By Anjanette Shadley Martin
Once a month I discard the office attire and pull on my jeans and camo fat baby cowboy boots, jump into a district pick-up to collect groundwater measurements. I look forward to working in my “outside office” snapping pictures of my adventures to post later on Facebook, making my office constrained friends jealous.
I am always impressed with the exceptional quality of habitat our landowners provide to a multitude of species. A recent Audubon article highlights the waterbird conservation efforts undertaken by rice farmers; I am fortunate to see it firsthand. Farmers also encourage the presence of “listed” species. This “owl box” is beneficial to the farmer to control rodents who dig holes that hinder efficient water management practices.
I’ve been “stalking” this Osprey mother and baby since April, perched high above Butte Creek. I happily anticipate my daily visit as much as my morning caffeine, imagining they look forward to seeing me drive by before they head out on their next fishing trip.
Farmers also partner with wildlife agencies by growing crops on publicly managed lands or providing easements for essential habitat conservation. Western Canal Water District supplies water to both the Howard Slough and Llano Seco units of the Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area.
