2024 Annual Report
Read our 2024 annual report to learn what your generosity made possible last year.
From our blog: News
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.
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…
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.
GrizzlyCorps Fellow Oscar Elias: The Power of a Handshake
I was reminded of the power of a handshake 58 times that day – I kept that in mind for the remainder of the conference. I shook the hands of others, listening to who may work in similar fields and who we can work together with to serve our communities.
Welcome, Tammy Chan!
The Sustainable Conservation team couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome our new Chief Financial Officer, Tammy Chan!
Top 5 of 2024: Blog Highlights
Read Sustainable Conservation’s top 5 blogs of 2024 – from habitat restoration and community webinars to cover crops and water sustainability, it was a busy year!
Gratitude.
Thank you for your support in 2024! Read what you helped make possible this past year with Sustainable Conservation.