This update includes information about Spring Conservation Program Workshops and a reminder about two opportunities for conservation programs on fallow fields.
Conservation Program Workshops for Spring and Summer 2026
Hosted by the Migratory Bird Conservation Partnership, come meet program representatives, learn about upcoming opportunities, and get your questions answered. This is a great chance to connect with key partners—including The Nature Conservancy, California Waterfowl Association, the California Ricelands Waterbird Foundation and others—and discover conservation practices that offer compensation for your participation. RSVP here or email birds@tnc.org to save your spot.
Sacramento Valley — Thursday, March 19
1–3 PM
Sutter County Ag Commissioner’s Office
142 Garden Hwy 142 Garden Hwy A, Yuba City, CA 95991
Delta — Thursday, March 26
1–3 PM
Staten Island House
23319 N. Staten Island Rd, Thornton, CA 95686
Application Period OPEN for conservation programs on fallow fields.
Program 1 — Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program
NBHIP – Fallow Agriculture Program
- This state program is administered by California Waterfowl Association (CWA).
- The application period will be open until March 29, 2026, and must be filled out on the CWA Website.
- This program provides an incentive for farmers who are willing to delay the termination of the vegetation in fallow agricultural fields until July 15th or later. Eligible fields must have vegetation on over 60% of the field with an average height of at least 8 inches by April 1st.
- Acceptable nesting cover includes planted cover crops or volunteer vegetation.
- The program is compatible with water transfers and prevented planting insurance.
- Payment rates are $30/acre for fields with suitable volunteer vegetation and $110/acre for fields with established planted cover crops.
- For questions, please contact Jason Coslovich at (408) 644-3525 or coslovich@calwaterfowl.org
Program 2 – Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)
RCPP – Nesting Cover practice
- This federal program is administered by Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
- The application period will be open until April 10, 2026, and to apply, you must visit your local NRCS office.
- This program provides an incentive for farmers who are willing to delay the termination of the vegetation in fallow agricultural fields until July 15th or later. Eligible fields must have vegetation on over 60% of the field with an average height of at least 8 inches by April 10th.
- Acceptable nesting cover includes planted cover crops or volunteer vegetation.
- The program is compatible with water transfers and prevented planting insurance.
- Payment rates vary but are approximately $30/acre
- For questions, please contact your local NRCS office AND Kristin Sesser at (916) 607-8988 or ksesser@calrice.org
