The Heartland In Herald this Saturday

A free community forum and expose of resources linking Agriculture & Environment: seeking to help farmers, ranchers and rural land owners to play a major role in improving our environment while expanding sources of income and keeping our rural communities viable.

Join The Herald Area Civic Association and the California Heartland Project for the “Heartland in Herald”

at Hendrickson Hall and Community Barn on Saturday March 27, 2010 from 11am-5pm.

Chili Cook-Off and BBQ, Sponsored by the Herald Community Club

Native Plant and Tree Sale

by Elderberry Farms Nursery and Cornflower Farms

And at 12:00pm, an expert panel discussion with the community:

Our Agricultural and Wildlife Resources,

and Our Communities:

Problems and Solutions

Panelist include representatives from:

California Rangeland Conservation Coalition, Sacramento Valley Conservancy,

Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, Mahon Ranches, Sacrmento County Farm Bureau, Westervelt Ecological Services, and Nicolaus Ranch

Economic viability of our agricultural communities is becoming increasingly difficult in the Sacramento region. In the south and east of Sacramento County in particular, expansion proposals of both Elk Grove and the County pose large questions for area residents concerned with agricultural viability, wildlife habitat, water supply, and the preservation of the rural and historical character of many of our outlying communities. This is an opportunity for local residents and regional experts to discuss these critical issues, offer solutions and alternatives, and learn about the nuts and bolts of conservation options for agriculture and wildlife.

While historically there have been gaps between the environmental and agricultural communities around Sacramento, in recent years there has been much progress in bridging those gaps, finding more common ground than differences.

Sacramento has taken some key steps beginning to implement smarter regional planning practices for how and where we should grow, but we have not developed a comprehensive responsible plan for how and where we should not grow

—we all need to be a part of this conversation.

And so, HACA and the CA Heartland Project have joined in this outreach effort. The mission of HACA is to work with the public to enhance their community, and to communicate information regarding issues of concern which may affect the quality of life and lifestyle for the residents of Herald and the surrounding area. The Heartland Project, is the regional conservation vision of Habitat 2020, the conservation committee of ECOS, the Environmental Council of Sacramento. The CA Heartland Project seeks to create a connected network of parks, preserves and conservation easements on working farms and ranches and existing open space areas, creating permanent protections for the unique biological diversity and agricultural heritage found in the Sacramento Valley, and providing access to these places for education and recreation.

HACA, Habitat 2020 and the Heartland Project hope that the members of the communities of the South County will come out and take part in this important conversation, eat some great food, and have some fun in the Heartland.

Event Details

Date and Time: Saturday, March 27th, 2010, 11am-5pm

Location: Hendrickson Hall and Community Barn, 12746 Ivie Road, Herald, CA

Admission: Admission to the event is free; Chili Cook-off, $20, Other food prices vary.

Contact: Matthew Baker, Tina Holt

Habitat Director : ECOS HACA President

The Environmental Council of Sacramento, Herald Area Civic Association, Inc.

(916) 444 0022 (209) 748 2550

www.caheartlandproject.org

www.heraldcivic.org