Courtesy of Center for Land-Based Learning
Apprentices explore sustainable ag on a large scale at River Garden Farms
Our Apprenticeship Program took a field trip to River Garden Farms in Knights Landing. Apprentice Javier Cervantes is working there and developing his skills in order to become a farm manager. Javier and his mentor Dominic Bruno led the other apprentices in a fun day exploring and learning about the historic 10,000+ acre operation.
Farm tours are a great opportunity for apprentices to learn from each other and gain exposure to different scales and practices in agriculture. Our favorite quote of the day: “I didn’t realize large-scale farmers faced the same challenges as small-scale farmers, just on a different level!”
Together they learned about the technical aspects and challenges of growing fresh market melons, rice, alfalfa, sunflowers, seed onions and more. River Garden Farms is a leader in sustainable farming innovation, including pollinator habitat that was planted by students in our SLEWS Program in 2020-21.
Thank you RD 108 for supporting our SLEWS Program with a new truck!
We are so grateful to the landowners and board of Reclamation District No. 108 for supporting our SLEWS Program! RD 108 is located along the western edge of the Sacramento River and delivers water to nearly 48,000 acres of farmland within Colusa and Yolo counties.
Our SLEWS Program has led restoration projects on many farms within the district, including River Garden Farms. So when our friends at RD 108 heard we were desperately seeking a reliable truck to help us haul the equipment we need, they came to the rescue. General Manager Lewis Bair explains why: “We really support what you guys do to educate people, and especially youth, about resource management.”
A bumper crop at Riverfront Farm
Riverfront Farm is CLBL’s own urban farm in West Sacramento’s Bridge District, and last week, our staff and volunteers there harvested a bounty of fresh veggies. Our Mobile Farmers Market Truck takes that fresh, hyper-local, affordable produce to West Sacramento neighborhoods and supports a healthy and more equitable food system.
Now Hiring: California Farm Academy Outreach Coordinator
Join our team and make an impact! We are seeking an Outreach Coordinator to lead outreach and recruitment for the California Farm Academy (CFA) programs. You’ll help us in our efforts to serve aspiring farmers with training and land access, demonstrate climate beneficial practices, and provide fresh food access in underserved urban areas.
Speakers Series will be back in August
Our monthly Speaker Series event is taking a summer break for the month of July. We hope to see you next month when our special guest will be Angela Laws of the Xerces Society. We have partnered with Xerces to plant habitat for beneficial insects here at our HQ. Angela will discuss how your farm or garden can support pollinators too.
Save the date!
Wednesday, August 16th • 4:30-7:30 pm
Angela Laws • Xerces Society
Woodfired Pizza • Networking • Inspiration
