SBRCD News- March 2026

In this issue:

SBRCD News

New Hedgerow Plantings at Two Local Farms
Conservation Technical Assistance for Small Farms

Partner Updates/Events

San Benito Agricultural Land Trust is Now Hiring a Stewardship Manager
RSVP by March 27th -- County of San Benito Livestock Pass Fire Training on April 3rd
March 28th -- San Benito County Cattlemen's Association 41st Annual Fundraiser Dinner
March 28th -- County of San Benito IWM Community Cleanup
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Key Deadlines and Opportunities
April 5th -- SBALT Ranch Day

New Hedgerow Plantings at Two Local Farms

This past fall and winter, our pollinator and wildlife habitat program incorporated two new sites to implement native plant hedgerows on agricultural land in San Benito County. Hedgerows provide an array of benefits to agricultural operations by attracting beneficial insects, protecting crops, blocking wind, and increasing privacy. Simultaneously, they provide critical habitat for insects and other animals to live, eat, and move safely.

People working in a farm field, planting crops in freshly tilled soil, with a barn and mountains in the background. — SBRCD staff worked with the site farmers and conservation partners to install 1,200 feet of hedgerows at this 22-acre farm in San Benito County.

At one of these sites, the San Benito RCD partnered with landowners, farmers, and conservation organizations to install 1,200 feet of hedgerows along a 22-acre diversified vegetable farm to enhance habitat for native pollinators and other wildlife. This planting was made possible with support from RCD of Monterey County, Xerces Society for Conservation, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the National Center for Appropriate Technology.

At a second site, our partners at Point Blue STRAW led the installation of a1,300 linear foot hedgerow planting along the boundary of an organic farm to improve pollinator habitat and on-farm biodiversity. Through this collaboration, more than 100 elementary school students participated in educational field trips, helping to plant native plant species while learning about the intersections between pollinator conservation and agriculture.

In total these two plantings resulted in 524 native plants being put into the ground!

Partner Updates/Events

San Benito Agricultural Land Trust (SBALT) is Now Hiring a Stewardship Manager

The San Benito Agricultural Land Trust is seeking a passionate and motivated Stewardship Manager to help protect and care for the agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, and natural resources that define San Benito County. This position plays a key role in ensuring that conserved properties and conservation easements are monitored, maintained, and stewarded for futrue generations. Working closely with staff, landowners, volunteers, and community partners, the Stewardship Manager will help advance the Land Trust's mission of preserving the region's working landscapes and rural heritage. Candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a cover letter and resume outlining their relevant experience and interest in the position to lynn@sanbenitolandtrust.org

Full job description:

Job Description- SBALT Stewardship Manager

RSVP Required by March 27th -- County of San Benito Livestock Pass Fire Training on April 3rd

County of San Benito, CAL FIRE, and San Benito County Sheriff will be hosting a Livestock Pass Fire Training on April 3rd, 2026 at 9:00am in the Riverside Ballroom at Bolado Park. A holder of a San Benito County Livestock Pass may have access to a closed area during a disaster if granted by the incident commander, a law enforcement official or their designee. For more details and how to register, see flyer below.

Announcement for a Livestock Pass Fire Training by CAL FIRE in San Benito County, requiring RSVP by March 27, 2026.

March 28th -- San Benito County Cattlemen's Association 41st Annual Fundraiser Dinner

The San Benito County Cattlemen's Association will be hosting their 41st Annual Fundraiser Dinner on Saturday, March 28th, at the Bolado Park Fairgrounds. Doors open at 5:00pm. See flyer below for more details.

Flyer for the 41st Annual Cattlemen's Fundraiser Dinner on March 28th at Bolado Park, featuring BBQ, auctions, and music.

March 28th -- County of San Benito IWM Community Cleanup

County of San Benito Integrated Waste Management (IWM) will be hosting a community cleanup on Saturday, March 28th, from 9am-12pm. Participants will meet at Hollister High School in the multi-purpose field parking lot off riverview parkway behind the football field. Volunteers 17 and under need a parent or guardian to sign a waiver:

Waiver Form 17 and Under (1).pdf

Community cleanup event in Hollister on March 28, 9 AM to 12 PM at Hollister High School. Volunteers under 18 need a waiver.

Community cleanup event on March 28, 9 AM-12 PM at Hollister High School. Volunteers need parent consent if under 17.

April Farm Visits -- Tera Farm

Tera Farm is a California nonprofit on a mission to support small farmers while helping consumers build connections with the food they eat. They will be facilitating tours of 3 small organic farms in San Juan Bautista growing vegetables, flowers, apples, citrus, flowers and plants for home gardens. The tours will occur on April 10, 11,12, 15, 18,19, and 20. Click here for more info and how to register.

The image shows farming activities: planting seedlings, vibrant flowers, rows of crops, and an orange tree with harvested fruit.