Register by August 25. Course is Sept 15-17.

Facilitation skills are used by scientists and resources managers to form productive teams, plan programs and projects, and to implement controversial projects and programs. Facilitators help groups to communicate productively, honoring diverse points of view and respectfully creating options that provide the richest suite of benefits for all. The success or failure of programs and projects often depends on the support of a variety of interested parties--staff, management, agencies, environmental groups, the general public, and other stakeholders—with diverse perspectives. Productive communication among project stakeholders is essential for successful implementation. In some cases, worthy projects have been blocked by disenchanted stakeholders who felt they had no voice or had been treated badly by public officials. Perhaps as bad is a missed opportunity because of the loss of meaningful participation that could have improved a project’s design and implementation. This course is intended to be a practical approach to improving group meetings. It is oriented specifically to the needs of scientists and resource managers. After core facilitation skills are practiced, the class will be tailored to the students’ development needs. Participants will be asked to complete a pre-workshop skills profile. Students are presented with a wide array of tools and opportunities to practice new facilitation skills.

Hosted by the Elkhorn Slough Coastal Training Program. For more info and to register (by August 25) visit website

The Department of Conservation will be holding online Watershed Coordinator Grant RFP webinars on September 1st at 1pm and September 14 at 1pm. To access the workshop from your computer you will need to follow the instructions provided in the attached document. Please review the instructions then click on the link below to begin the registration process. https://www.livemeeting.com/lrs/1100003263/Registration.asp x?PageName=qc8pg1pxcmh6fbmd

Registration instructions

Presenter: Bill Green, CSUFresnoCenter for Irrigation Technology

Agenda:
1. PG&E's Advanced Pump Efficiency Program (APEP)
a. Description and eligibility
b. 3 big ideas to save energy moving water
c. Pump efficiency demonstration
2. Chemigation / groundwater protection (CDPR)
a. History of groundwater regulations
b. California requirements to chemigate

DPR Continuing Education and RWQCB Ag Waiver credits have been requested. No charge event hosted by UCCE. Support for this workshop provided by PG&E

Education credits: Ag Waiver, DPR 4

AGENDA

This meeting of the Pajaro River Watershed Council will exclusively feature an information sharing forum of research performed under The Central Coast Agricultural Water Quality Coalition’s sponsored project: “Demonstrating Compatibility of Water Quality and Food Safety Through Research and Implementation”

AGENDA

Three-day workshop for food professionals including lectures, demonstrations, discussions and current UC Davis research. This workshop provides an overview of many issues on the production, processing, packaging, distribution and quality assurance of fresh-cut products. Participants gain working knowledge of established and new procedures for fresh-cut products through topic-related sessions. The workshop also features discussions on microbial food safety and the effects of temperature and modified atmospheres on fresh-cut fruit and vegetable quality.

$1050 Enrollment Fee includes all instruction, course materials, three lunches and morning and afternoon snacks and coffee breaks. Your enrollment is requested by September 3rd.

FLYER

Join us to learn more about developing successful tourism enterprises on your ranch or farm. Our hosts Mark and Felicia Morrison of Camatta Ranch run many outdoor activities including a hunt club, camping and picnicking, ranch stays, school field trips, fossil hunts, and viewing wildflowers, wildlife, and exotic animals (website Other area ranchers (Jack Varian, Dwayne Waddell, and George Work) and professionals ― representatives from the Central Coast Agritourism Council (http://www.agadventures.org), Central Coast Resource Conservation & Development Council, Allied/Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance, SLO Chamber of Commerce, SLO County Planning Dept., SLO Farm Bureau, SLO County Visitors & Conference Bureau, SCORE (“Counselors to America’s Small Business”), UC Coop. Ext. and Small Farm Program ― will share their knowledge and viewpoints. Don’t miss it!

Registration $15 includes morning refreshments and lunch.

Enrollment is limited, so register now by mail, phone (510-643- 1204), fax (510-642-7416), email (yanneth@berkeley.edu), or preferably online (http://ucanr.org/agritourismworkshop).

FLYER

Explore sustainable agriculture at the 6th annual Sustainable Ag Expo in Monterey, November 15th and 16th. Attendee registration is open with an early-bird discount available until October 15th. Take advantage of the Embassy Suites discounted room rate of $124 when you book before October 16th.

2010's robust program provides expertise on a range of topics from laws and regulations to a hands-on nutrient budget workshop to social media. Learn about California water issues from Daniel Merkley of the California Farm Bureau Federation and find out how conserving resources can save you money with Emily Wines of Kimpton Hotels.

Continuing Education credits, including laws and regulations hours, will be available for PCA, PA, CCA and Water Quality.

For more info online visit website

Central Coast Rangelands Coalition Fall 2010 Membership Meeting

Agenda Overview
UC Berkeley professor Dr. James Bartolome on what science can tell us about rangeland response to management
UC Santa Cruz graduate student Lewis Reed presenting on a comprehensive review about livestock interactions with water quality
The Elkhorn Slough Coastal Training Program's Grey Hayes moderating a group discussion with perhaps an expert panel: how do grassland managers and scientists work together to improve each others' understanding of rangelands? Tell the CCRC how it can help better integrate the realms of science and management on central coast rangelands