Our Blog
Improving Recharge Outcomes and Soil Health: Combining Cover Cropping and On-Farm Recharge in California Pistachio Orchards
What if we could make OFR even better? What if we could enhance water infiltration, reduce nutrient leaching, and improve soil health all at the same time? That’s exactly what we’re exploring through this Specialty Crop Block Grant Program project combining cover cropping with on-farm recharge in California pistachio orchards.
Building Climate Resilience in California’s Central Valley: How Watershed Modeling has Recharged Planning
The Merced study represents a shift toward integrated, climate-smart water management in California. It’s about connecting local projects with regional strategies, blending green infrastructure with grey infrastructure, and preparing for a future where flexibility and foresight are essential.
Restoration Round-Up: Arroyo Grande Creek Stream Gauge Modification Project
Investing in faster, more cost-effective regulatory processes for restoration pays dividends for both ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Thanks to a coalition of local partners led by Creek Lands Conservation (CLC), the Arroyo Grande stream gauge has now been modified to allow federally threatened South-Central California Coast (SCCC) steelhead to once again access eight miles of upstream spawning and rearing habitat.
Turning Science into Policy: ETSGSA Pioneers a Water Credit for Cover Crops
Cover crops are a known practice in California agriculture for reducing water runoff, increasing the amount of water that can infiltrate and stay in the soil, improving biodiversity, limiting groundwater pollution, and supporting better air quality, among other benefits. But under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), concerns persist about whether cover crops “count against” growers’ limited water budgets and begs the question, is cover cropping worth the risk?
Notes from the Field: Lagunitas Creek Watershed Enhancement Project Field Trip
On June 12th, Sustainable Conservation community members, program partners, and staff met up at Lagunitas Creek in Marin County to see the recent improvements to native fish habitat and stream functions through the Lagunitas Creek Watershed Enhancement Project — and to witness the positive impact of simplifying California’s permitting processes to implement restoration projects faster, more affordably, and at scale.
Climate Resilience in Action Webinar Series Recap
California Poppies bloom on a hillside near Lake Oroville. Credit Nick Shockey and CA Department of Water Resources From February to June this year, Sustainable Conservation hosted four webinar discussions within the overarching theme of Climate Resilience in Action. Climate resilience is a primary outcome of the organization’s work across its four main program areas,…
Nominations for the 2025 CA Leopold Conservation Award close July 18
Are you a California farmer, rancher, or forestland owner who improves soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on your working land? Apply for the 2025 California Leopold Conservation Award®
New Guidance Released to Help California Growers Maximize Water Benefits of Cover Crops
Sustainable Conservation and the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), along with UC ANR and other partners, have released a new guidance document — Cover Cropping in California’s Water Scarce Environments — to help growers harness the many benefits of cool-season cover crops while reducing water use. As farmers adapt to a changing water supply, this guide provides practical considerations about cover crop species, timing, and management to reduce runoff, increase infiltration and water retention, and bolster overall soil health.
Cover Cropping in California’s Water Scarce Environments
Practical considerations for managing cool-season cover crops with maximal water benefits and minimal water use Community Alliance with Family Farmers, Sustainable Conservation, UC ANR, and USDA are excited to share this new guidance document. Download the guidance document here. Water Benefits of Cover Crops Cover crops can be highly beneficial in California’s annual and perennial…
Restoration Round-Up: South Fork Ten Mile Habitat Enhancement
The Ten Mile River, flowing through coastal Mendocino County, provides vital habitat for California’s endangered coho salmon. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has been leading habitat restoration efforts in the Lower Ten Mile River watershed for over a decade. Their latest project, the South Fork Ten Mile Habitat Enhancement — Phase 2, represents a significant step in revitalizing key salmon habitat and restoring natural floodplain functions.
CA Dairy Sustainability Summit Showcases Resource Conservation Progress, Hope for Future
Last week’s California Dairy Sustainability Summit showcased promising industry-driven partnerships and solutions to water and greenhouse gas emission challenges in California.
Ashley Boren Reflects on her Time at Sustainable Conservation
2025 is a year of big changes at Sustainable Conservation. After 28 years of outstanding leadership, Ashley Boren will transition her role to Sustainable Conservation’s next CEO.