Public Education
Gold Ridge RCD creates connections and inspires conservation through a series of engaging educational opportunities for community members of all ages. Youth programs offer innovative hands-on learning experiences at local farms. A distinctive public outings series highlights local protected agricultural properties and the importance of conservation as a tool in working landscapes. Public workshops are designed to deliver cutting edge information and resources about land management techniques available through the RCD and partner programs; topics include water management and conservation, fish and wildlife habitat enhancement, erosion control, soil health, and carbon sequestration.
Agricultural Heritage Series
Agricultural Heritage outings take adults and families to protected open space and agricultural properties to spend time with professional land managers, conservationists, scientists, historians, and more to explore natural resource conservation and sustainable agriculture. Sponsored by and in partnership with the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, our Agricultural Heritage series of hikes, workshops, and trainings highlight Sonoma County's agricultural traditions and the conservation priorities of the RCD. All this while exploring lands that have been protected forever by the Open Space District and Sonoma County voters who fund the District's work with a quarter-cent sales tax. There is no cost to participate in these tours. Learn More >>
LandSmart® Workshops
These unique workshops are targeted to support landowners and managers with natural resource conservation practices and cutting edge land management techniques. Expert practitioners offer insights and resources to participants through detailed presentations and field tour sessions. Collaboration with other local and regional stakeholders to design and execute these informative workshops provides an invaluable opportunity for agriculturalists to gain tangible tools to support the efficiency and sustainability of their operation. Learn More >>
TEAM Field Trips
The TEAM (Teaching Environmental and Agricultural Memories) field trip program is a unique environmental education program offered to elementary youth countywide. TEAM takes elementary students, third through fifth grades, onto working farms to learn about the importance of local agriculture and the environment. Knowledgeable staff guide students on four beautiful agricultural properties—Bianchi Dairy in Valley Ford, Dutton Apple Ranch in Graton, Crane Family Farm in Santa Rosa (in partnership with Sonoma RCD) and Gilardi Ranch in Bodega. Students focus on food production, livestock and wildlife habitat, natural systems, and our agricultural heritage. TEAM field trips are a unique opportunity for students to visit these places and learn about Sonoma County’s agricultural heritage and natural ecology through hands-on exploration of working and natural lands. Learn More >>
Water Wise Schools
Gold Ridge RCD wants to help students of all ages to explore and connect with water in their world. There are many educational resources for teachers and students within our district that help explain the water cycle, waterways and wildlife habitat, water conservation and water pollution. Learn More >>
Other RCD Programs
Sonoma County high schools can participate in an environmental education program, FARMS Leadership, provided by the Sonoma RCD. Learn More >>