We're growing this page!

We're currently updating our Climate Change page to share more about Conservation Works' projects, partnerships, and climate solutions across Northern California. Please check back soon as we continue adding stories, photographs, and resources from our work.

Climate Change

We're growing this page!

We're currently updating our Climate Change page to share more about Conservation Works' projects, partnerships, and climate solutions across Northern California. Please check back soon as we continue adding stories, photographs, and resources from our work.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Restoring natural systems. Building resilient communities.

Climate change is reshaping Northern California. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, changing precipitation patterns, and increasingly severe wildfire conditions threaten the forests, farms, watersheds, and communities that make our region extraordinary.

At Conservation Works, we're addressing climate change through practical, science-based solutions. Our projects reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve ecosystem health, and strengthen the ability of our landscapes and communities to adapt to a changing climate.

Waste Wizards: Reducing Methane Emissions

Food waste decomposing in landfills produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Reducing organic waste is an important opportunity for near-term climate action.

Through our Waste Wizards program, Conservation Works collaborates with schools, waste management agencies, local haulers, and community partners to establish food waste reduction and composting programs.

With more than 170 public schools in Sonoma County alone, the potential impact is significant. We help schools conduct waste audits, establish composting infrastructure, improve waste collection systems, and train students and staff to sustain these practices.

By working across entire school communities, we're reducing waste while helping build lasting environmental responsibility.

Photo Waste Wizards

Trees are among our most valuable natural tools for climate adaptation. They provide shade, reduce urban heat, store carbon, improve air quality, and create habitat for wildlife.

Through our Branch Out Fort Bragg initiative and community tree planting projects, Conservation Works works to expand urban forests, increase tree canopy in underserved neighborhoods, and restore native habitat.

Our projects emphasize appropriate tree selection, planting, long-term maintenance, and community stewardship to help ensure that today's plantings become tomorrow's healthy urban forests.

[PHOTO: Branch Out Fort Bragg or community tree planting]

Climate-Smart Agriculture & Healthy Soils

Healthy agricultural soils support food production, store carbon, improve water infiltration, and help working lands withstand drought and extreme weather.

Conservation Works collaborates with farmers, agricultural partners, and the North Coast Soil Hub to advance climate-smart agricultural practices.

Through field demonstrations, technical assistance, and educational programs, we support practices that improve soil health, conserve water, reduce erosion, and strengthen the long-term resilience of North Coast farms and ranches.

[PHOTO: Soil Hub field project or climate-smart agriculture]

Forest Health & Wildfire Resilience

Climate change is placing increasing pressure on Northern California's forests through drought stress, changing fire conditions, and ecosystem disturbance.

Through our North Bay Forest Improvement Program, Conservation Works works with landowners and regional partners to improve forest health, reduce hazardous vegetation, and support ecologically appropriate forest management.

Our restoration projects help create forests better able to withstand environmental stress while protecting wildlife habitat, soil, and water resources.

[PHOTO: Forest health or wildfire resilience project]

Water Conservation & Watershed Restoration

A changing climate is affecting the timing and availability of water across Northern California.

Conservation Works advances rainwater harvesting, water conservation, and watershed restoration through projects such as Rain Catchers in Your Neighborhood and the Russian River Confluence.

By working with communities and regional partners, we're helping improve water stewardship, protect aquatic habitat, and strengthen the ecological health of our watersheds.

[PHOTO: Rainwater harvesting or Russian River restoration]

California Climate Action Corps: Growing Climate Leadership

Meaningful climate action requires people willing to put conservation science into practice.

Through the California Climate Action Corps, Conservation Works hosts fellows who help implement restoration projects, expand community stewardship, and build local capacity for climate action.

Our 2026–2027 fellows, Emily Altomare, Aaron Bloom, and Hadley Hines, are supporting an ambitious year of conservation work across Northern California.

Their projects include planting more than 70 trees in Sonoma and Mendocino counties this fall, expanding native pollinator habitat at 10 sites, restoring parks and natural areas, and supporting community watershed stewardship.

These projects provide hands-on opportunities to strengthen biodiversity, improve landscape resilience, and develop the next generation of environmental leaders.

[PHOTO: California Climate Action Corps fellows collage]

Climate Solutions Rooted in Our Communities

Climate change presents complex challenges, but many of the solutions begin with the way we care for our land, water, and natural resources.

From reducing methane emissions and improving agricultural soils to restoring forests, planting trees, and protecting watersheds, Conservation Works brings science, partnerships, and practical conservation together.

Our goal is a Northern California where healthy ecosystems and resilient communities thrive together, even as our climate changes.