Direct Benefits to Disadvantaged Communities (DACs)

Our project spans the majority of San Diego region, across which there are many areas we are focusing on outreach to work with farmers and ranchers who are historically underserved, and may not have the funding or technical knowledge to implement projects. Some of those areas include the South Bay and other border cities, where there are large Latinx populations. We have team members at the RCD of Greater San Diego that can translate, both written and verbally, so that we can provide better support. Our partners are also working on restoration projects in the South Bay to restore overwintering habitat for monarchs and other pollinators, which supports the community directly by bringing more ecological balance. There are also educational elements of our project, through providing free and translated workshops and resources, and our partners' work of providing free native seed libraries throughout San Diego and volunteer opportunities for underserved youth.

Indirect Benefits to Disadvantaged Communities (DACs)

Pollinator habitat practices also benefit soil health and on farm systems, which is crucial in parts of the South Bay that experience seasonal flooding and have issues with poor air quality near the border of Mexico. We also hope to encourage cover cropping using native plants, to create nectar sources while also keeping roots in the ground that support water infiltration and reduce runoff, all elements that are crucial in retaining water during periods of drought.