On March 14, 2024, the County of San Diego hosted the 3^rd annual Voluntary Conservation and Land Management Assistance Workshop. This event was co-sponsored by the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County, United States Fish and Wildlife Services’ Partners for Fish and Wildlife, and University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The event was held at the County Operations Center and included a virtual component for those who were unable to attend in person. The goal of the workshop was to connect property owners, farmers, and land managers with programs that provide funding opportunities and technical assistance for conservation efforts and sustainable land management practices. Through this one-stop shop, the County and its partners hope to bring awareness to these programs and increase participation from San Diego County residents.

Seven different organizations participated in person, highlighting 15 funding assistance programs across four categories: restoration, conservation & sustainability, planning, and fire safety. The County had representatives from Planning & Development Services, Department of Public Works, and the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice. Attendees were able to speak to program representatives, ask questions, and share their insights on conservation and sustainability topics. The event also provided an opportunity for program representatives to learn about other programs and brainstorm future collaborations.

If you weren’t able to attend this year's workshop, the event workbook is a fantastic resource created for the workshop. It compiles all the participating funding and assistance programs in one place. You can find an overview of each program, including eligibility, available funding, how to apply, application deadline, and contact information. You can download the event workbook from the event website.

If you have any questions about this event or would like your organization to participate in future workshops, please contact Michael Blackmun at Michael.Blackmun@sdcounty.ca.gov.