May 26, 2022
Contra Costa County farmers, ranchers and stewards wanted for land management study
Crop producers, rangeland managers, gardeners, urban farmers and land stewards in Contra Costa County are invited to participate in a study to help the University of California assess agricultural and landscape management practices, land preservation opportunities, and provide information about funding available to adopt carbon sequestration and resource conservation practices.
To participate in this study about carbon sequestration opportunities in Contra Costa County, please fill out the survey at http://ucanr.edu/cchealthyland by June 22, 2022.
This project is part of the “Healthy Lands, Healthy People: A Carbon Sequestration Feasibility Study.” Partners include UC Cooperative Extension, Contra Costa County’s Office of Sustainability, Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, and Rincon Consultants.
Working with their partners, UC Cooperative Extension will distribute surveys and hold focus groups to engage Contra Costa County agricultural producers, gardeners and land managers to understand the role of climate-smart agriculture in the region, including on urban farms and gardens, and what practices help improve soil health in the process.
The surveys are tailored to address specific land uses (rangeland, cropland, urban farms, gardens and landscapes) and will take about 15 minutes to complete. The survey is available online as well as in a hard copy version.
“We look forward to learning about farmers, ranchers, gardeners and land stewards’ current practices, practices that they wish to adopt, and the obstacles that are limiting them from reaching those goals and policies that could help,” said Rob Bennaton, UC Cooperative Extension Bay Area urban agriculture and food systems advisor.
Learn and share knowledge
Participating in Healthy Lands, Healthy People focus groups with UC Cooperative Extension’s Urban Agriculture & Food Systems Program offers an opportunity for participants to learn more about carbon sequestration and climate-smart agriculture, share your knowledge, and give feedback on practices that capture and store carbon, conserve natural resources, and fight climate change locally. Learn about available funding, too.
To register for any focus group listed below, visit https://forms.gle/Kds38TBAMShMSAWV6.
Tuesday, June 7, 6:30-8:00 pm
East County: Ambrose Community Garden/Center
3105 Willow Pass Road, Bay Point, CA
The group is centered on urban agriculture and the built environment, but all are encouraged to attend.
Wednesday, June 8, 3-4:30 p.m.
East County: Contra Costa Farm Bureau
Center 3020 2nd Street, Knightsen, CA 94548
The focus of this workshop is on croplands, but all are welcome to listen, learn and participate.
Thursday, June 9, 6:30-8 p.m.
West County: Happy Lot Farm and Garden
Chanslor Avenue, 45 1st St, Richmond, CA 94801
This group is centered on urban agriculture & the built environment, but all are encouraged to attend.
Monday, June 13, 4:30-6 p.m.
Central County: Mt. Diablo High School
2450 Grant Street, Concord, CA 94520
This group is centered on urban agriculture & the built environment, but all are encouraged to attend.
Wednesday June 15, 6:30-8 p.m.
Central County: Our Savior Lutheran Church
Oakview 1 Room in Creekside Commons
1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette, CA 94549
This focus group is centered on faith-based farms and landscapes, but all are welcome to participate.
Wednesday, June 22, 6-7:30 p.m.
Online Zoom Meeting
https://ucanr.zoom.us/j/98158192492
This is a combined focus group and will take place remotely, so all are welcome.
For more information, contact Jody London, sustainability coordinator for Contra Costa County, at (925) 655-2815 or email dlward@ucanr.edu or ggallegos@ucanr.92edu.
Details about the Healthy Lands, Healthy People: Carbon Sequestration Feasibility Study in Contra Costa County and an upcoming series of informational videos about carbon sequestration can be found at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/8465/Healthy-Lands-Healthy-People---A-Carbon-.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings the power of UC to all 58 California counties. Through research and Cooperative Extension in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, economic and youth development, our mission is to improve the lives of all Californians. Learn more at ucanr.edu.