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Los Rios Community College District, Ethan Way, Sacramento, CA, USA

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Los Rios Community College District, Ethan Way, Sacramento, CA, USA

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Los Rios Community College District, Ethan Way, Sacramento, CA, USA

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Community colleges in the Sacramento area offer many affordable associates degrees, certificates, and opportunities for transfer in different areas of sustainability:
Diesel/Clean Diesel Technology, Energy, Environmental Technology, Ethnic Studies, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Women & Gender Studies, etc.

https://losrios.edu/academics/programs-and-majors

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The colleges of Los Rios Community College District offer courses, certificates, and associate degrees in many fields of study. Explore the offerings at each of our colleges and start your educational journey today.

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Sacramento's river system is connected directly to the Sacramento-San Joaqin Delta.

The Delta is one of the largest estuaries in the Western region of North America which homes an incredible number of plant and animal species important for ecosystem services. An area of National Heritage, it also promotes eco-tourism and recreation. Importantly, the Delta is an extremely important resource that provides water for a variety of uses (household, agriculture, etc) within the state of California.

A controversial topic, the Delta supplies water from Northern Calilfornia to Southern California through transfer in aqueducts as climate change increases the scarcity of water in drier regions.

https://www.watereducation.org/aquapedia/sacramento-san-joaquin-delta

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The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is California's most crucial water and ecological resource. It is the largest freshwater tidal estuary of its kind on the west coast of the Americas, providing important habitat for birds on the Pacific Flyway and for fish that live in or pass through the Delta. It also the hub of California's two largest surface water delivery projects, the State Water Project and the federal Central Valley Project. The Delta provides a portion of the drinking water for 29 million Californians and irrigation water for large portions of the state's $50 billion agricultural industry.

The Delta is formed by the Sacramento River flowing south to meet the north-flowing San Joaquin River just south of Sacramento, where the rivers mingle with smaller tributaries and tidal flows. The rivers' combined freshwater flows through the Carquinez Strait, a narrow break in the Coast Range, and into San Francisco Bay's northern arm, forming the Bay Delta. Suisun Marsh and adjoining bays are the brackish transition between fresh and salt water. But the location of that transition is not fixed.

Fed by runoff from the northern Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades mountain ranges, the Delta is a 700-mile maze of sloughs and waterways surrounding more than 60 leveed tracts and islands.

More than a century ago, farmers began building a network of levees to drain and "reclaim" what was then a marsh. Progressively higher levees were built to keep the surrounding waters out, the lands were pumped dry and the marsh was transformed into productive island farms, mostly below sea level. [See Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Timeline].

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Challenges

The state of California oversees the Delta through the authority of the Department of Water Resources, State Water Resources Control Board, Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Delta Stewardship Council, along with a variety of other state agencies that have specific responsibilities.

Today, 1,100 miles of Delta levees protect farms, cities, schools and people from flooding and related hazards. But Delta islands are as much as 25 feet below the level of the surrounding water. Many of the levees that protect the islands are fragile, leaving them vulnerable to earthquakes and other seismic activities as well as flooding.

More than half-a-million people call the Delta home, living in 14 cities and towns in six counties. It is home to the community of Locke, the only town in the United States built primarily by early Chinese immigrants during the early 20th century. Other legacy communities include Bethel Island, Clarksburg, Courtland, Freeport, Hood, Isleton, Knightsen, Rio Vista, Ryde and Walnut Grove.

Five highways pass through the Delta, as do three railroads, two deep-water shipping channels, hundreds of natural gas lines and five high-voltage transmission lines.

The Delta covers more than 738,000 acres in five counties. It is a prime spot for sportfishing and serves as an important conduit for salmon runs that are crucial to the state's commercial fishing industry. In addition, at least half of its Pacific Flyway migratory water birds rely on the region's wetlands.

Controversies

For more than 40 years, the Delta has been embroiled in continuing legal controversy over the struggle to restore the faltering ecosystem while maintaining its role as the hub of the state's water supply.

Scientists attribute the low numbers of Delta fish species, such as the endangered Delta smelt, to human activities, drought and pumping operations. This issue has been at the center of numerous lawsuits and counter lawsuits from a range of stakeholders such as conservation groups and agricultural interests [see also Delta Litigation].

The many problems affecting the Delta have prompted the question of how it can continue to serve its role as the switching yard for California water while remaining a viable ecosystem, agricultural community and growing residential center.

The export facilities for the federal Central Valley Project (CVP) and State Water Project (SWP) are in the south Delta near Tracy, with pumps powerful enough to reverse the flow of portions of the San Joaquin River. The pumps sometimes have to be ramped down to prevent fish entrainment. Discussions of improving Delta conveyance have occurred for more than 50 years. The State Water Project, begun in the 1960s, had an alternate conveyance system as part of a second phase that was never completed.

In 1982, California voters rejected a statewide ballot proposition that would have authorized construction of a canal and other facilities to divert water around the Delta into the State Water Project.

In 2013, California Gov. Jerry Brown proposed constructing two tunnels to divert Sacramento River water underneath the Delta. As part of an updated Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP), it would have included three intake pipes in Sacramento County near the town of Clarksburg, just south of Sacramento. Modern fish screens would also be in place to better protect fish from being sucked into the pipes. The diverted water would be sent to farmland and communities elsewhere in the state.

The BDCP itself was re-branded under the Brown administration as the $15 billion California Water Fix/EcoRestore when it was determined that the regulatory agencies could not provide the 50-year assurance of protecting the imperiled species sought by the water agencies. EcoRestore seeks to create or restore 30,000 acres of Delta and Suisun Marsh habitat - including aquatic, sub-tidal, tidal, riparian, floodplain and uplands. Most of the work is already required because of existing biological opinions and will be funded by CVP and SWP contractors. The rest, about 25 percent, is covered by bond and other funds through state agencies.

The controversial tunnel proposal, meanwhile, was scaled back in 2019 when Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order that effectively canceled the twin tunnels in favor of a smaller, single tunnel with a carrying capacity of between 3,000 cubic feet per second and 7,500 cubic feet per second. DWR has been drafting a proposal for the "Delta Conveyance" single tunnel, including compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and ways to reduce permanent and temporary impacts to the Delta.

In its 2019 update of the Delta Plan, the Delta Stewardship Council noted that beyond the debate and controversy, the object of the plan is a Delta landscape that remains essentially itself while adapting gradually and gracefully to a future.

"We want a Delta ecosystem that works markedly better than today's, reflected partly in a resurgence of native fish," the Plan said. "And we want an end to the endless wrangling about Delta flows and plumbing - a truce that can only be achieved if the entire California water system undergoes a measure of reform."

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Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta - Water Education Foundation

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The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is California's most crucial water and ecological resource. It is the largest freshwater tidal estuary of its kind on the west coast of the Americas, providing important habitat for birds on the Pacific Flyway and for fish that live in or pass through the Delta.

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Soil Born Farms Urban Agriculture & Education Project, American River Ranch, Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA, USA

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Soil Born Farms Urban Agriculture & Education Project, American River Ranch, Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA, USA

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Soil Born Farms Urban Agriculture & Education Project, American River Ranch, Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA, USA

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Soil Born Farms is an entity representing two organic non-profit farms in the greater Sacramento area.
Their website relays that they are a "nationally recognized center for the promotion of urban agriculture, sustainable food systems and healthy food education."

They use community programs, volunteer efforts, and agricultural innovation for "growing food, mentoring youth and future farmers, teaching people how to cook and garden, creating urban farms and preserving wild spaces, developing partnerships and improving access to fresh produce throughout our community."

https://soilborn.org/

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Drive-thru Farmstand Pickup on Saturday

Our marketplace features organic produce, prepared foods, seedlings, fruit trees and an assortment of organic pantry and baked goods that we have curated from local farms, bakeries and small businesses (see details below). It's a one-stop shopping experience that will support you and local farmers, bakers, artisans and entrepreneurs on the road to recovery.
Shop from Tuesday at 5pm through Thursday at 9am >>
Order and Pickup Schedule for the Week of October 30

Order Online: Tues., October 31 from 5pm through Thurs., November 2 at 9am
Prescheduled Order Pickup: Sat., November 4 between 8am and 1:00pm

A Healthy Start to the Weekend

Open Air Organic Produce Stand

For our customers who prefer to shop in person and choose their own produce. With the aim to provide you with an abundant selection of organic produce every season, we are honored to sell organic produce from our own fields and from family farms and orchards in the region. For the best selection order online and choose the walk up option on Saturday. We'll have everything packed and ready to go. If you see something else you want, you can buy that too. EBT accepted. Opens at 8:00 am.

Greenhouse Garden Shop & Fruit Tree Nursery

New Fruit Tree Varieties Available!

We have an assortment of varieties available, all chosen for their adaptedness to this region. Available now through our online marketplace and in-person on Saturdays:

Figs: Tiger Panache, Improved Brown Turkey, Black Mission

Apples: Fuji and Pink Lady

Plums: Beauty

Pears: Comice, Warren and 20th Century

Nectarines: Double Delight, Snow Queen

Cherry: Stella

Peaches: Elberta, O'Henry, Redhaven, Snow Giant, Arctic Supreme

Olives: Arbosana, Mission Black

Apricots: Tomcot, Gold Kist

Pluot: Dapple Supreme

Mulberry: Black Beauty

Persimmons: Chocolate, Fuyu and Coffeecake

Pomegranates: Eversweet, Parfianka, Wonderful

The Greenhouse Garden Shop & Fruit Tree Nursery is open every Saturday until 1 pm through October 28. Stock up on cool weather crops, fruit trees, herbs and flowers and enjoy a relaxing morning at the farm. All plants are organically grown with love and selected for the Sacramento area. Pick up high quality potting soil, compost, garden tools, books, seeds and chat with our educators. You can also order online for a Saturday pickup by appointment.

Please Support Our Work
Diversity creates harmony, and harmony creates beauty, balance, bounty and peace in nature and society, in agriculture and culture, in science and in politics. ~Vandana Shiva
Thank you for believing in the vision of Soil Born Farms and engaging with us to create change in simple, innovative and practical ways. Each year we raise money to move this legacy project forward, sustain programs, advance key initiatives and provide a living wage for our staff. Soil Born Farms has managed to survive and thrive by utilizing resources wisely, being creative, partnering with businesses, collaborating with organizations, writing grants, creating mission aligned micro businesses, selling produce and receiving generous donations from our community. Our nonprofit organization must regain strength to meet the demands ahead and we need your help. Will you step up and give to help Soil Born Farms thrive? We can't do it without you.

Practical Guidance and Family Fun
It's Easy Eating Green Eat the Rainbow Smoothie Seed Sprouting Activity How Fast Can It Sprout? Part 1 How to Plant a Fruit Tree For more videos and tips, visit our YouTube channel >>

Soil Born Featured in Comstock's Magazine
Read the Comstock's Magazine article about regenerative agriculture practices in our area. Soil Born Farm's shift toward a regenerative management plan is slow and one of continuous learning that strategically introduces new agricultural methods. As the farm reopens to the public-that's expected late spring or early summer-those practices will have an even stronger presence in the farm's (urban agriculture educational) curriculum. Read the article: Regenerating Our Soil >>

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Soil Born Farms - connecting food, health and the environment

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Our marketplace features organic produce, prepared foods, seedlings, fruit trees and an assortment of organic pantry and baked goods that we have curated from local farms, bakeries and small businesses (see details below). It's a one-stop shopping experience that will support you and local farmers, bakers, artisans and entrepreneurs on the road to recovery.

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Refill Madness, 29th Street, Sacramento, CA, USA

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Refill Madness, 29th Street, Sacramento, CA, USA

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Refill Madness, 29th Street, Sacramento, CA, USA

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Refill Madness is a "zero-waste" store that provides consumers with a way to refill their empty products as opposed to buying a new version with new packaging.

This is in response to a dependency on plastic (created from non-renewable resources, not biodegradable) and resulting plastic waste. The environment, human health, and climate change have been greatly affected by plastics.

https://refillmadnesssacramento.com/about-us

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Golden 1 Center, David J Stern Walk, Sacramento, CA, USA

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Golden 1 Center, David J Stern Walk, Sacramento, CA, USA

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Golden 1 Center, David J Stern Walk, Sacramento, CA, USA

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The Golden 1 Center is the city's newest sport and entertainment facility located in the heart of downtown. Powered by 100% solar energy, LEED platinum certified, water-conserving, and created with delta-breeze enhanced cooling systems, this facility also reflects the "farm-to-fork" nature of Sacramento through the food and drink vendors.

https://www.golden1center.com/about/sustainability

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State Capitol Park World Peace Rose Garden, 15th Street, Sacramento, CA, USA

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State Capitol Park World Peace Rose Garden, 15th Street, Sacramento, CA, USA

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State Capitol Park World Peace Rose Garden, 15th Street, Sacramento, CA, USA

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A public park that features a walkable rose garden, 44 inspirational messages of peace to mimic the outlined theme of increased peace towards women, children, and in their families.

This park is one of many that provides greenery to break up the built downtown environment. Many state employees in the surrounding buildings take walks or enjoy lunch on their breaks in these parks. Downtown was built to be a walkable area.

https://www.worldpeacerosegardens.org/california-state-capitol-world-peace-rose-garden/

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California State Capitol, 10th Street, Sacramento, CA, USA

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California State Capitol, 10th Street, Sacramento, CA, USA

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California State Capitol, 10th Street, Sacramento, CA, USA

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As the capital of California, Sacramento faces great expectations to lead the state in progressing our sustainability efforts. This city acts as the base for both state and city government headquarters spanning many different departments that employ sustainability-alligned-goals. Some of the departments that are centralized here include Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Water Resources, and Department of Transportation.

Many different city frameworks and guidelines are in place here:
-Sustainability Master Plan (2007)
-2030 General Plan (2009)
-Sustainability Implementation Plans (Annual)
-Climate Action Plan
(https://www.cityofsacramento.org/Public-Works)

Additionally, Sacramento's community is made up of many different local grassroots, non-profit, and government organizations centered around creating a more sustainable future.

https://www.ssf2.org/resources