LAKEPORT
Wine County Symphony Association Wine Club seeks home brewers
The Lake County Symphony Association Wine Club is taking applications now for home brewers, wine makers and food and craft vendors, for the 2023 Home Wine and Beer Makers’ Festival coming to Library Park on June 10.
Home brewers and winemakers throughout Northern California can supply samples of their product to the public at the Winefest, and have a chance to win several prizes, including the “People’s Choice” award for their homemade beverages.
Vendors selling food, arts and crafts, agricultural products, clothing, and other products are also an important part of this community event.
All wine makers, brewers and vendors are urged to sign up early to ensure a good spot at the Winefest. Applications for the 2023 Winefest can be found online at lakecountywinefest.com.
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LAKE COUNTY
Thompson honors Denise Rushing as 2023 Lake County Climate Crisis Champion
Rep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) announced Denise Rushing as the 2023 Lake County Climate Crisis Champion for California’s Fourth District. Rep. Thompson’s Climate Crisis Champions demonstrate significant efforts to protect the environment in our community and combat the ongoing climate crisis. They advocate for the urgent need for climate action and work to inspire others to get involved. Through their work, they are helping to build a more sustainable future for all.
“Taking on the climate crisis requires steadfast and dedicated leadership, and Denise Rushing exemplifies those two qualities,” said Thompson. “Denise has been paving the way to ensure that green resources are readily available to our community, helping to advocate for the utilization of environmentally conscience initiatives. I am proud to recognize Denise’s work on behalf of our community.”
Rushing holds a degree in Environmental Engineering from Stanford University. She has served as the Director of Energy Efficiency for PG&E, a position in which she pushed utility companies to adopt practices for more efficient energy readings. As a Lake County Supervisor, Rushing spearheaded two of the largest public solar installations in the western United States. Following her tenure in public office, Rushing continues to find ways to dedicate herself to environmental advocacy. She is a cofounder of Rockhaven Ecozoic Center, an eco-spiritual nonprofit. Rushing also offers her expertise to the residents of Lake County interested in renewable energy education.
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LAKE COUNTY
2023 Lake County Invasive Weeds Tours to be Held May 11, 12
Mark your calendar! The Lake County Weed Management Area is delighted to announce its annual Invasive Weeds Tours. For 2023, we are offering two tours on consecutive days: the first, showcasing weeds that affect Clear Lake and efforts to restore tules along the shoreline; the second, featuring weeds of grasslands and oak woodlands and restoration of native wildflowers at the McLaughlin Reserve. Both great tours are FREE! The public is welcome and encouraged to join one or both.
Thursday May 11, 9 am – noon. Aquatic Weed Tour at Clark’s Island
Join staff from the Lake County Water Resources Department and Resource Conservation District as we dive into the world of aquatic plants and wetland weeds of Clear Lake and Lake County!
Aquatic and wetland plant specimens and examples will be presented to facilitate hands-on learning and education. We will also learn about recent invasive plant management efforts at Clark’s Island and the successful tule replanting effort that has been ongoing for the past two years. This effort has been led by Lake County Watershed Protection District, Tribal EcoRestoration Alliance, and tribal partners at Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians and Robinson Rancheria. Outreach materials and display tables we be available. Please park on the west side of Clark’s Island, by the Adobe sign; extra parking is available along the north side of the channel, adjacent to PowerMart.
Friday May 12, 9 am to noon. Weeds and Wildflowers at the McLaughlin Reserve
Join staff from the University of California McLaughlin Reserve to learn how invasive plants, especially annual grasses, have reduced native wildflower displays in Lake County. Participants will view areas of the reserve where wildflowers have been restored by removing invasive species! We will discuss the use of prescribed fire, cattle grazing, herbicides, mowing, and hand pulling as tools to control weeds and restore wildflowers. We are expecting robust wildflower displays in May this year, so bring your cameras! We will meet at the McLaughlin Reserve Headquarters at 26775 Morgan Valley Rd, then carpool for our field tour, which will involve walking about a quarter mile on gentle terrain.
For both tours, please bring hats, sunscreen, lunch or a snack, drinking water, and your questions about plants and the lake. Please wear sturdy shoes free of seeds and mud, and bring gloves if you want some hands-on weed removal experience.
This event is sponsored by the Lake County Department of Agriculture and the Lake County Resource Conservation District. No reservations are required.
Please contact the Agriculture Department at (707) 263-0217 if you have any questions.
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