Welcome To The East Merced Resource Conservation District

Merced County has nearly 1 million acres of agriculture land use. We provide services to farmers and ranchers to help ensure viable local agriculture while also working toward a sustainable balance with the environment.

Through the power of healthy soil and sustainable land practices, we support reducing and removing greenhouse gas emissions. We prepare the community, farmers, working lands, and wildlife habitats for resilience to extreme weather and engage them in carbon reductions.

By bringing together the community through education, we're able to prepare and intrigue the next generation into what a healthy relationship between people and the environment looks like.

Wildlife

The County of Merced is home to rich biological diversity and has over 141 rare, threatened, and endangered species. We support and facilitate wildlife rehabilitation projects.

Water

Water access, quality, and shortages are a concern for everyone and everything in the SJV. We help ensure clean and reliable water in Merced County for residents, agriculture, industry, ecosystems and wildlife that share this valuable resource.

All Projects

JOIN OUR BOARD

EMRCD is seeking to fill a Board of Director position as described below.

The requirements for this position are as follows:

1. The Board Director is a landowner within the EMRCD.

2. Directors are required to attend monthly meetings of the Board, a time commitment of about two hours monthly.

What’s in it for you? Serving as a Board member connects you with the broader conservation community while engaging with local landowners and regional experts. Directors are some of the first to learn about cutting-edge policy decisions introduced in the region and help select funding opportunities available for EMRCD to fulfill its aim of offering diverse local assistance and programming. EMRCD has a kind-spirited board that provides a great first experience in board membership, balanced with experienced directors to learn how our system works. Board members have a voice and easy access to information to contribute knowledgeable feedback for public policy development.

Zachary Wells,

Executive Director, East Merced Resource Conservation District

2926 G Street, Suite 102, Merced, CA 95340

https://www.eastmercedrcd.org

Manager@eastmercedrcd.org

Agenda

Sign Up for Workshops

Calling on farmers who may need credits or want to learn more about SJV opportunities and conservation practices.

EMRCD typically hosts workshops early in the year to provide continuing education credits and information about grant funding. Stay tuned for new updates here (or on our newsletter) and learn how to register for the workshops.

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Workshops Turlock MLRP - English Flyer_e

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Contact Us

The East Merced Resource Conservation District (EMRCD) encompasses approximately 190,840 acres, centrally located in the San Joaquin Valley. Our office is in the city of Merced, CA.

EMRCD has the opportunity to apply for grant funding to promote conservation practices in culturally diverse, historically underserved, socially disadvantaged communities. Please contact us if you are interested and if you have suggestions for improving this aspect of our services.

Learn

EMRCD was formed on March 7, 1997, through the consolidation of five smaller districts; La Paloma RCD, Ballico RCD, El Nido RCD, Stevenson, RCD and Lone Tree RCD. EMRCD was created to develop and further ongoing programs to conserve natural resources in eastern Merced County.

Projects

We work with Central Valley landowners, State government agencies, and other local partners to share information and grant funding to promote and ensure best practices on working lands. Our purpose is to promote agricultural resiliency and preserve natural resources through these means in Merced County. Learn more about how we can help you.

Updates And Events

What's Happening at EMRCD

Bulletin Board

Announcements

Orchard Soil Health Spotlight

Livestock Grazing as a Tool for Healthier, More Resilient Orchards Managed sheep grazing helps maintain living roots, recycle nutrients, and build soil organic matter in orchard systems. Healthy soil is the backbone of a productive orchard. It supports strong root systems, improves water infiltration, cycles nutrients efficiently, and increases resilience to drought and pests. Across California’s working landscapes, growers are turning to livestock grazing as a cost-effectiv

Dec 30, 2025

Students Champion Sustainability Through Hands-On Hedgerow Planting

SLEWS Volunteer Day with California Department of Fish and Wildlife On a vibrant day dedicated to environmental stewardship, twelve enthusiastic students from Los Banos High School's AP Environmental Science class participated in the SLEWS (Student and Landowner Education and Watershed Stewardship) volunteer day in collaboration with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The students rolled up their sleeves and engaged in a meaningful project by planting native spe

Nov 14, 2025

East Merced

Resource Conservation District