Watershed Restoration Field Day with Point Blue Conservation Science’s STRAW Program

Watershed Restoration Field Day with Point Blue Conservation Science’s STRAW Program  Registration now closed – FULL!

Join us for an unprecedented conference event that is entirely outdoors!  Network with colleagues, meet new people and catch up with old friends – all while restoring a local watershed!

The field day will be an opportunity for Western Section professionals and students to work together on a revegetation project in beautiful Sonoma County.  Professional biologists know that strong bonds between colleagues are built by sharing time in the field together.  This will be a great opportunity to learn about STRAW’s on-the-ground restoration and contribute directly to important restoration efforts, all while sharing experiences with other professionals and students.

• Tuesday, January 27, 2015 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Meet at the Santa Rosa Hyatt lobby at 8 a.m.

Location Information:  Point Blue Conservation Science’s Students and Teachers Restoring A Watershed (STRAW) Program is working with Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District and Prunuske Chatham Inc. to complete the revegetation component of the Green Valley Creek Winter Refugia Habitat Enhancement Project at Thomas Creek Ranch.  The project is creating winter rearing and high flow refugia habitat for salmonids in lower Green Valley Creek. Each year, the STRAW Program brings together over 3000 students, teachers, scientists, ranchers and other members of the community to work on stream and wetland restoration projects. Students participating in STRAW learn about and restore native vegetation on creek banks and in wetland transition areas (where tidal marsh meets upland habitat), stabilizing eroding banks, filtering pollution, slowing down floodwaters, and creating lasting wildlife habitat.  The STRAW participants learn that they can make a positive difference in the face of climate change.    Participants will join students, teachers and parents in an opening circle and demonstration and can participate in planting native plants for habitat restoration.

Rain or shine, but heavy rain or mud may cancel the event.  Transportation will be provided from the conference hotel to the site and back.  Light breakfast snacks and a simple lunch will be provided.  All necessary tools and equipment will be provided.  Participants should bring their own personal gear (boots, hat, rain gear, water bottle) and come prepared for a fun day in the field!

More details about the field day location are coming soon!  There is no fee to attend, but space is limited, so please RSVP when registering.  Questions? Contact Jessica Martini-Lamb.

This event is sponsored by Point Blue Conservation Science and the Sonoma County Water Agency.