 2008; Wednesday, time TBA, FREE; Cache Creek Nature Preserve, 34199 Co. Rd. 20, Woodland, CA.

2007 - 2008 Field Workshops Completed

Farm Conservation Planning Workshops

Each participating landowner will pair up with an RCD or NRCS conservation planner and a Landscape Architecture student from UCD. Each team will inventory farm resources during the first session, and develop a site-specific farm conservation plan in the second session. Products include: a color, aerial rendering of the property and future projects, with a plan for implementation that includes lists of practices, cost estimates, prioritization and options for funding.

Oct. 27 & Nov. 10, 2007; Saturdays, 9am - noon; UCD campus; FREE; limited enrollment.

Watershed-friendly Equine Management Practices

This workshop will provide training and demonstrations on methods and equipment used for conservation-minded horse facility management for landowners on small parcels. To be led by Solano RCD.

November 3,  2007; Saturday, 9am - noon; FREE, Pleasant Trails Road, Solano County.

Conservation Project Tools & Techniques

This workshop will provide training and demonstrations on methods and equipment used for enhancing native plantings and controlling non-natives. To be led by the Audubon Landowner Stewardship Program.

November 8, 2007; Thursday, 2pm - 4pm, FREE; The Farm on Putah Creek; 5265 Putah Creek Road, Winters, CA.

Contact Us

For more information about individual meetings, please call the Yolo Co. RCD at
530-662-2037, ext. 117.

Meetings partially supported by the Solano RCD, USDA NRCS, the Audubon Landowner Stewardship Program, the Xerces Society, CA Waterboard, and the Cache Creek Conservancy.