On December 10th, we wrapped up our Recharging California webinar series featuring expert panelists from the world of California water management, agriculture, conservation, and more. The discussions, while wide-ranging, all connected back to groundwater recharge — a multi-benefit practice that replenishes groundwater aquifers.
While Sustainable Conservation knows there’s no single solution for California water security, groundwater recharge is a promising and cost-effective tool that can allow our state to better navigate the effects of a warming climate on our water supply. In 2023, California’s aquifer replenishment totaled more than any other year, however, there is more we can do to incentivize, promote, and scale recharge to secure a resilient water future.
The series would not have been possible without the generous time provided by our expert panelists, staff members, and guests. Sustainable Conservation would like to extend our deepest thanks to all participants and to our sponsors Environmental Science Associates, Holland & Knight, and Spottswoode Estate Vineyard and Winery for supporting our Fall 2024 webinar series and sharing Sustainable Conservation’s vision of stewarding our most precious natural resources for all Californians.
Missed any of the webinars or want to revisit the conversations? Watch the recordings below at your convenience!
In Conversation with Dr. Daniel Swain
On September 4th, we kicked off the series with a wide-ranging discussion between CEO Ashley Boren and climate scientist Dr. Daniel Swain. Renowned for his expertise in climate and weather extremes, Dr. Swain offered a thought-provoking exploration of California’s increasing climate volatility, emphasizing the phenomenon of “climate whiplash” and how it explains the intensifying droughts — and floods — California has seen in the past two decades.
The deepening troughs and rising peaks of our precipitation patterns prompted Ashley and Dr. Swain to discuss the pressing need to implement 21st-century water system solutions to adapt to our 21st-century climate reality.
He cited successful examples of these solutions like the Yolo Bypass floodplain, which mitigates flood risk, supports migratory bird habitats, and enhances groundwater recharge. Furthermore, the strategy of Flood-Managed Aquifer Recharge (Flood-MAR) can complement these efforts by redirecting floodwaters to replenish aquifers, providing a vital water reserve for future droughts while mitigating flood risk for communities during peak flows. The discussion closed with Ashley sharing Sustainable Conservation’s commitment to scaling Flood-MAR for sustainable water management that benefits both communities and ecosystems, with this year’s Public Policy Institute of California’s groundwater recharge report serving as a key proof point for realizing this vision.
Scaling Solutions for Water Resilience
The second webinar focused on “Scaling Solutions for Water Resilience” and featured insights from prominent voices in water management and agriculture, including Karun Samran of Bapu Farming Company, Katarina Campbell from Westlands Water District, and Wendy Rash from USDA-NRCS California. Moderated by Richael Young, Sustainable Conservation’s Senior Director of Water for the Future, the discussion centered on strategies for incentivizing and scaling groundwater recharge to foster a more resilient California water future amid drought and deluge.
The speakers emphasized the evolution of groundwater recharge from an experimental concept to a mainstream necessity over the past decade. From an agricultural perspective, Karun shared that readiness – thoughtful partnerships and field preparation – during wet and dry times is the most effective avenue for maximizing recharge opportunities. Both Katarina and Wendy discussed the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and highlighted successful initiatives and incentive programs their respective agencies implemented that resulted in significant water recharged and improved aquifer conditions.
As the webinar concluded, the panelists touched on the challenges of scaling these recharge practices across California. Funding limitations, bureaucratic hurdles, and fostering effective communication between growers and water agencies were noted as critical areas for improvement. The conversation not only highlighted ongoing efforts in California’s water management strategies but also set the stage for the next installment in the Recharging California series, which focused on the importance of collaboration in addressing some of these headwinds.
The Power of Collaboration
The third Recharging California webinar, “The Power of Collaboration,” put a spotlight on the critical role of collaborative partnerships in addressing California’s water challenges amidst climate change. Featuring Paul Boyer from Self-Help Enterprises, Jim Wieking from the California Department of Water Resources, and moderated by our very own Project Director of Water Resources Joe Choperena, the discussion focused on innovative water resilience strategies that leverage partnerships among community groups, government entities, non-profit organizations, and more. Attendees learned about successful initiatives in rural communities to enhance groundwater recharge and improve water quality, underscoring the necessity of intentional listening in creating lasting and cooperative solutions for communities.
Through examples of ongoing water resilience projects in Farmersville and Okieville, the speakers highlighted the positive outcomes of collaborative efforts, demonstrating tangible benefits like improved water supply and enhanced environmental stewardship. The dialogue illustrated how coalitions can facilitate knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and problem-solving, ultimately leading to a more resilient and equitable water system for all Californians.
Building Resilient Watersheds
The final webinar in the Recharging California series featured the staff heads of Sustainable Conservation’s programs, offering a comprehensive look at the organization’s integrated approach to addressing California’s growing climate challenges. Moderated by Board Member Celeste Cantú and joined by Aysha Massell, Program Director of Water for the Future; Erika Lovejoy, Senior Program Director of Accelerating Restoration; and Ryan Flaherty, Senior Director of Circular Economies, they illustrated how Sustainable Conservation works across sectors and geographies to unite communities, policymakers, and industries around shared water conservation and climate resilience goals.
The webinar started with a discussion around how accelerating restoration permitting, building soil health, nitrogen management, and water quality consideration all achieve greater volumes of groundwater recharge while maintaining the safety of the water for human consumption. We often say that “we’re all connected by water,” and these connections from each program to the overarching goal of groundwater security is a resounding testament to this statement.
Next, the conversation shifted to climate resilience, where we’re working to adapt California’s water, agronomic, and ecological systems to the changing realities of our climate and weather. On behalf of the Accelerating Restoration program, which strives to increase the pace and scale of ecosystem restoration in California to directly bolster climate resilience at the landscape scale, Erika spoke to the recent progress of expedited permitting pathways that have enabled restoration.
To close out the webinar, Ryan tied a neat bow around how the impact of all our programs contribute to a singular vision for a healthier, more resilient California. “Imagine where you live, wherever you are, in the broader watershed that you’re in right now, and imagine that more habitat restoration was happening more quickly in that area,” Ryan said. “And imagine farmers were building soil health to capture and hold more water and nutrients. More floodwater was being captured to recharge and improve community drinking water. We’re reducing the importation of synthetic fertilizers by reusing what we have here. And our ecosystems would be a much better functioning and more resilient watershed. Those are all the things that we’re working on, and how everything comes together, is really exciting for me.”
What’s Next?
We’d like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who engaged with our Recharging California webinar series as an attendee, panelist, or donor. We’ll be back in the spring of 2025 with more discussions on stewarding our state’s most precious land, air, and water resources.
The progress we make on the ground, and these conversations we have online, are fueled by the financial contributions of our generous donors. If you found value in this series and share our vision for a resilient, thriving California, please consider making a contribution today. Together, we can scale solutions that benefit our communities, agriculture, and ecosystems.
