East Merced Resource Conservation District

We did it! Merced, we are now officially a Clean California Designated Community!

A huge thank you to all those in the community who rolled up their sleeves and helped
keep Merced litter-free. Your dedication made this milestone possible!

Now, we invite other communities to join us at the forefront of making a lasting impact
across California. Together, we can create a state where everyone enjoys a .

Make your community’s commitment official today at CleanCA.com/Designation.

Our team recently completed a successful planting event at the Cottonwood Unit of the Merced National Wildlife Refuge, and we’re proud to share photos from the day.

We planted cottonwood cuttings to restore native riparian habitat work that supports migratory birds, stabilizes soil, enhances biodiversity, and improves the long-term health of the refuge ecosystem. In addition to planting, we collected new cuttings in preparation for next season’s planting efforts, helping ensure continued habitat restoration in the years ahead.

This hands-on conservation work directly benefits the wildlife that depend on this special place.

If you’re looking for a reason to get outside, now is a perfect time to visit. cranes, geese and waterfowl are gathering in impressive numbers before continuing their migration, creating one of the most spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities of the season.

Learn more and plan your visit:
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/merced

Thank you to our host and everyone who supports local conservation, we hope you’ll experience the refuge for yourself soon. 🌾

The cranes are calling and it’s time to answer.

Join us this weekend at the Merced National Wildlife Refuge for the annual Crane Fly-In! 🕊️✨

Each winter, thousands of sandhill cranes fill the skies over the refuge, creating one of California’s most breathtaking wildlife spectacles. Watch them lift off at sunrise and return at sunset in waves of sound and motion. A true Central Valley experience.

Bring your binoculars, dress warm, and come celebrate conservation in action. Hosted by the Sierra club and the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. This is a perfect outing for families, photographers, bird lovers, and anyone who needs a little wild beauty in their weekend.

📍 Merced County
🗓️ This Weekend: Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 4:45 PM to 6:30 PM
🌾 Free & open to the public

Tag someone you want to watch the cranes with!



https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001X4NM6IAN

🚜 Big news from EMRCD!
Our Rental Equipment Program is growing—making it easier than ever for local farmers to put conservation into practice.
We’re now offering:
✅ A 1,000-gallon water trailer – perfect for cover crops and tree planting.
✅ A no-till seed drill – helping improve soil health and reduce disturbance.
✅ A dedicated trailer to make hauling equipment simple and accessible!

These tools are already helping producers across the region boost soil structure, water retention, and sustainability.

Learn more about how you can reserve equipment or get involved by visiting our website at www.eastmercedrcd.org

💚 Together, we’re turning conservation plans into action—one field at a time.
📸