Announcements/News:

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PERIOD NOW OPENED TO HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS.

The Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County (RCD) offers scholarships to encourage students interested in conservation, agriculture, environmental science, natural resources, biology or natural sciences to obtain technical expertise and pursue careers in resource conservation or agriculture. Five scholarships of $1000 each are now available.

Applications must be received by April 5, 2013.

Click here to proceed to Scholarship page for downloadble application.

Training courses for San Diego schools coming up!

26-27 February, 2013: Fresh Fruits & Vegetables: a Centerpiece for a Healthy School Environment. A two-day course where you will learn fun and interactive ways to increase availability and consumption of fresh fruits & vegetables at your school. For more information and to register, please visit www.healthyschoolenvironment.org.

25 April, 2013: Garden Enhanced Nutrition Education (GENE). A workshop for school staff and community partners focusing on using the garden as a tool for teaching about nutrition and healthy eating. This workshop will take place at Lakeside Middle School. Click here for more information and how to sign up.

26 April, 2013: GENE Train-the-Trainer. This workshop is a unique training opportunity for experienced garden educators and support professionals who would like to replicate the GENE workshop for educators in their area. The workshop will take place in Lakeside – please note participants must also attend the GENE course on the 25th. Click here for more information.

The RCD of Greater San Diego County has an opening on the seven-person Board of Directors

You may to view the vacancy notice. This vacancy will be a full-term four-year appointment through 11/2016.

BURN IT WHERE YOU BUY IT. Help stop the spread of invasive pests and diseases.

you may view flyer by clicking on logo below

What You Can Do

Don't risk starting a new infestation of an invasive insect or disease.

You have the power to save trees.

Don't take firewood with you on your camping trip, RV adventure, or up to your hunting camp. Don't bring firewood back from your second home to your place in the suburbs. Don't bring it with you on your scout's camping trip. Instead, buy it where you'll burn it.

You can still have a roaring campfire, or a cozy night in front of the fireplace, if you just know how to burn safe.

VOLUNTARY OAK WOOD QUARANTINE REQUESTED!!!

Please. . .DO NOT MOVE, GIVE OR SELL ANY OAK WOOD FROM YOUR PROPERTY. Please CLICK HERE to learn how to stop the spread of the Goldspotted Oak Borer (GSOB) infestation. For further information contact the RCD of Greater San Diego County at:
619.749.4232 or D3info@rcdsandiego.org

Click on the apple below for the:
San Diego Regional School Garden Resource Center

How to Build
Owl Boxes/Houses

If you want to make an owl house to provide a potential home for a nearby owl, you need to know what owls look for in a home. If owls decide to take up residence in the owl house, then you will probably get to enjoy their presence from time to time.

How to Make an Owl House

Owls are creatures of the night, and great to have around as a form of pest control due to their natural diet that is mainly composed of rodents. If you are interested in attracting a local owl to your property, consider constructing and installing an owl house. Identify the owls local to your area and climate, and then research what type you want to attract to your property. Armed with this information you can construct an owl house that will encourage owl nesting behaviors.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Wood
PVC pipe
PVC cutters
Electric Saw
Piece of scrap carpeting
Piece of aluminum
Screws
Drill

Step 1

Research the type of owl you want to attract. Different species of owls have different housing requirements so you must build accordingly. Realize that all owl houses must be mounted out at least 12 feet above the ground. Most houses are made from a mixture of PVC, aluminum and wood, so purchase your supplies accordingly.
Step 2

Cut your wood and PVC to the appropriate size. Owls prefer circular nesting areas, so using a large piece of PVC as the house will be most effective. Plug one end of the PVC pipe by cutting a piece of wood accordingly and then adhering with glue. Allow to completely dry.
Step 3

Cut and install the length of carpet inside the PVC. This can be held in place using your wood screws. The carpet will allow for a place for the owl to sit inside of the house and be able to get a good purchase on the surface to move about inside.
Step 4

Bend the aluminum so it forms a shape similar to a peaked roof house. Install this at the top of your PVC pipe. This will serve as extra protection for the house. The aluminum roof can be securely attached to the PVC pipe using screws.
Step 5

Drill at least one large ventilation hole to on one side of the PVC home, towards the back of the house. Make this hole about halfway up the height of the pipe so it is centered in the middle of the pipe.

Continue to customize and shape the house according to the owls you are trying to attract. Ensure that all screws are securely tightened and the glue is set before installing the owl house. Install the house at least 100 feet away from any human dwelling.