In 2017 The Florin Resource Conservation District (Florin RCD) received funding from the California Department of Conservation to collaboratively develop and implement a Community Conservation Education (CCE) Program designed with the objectives to increase the public’s knowledge of local resource conservation issues and improve ecosystem health on agricultural and/or urban land in our region.
The CCE Program initially included two components. First, a Community Conservation Workshop Series was developed in partnership with the Elk Grove Community Garden and Learning Center. The workshops are ongoing so check our website calendar for future workshop dates.
The second component, was the implementation of the Student and Landowner Education and Watershed Stewardship (SLEWS) Program in partnership with the Center for Land-Based Learning, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, the Sacramento Tree Foundation and Valley High School.
The SLEWS Program has ended. It was a very successful year which involved engaging California high school students and teachers in meaningful environmental stewardship that allowed students to practice scientific skills, learn from natural resource professionals, and expand on classroom concepts, while accomplishing real habitat restoration projects at the Stone Lakes Wildlife Refuge.
Through the CCE Program, the Florin RCD is building partnerships with local government and non-profit organizations in the Elk Grove community and the surrounding area. We are grateful for all of the participation and support that makes this program a success.
The CCE Program started in June of 2017, while the SLEWS Program has ended the workshop series continues. In 2019 three workshops were held on rain gardens, irrigation and Watersmart landscaping. Check our website event calendar for workshop dates in spring 2020.