SBRCD News July 2025
2025 Local Working Group Survey
Looking for a way to provide input on local agricultural interest and natural resource issues in the San Benito area? Look no further!
The San Benito Resource Conservation District and USDA Hollister Service Center are now conducting Local Work Group Surveys for all San Benito County community members, ranchers, and farmers. This is your chance to help us develop service priorities on a range of topics including soil health, water quality, fire risk, wildlife habitat, and much more.
To better serve the diverse needs of our community, we’ve created three short, tailored surveys-one each for ranchers, farmers, and local residents.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey below that best fits you. Your input will help guide our programs and ensure we are meeting the real needs of San Benito County
Rancher Survey Link
Farmer Survey Link
Local Resident Survey Link
San Benito Community Wildfire Resources Webpage
We are excited to announce the launch of the new San Benito Community Wildfire Resource Webpage as part of the San Benito Wildfire Resilience Program. Designed specifically for the San Benito Community, this online resource hub brings together a wide range of wildfire-related information and tools to help residents stay informed and prepared.
This page features resources on wildfire preparedness strategies, prescribed fire, current incident updates, defensible space guidelines, and much more. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to reduce fire risk, a land steward interested in fire management techniques, or simply someone seeking to stay up to date on local fire activity, this page is built with you in mind.
We invite all community members to explore the page, share it with neighbors, and make use of the many resources available.
Visit the page today and take the next step in preparing for wildfire season- because when it comes to wildfire resilience, knowledge is one of our most powerful tools.
San Benito Wildfire Resource Webpage
Recap- May Planting Events at San Benito County Historical Park
A huge thank you to all the volunteers and partners who came out to San Benito Historical Park on May 2nd and May 3rd to make the Community Action Days plantings a success! We were thrilled to see our community come together to plant native plants, remove invasive weeds, spread mulch, and install educational signage at multiple sites within the park. This hard work and dedication helped create the foundation of an extensive pollinator habitat that will benefit our local butterflies, bees, and other important wildlife for many years to come. Removing invasive weeds from hillsides surrounding the Historical Park also reduces wildfire risk.
Check out this video from San Benito County's Facebook page showcasing the May 2nd Event. Click here to view the full event recap.
Stay tuned for an upcoming event like this one- we look forward to putting more native plants in the ground both for the benefit of our ecosystems and the community!
San Benito AgElement
SBRCD Welcomes Cameron Chao as the newest member of our team!
We are excited to announce that in May, Cameron joined our organization as the new Program Coordinator. His work will primarily be supporting the implementation of the San Benito Wildfire Resilience Program. Cameron brings hands on experience in both working and natural lands stewardship throughout the central coast region and he looks forward to contributing to strengthening the organizational capacity of the San Benito RCD.
Partner Events
August 19th Pajaro River Watershed Reslience Program Workshop
As a valued member of our community, you are invited to attend the third of five workshops in a series of resilience discussions for the Pajaro River Watershed Resilience Program (PRWRP). This workshop will focus on identifying strategies and projects that will help the watershed adapt to climate change.
Tuesday August 19th, 2025 1-4pm, at the Civic Plaza Community Room, 275 Main Street, Watsonville, CA 95076
San Benito Agricultural Land Trust Monthly Ranch Days
Join SBALT the first Sunday of every month from 9:00 a.m. to noon for work parties/hikes on Nyland and/or Rancho Larios Protected Lands in San Juan Bautista. Everyone welcome!
Partner Updates
RCD of Monterey County is Now Hiring a Bookkeeper!
RCDMC is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced bookkeeper to support its financial operations. This role will focus on managing invoicing processes, maintaining accurate financial records for grant-related transactions, and assisting with routine accounting functions.
To view the full job description Click Here
UC Cooperative Extension Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is Now Hiring!
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension Environmental (UCCE) Horticulture and Controlled Environment Agriculture Advisor serving Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Mateo, and San Benito Counties at the Assistant rank. The Advisor will develop an innovative multi-county applied research and extension education program that supports the area’s robust environmental horticulture industry.
To view the full job description Click Here