Blue oak saplings. Photo by Veronica Stork.

Information provided by Wildfarmers. Lea este artículo en español aquí.

Wildfarmers is a nonprofit dedicated to connecting and strengthening wildlife, wilderness and human communities, through the enhancement of native habitat, aquifers, and forest lands; specifically pertaining to the ancient Blue Oak forests of California and the 2500 species they house.

We are pleased to announce the receipt of a generous grant from the Nancy Jane Bletzer Fund for Animal Welfare, Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County. The grant of $20,000, will help further the organization’s efforts to launch its 20+ years of research and development of techniques which enhance the wildlife and habitat in the imperiled blue oak woodlands of San  Benito County.

“We are thrilled to receive this funding, which will enable us to hire ground personnel to clear and install the irrigation system, plant native understory and begin the intensive habitat rebuild including year round wildlife watering systems. This support is critical to our ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of wildlife on the hunt for hydration in the hot summer months and habitat for rest and recharge as well as achieve our goals of increasing year round water for wildlife, aquifer recharge, and understory rehabilitation. We are deeply grateful for the trust and investment from the Nancy Jane Bletzer Fund for Animal Welfare Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County.” said Veronica Stork, Executive Director of Wildfarmers.

California Horned Lizard found at Wildfarmers. Photo by Veronica Stork.

Wildfarmers has a 20+ year history of working in the blue oak woodlands in San Benito County, already showing over 200 new blue oak saplings and understory plants such as Oak Leaf Cherry, etc. dotting the acreage. This grant will enable us to apply an already working template across the 40 acre parcel and create vibrant habitat and keep it moving across more lands in San Benito County strengthening and connecting wilderness and human communities with a strong wildlife core.  Our partnership with Nancy Jane Bletzer Fund for Animal Welfare Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey Count will help expand the reach and impact of the Enhancing Blue Oak Woodland Habitat Stewardship Project.

For more information about Wildfarmers and its programs, please visit www.wildfarmers.org