We’ve gotten a lot of calls about those huge, white foam blocks at the Cullinan Project along Highway 37 and thought you may have seen them and wondered about them too!?
They’re known as geofoamblocks and Ducks Unlimited has been using them in combination with fill to create a gradual slope along the highway in the hopes of helping to prevent future settlement of the road once tidal action returns to the site. While they’ve been installed, there has also been construction of an acceleration lane for the safe ingress and egress to Pond 1 where people will soon be able to enjoy the new public access features once Phase III of the project is completed – most likely by the end of this month. Next comes the breach … so stay tuned for that!
Meanwhile, further west down the highway, the landscape is changing daily at Sears Point as Sonoma Land Trust makes progress on their large-scale restoration process. Both projects were covered in a story aptly called “Bay Area Wetlands Restoration Going Strong” by ABC7news earlier this year. If you haven’t already, check it out!
Another great way to find out more about all the work being done to protect and restore the
wetlands along Highway 37 is to listen to our illustrated audio tour housed on our more public-oriented website, yourwetlands.org. Learn while
you drive between Novato and Vallejo!
THE BIRDS ARE BACK – get out and see them!
If you need some tips on where to go,
Beth Huning offers them here.
NMBCA provides resources for migratory landbird conservation as well as funding for migratory birds
that depend upon wetland habitats outside of North America.
This Grant Program is established to provide funding for research of new and innovative water conservation programs and technologies.
By December 10, 2014 NFWF 2015 Environmental Solutions for Communities program This five-year initiative is supported through a $15 million contribution from Wells Fargo and will be used to leverage other investments with an expected total impact of over $37.5 million. Funding priorities include projects that restore and manage natural habitat, improve local water quality & involve citizen participation.
By December 19, 2014 Wetland Restoration for Greenhouse Gas Reduction Grant Program
The grant funds projects that reduce greenhouse gases and provide co-benefits
such as enhancing fish and wildlife habitat, protecting and improving water quality
and quantity and helping California adapt to climate change.
By January 9, 2015 Switzer Environmental Fellowship
The Switzer Fellowship Program offers one-year Fellowships to highly talented graduate students in New England and California whose studies and career goals are directed toward environmental improvement and who clearly demonstrate leadership in their field. Awardees are granted a $15,000 cash award for academic study along with leadership training.
California Sea Grant supports science-based management, conservation and enhancement of California’s coastal and aquatic resources through research, extension and education.
These small grants average approximately $8000 with priority given to applicants that: protect Earth’s beauty and bounty; create a robust, healthy food system; increase opportunities for outdoor activity; reduce environmental health hazards; and/or build stronger communities. Grant cycles are quarterly, generally around the 15th of the month
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a Web site to provide tools, databases, and information about sources of funding to help organizations working to secure adequate resources to achieve the goals of the Clean Water Act and improve our nation’s water quality.
They’re known as 
