Training

See also: ALBA Wetland Restoration, Polluted Runoff

This one-day workshop trained participants in how to improve their analyses in consideration of the use of buffers for wetland and riparian areas in agricultural settings.  Presenters trained participants in analytical frameworks for determining if and how buffers could be effective at providing pollution prevention and wildlife habitat benefits, how implementation of buffers affects farming, and how to engage with stakeholders when considering buffer implementation.  The workshop included hands-on, skills-improving exercise, including field exercises, to improve integration of course material. 

Instructors have expertise in the wide range of subjects key to better understanding the subject matter.  Workshop instructor Marc Los Huertos, with CSU Monterey Bay, has extensive research and practical experience in analyzing buffer effects on reducing water pollution in agricultural settings.  Instructor Carlie Henneman, with Point Blue Conservation Science, draws on her own as well as her organization’s experience with wildlife ecology and buffers in training others in improved conservation approaches.  Presenter Dale Huss, with Ocean Mist Farms, has extensive experience with successful farming operations and management practices that reduce agricultural impacts to surrounding lands.  Paul Robins, Executive Director of the Resource Conservation District (RCD) of Monterey County, will share the region’s wealth of RCD experience engaging stakeholders with conservation practices such as buffers.  During an in-depth field training session, participants will also have opportunities to discuss farming operations and buffers with Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA) affiliated Francisco Serrano (Serrano Organic Farm), Hector Mora (Hector’s Organic Farm), and Guilebaldo Nuñez (Nuñez Farms) as well as Kaley Grimland- ALBA’s Triple M Ranch Wetland Restoration Project Manager.

Workshop Format

The workshop included indoor presentations, group discussion, and exercises as well as field-based training near the indoor workshop venue.  Both the indoor and field-based training elements focused on training participants in analysis of wildlife, water pollution, and agricultural considerations to determine if and how buffers might be appropriate.  The workshop included numerous exercises to improve participant skills at completing such analyses.  Participants had the opportunity to integrate the broader indoor/lecture training by examining a field site where both wetland and riparian buffers adjoin agricultural land. This field component included the more specific, site-based analyses typical when deciding if a buffer is appropriate for the goals at a given site.  And, during this field-based training, participants were able to discuss with the stakeholders how such approaches affect their agricultural and land management.

The indoor presentations took place at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve, and the afternoon field-based training took place at two locations, each short drives from the Reserve. 

Workshop Objectives

By attending the course, participants significantly improved their skill at:

• Determining how buffers might reduce water pollutants
• Determining how buffers might improve wildlife habitat
• Determining how buffers might affect adjacent farming
• Understanding basic principles in collaborating with stakeholders to better sustain social, economic, and ecological goals

Topics Discussed

• What are buffers?
• Goals setting and prioritization when considering protection strategies for wetland and riparian areas
• Pollution prevention
• Wildlife habitat protection
• Interactions between agriculture and buffers
• Stakeholder engagement with buffer implementation