During the 2021-22 drought, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) funded projects to conserve streamflow in Sonoma and Mendocino counties, focusing on coho salmon and steelhead trout. One project, “Rain Catchers in Your Neighborhood” by the nonprofit Conservation Works, educated communities on water conservation and rainwater harvesting.
In Santa Rosa, Riebli Elementary students engaged in Earth Day activities, learning about watershed conservation and decorating tanks. The project included installing rainwater harvesting systems in community centers, aiming to maintain streamflow during dry months, vital for juvenile salmonids.
Conservation Works set up seven 5,000-gallon systems at community sites and provided tanks to rural landowners, reducing reliance on summer groundwater. The initiative involved educational outreach, teaching over 400 kids about the salmon life cycle and water conservation, fostering a connection between local water use and ecosystem health.
The systems are projected to save approximately 505,000 gallons annually in summer watershed diversions, emphasizing community action in conserving streamflow and supporting fish habitats.
