Growing Resilience: Integrating Natural and Working Lands into Climate Action Planning

Natural and working lands are essential for sequestering carbon, reducing climate risks, and supporting local economies—yet they’re often missing from climate action plans. This session will provide a clear roadmap for how local jurisdictions can integrate these landscapes into their climate strategies and secure the funding, partnerships, and technical support needed to act. Speakers—including elected officials, County staff, and technical assistance providers—will share best practices for identifying priority conservation practices, engaging historically underserved farmers and ranchers, and aligning agricultural efforts with climate goals. Attendees will gain practical insights on navigating cross-sector collaboration, securing grants, and implementing high-impact projects that build climate resilience while benefiting rural/agricultural communities and urban areas alike. Whether you’re just starting to explore nature-based solutions or looking to scale existing efforts, this session will provide actionable strategies and interactive breakouts focused on building your local coalition and driving progress, even amid shifting federal priorities.

Speakers
  • Lynda Hopkins, County of Sonoma, Fifth District Supervisor
  • Margot Flynn, Sacramento Valley RCDs, Sacramento Valley Soil Hub Coordinator
  • Heather Nichols, Yolo County Resource Conservation District, Executive Director
Moderator