As a third year of drought looms, Central Valley farmers and water managers are bracing for little to no water deliveries from state and federal projects this year. Aquifers are under stress and pressure is growing to reduce groundwater depletion and the resulting ground subsidence. How is the region meeting the requirements of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act? And will there be enough water this year to satisfy the competing needs of farms, people and the environment?

Your best opportunity to understand the challenges and opportunities of this vital resource in the nation’s breadbasket is to join us on our Central Valley Tour April 20-22.

Each year, we spend three days traveling the southern portion of the Central Valley – the San Joaquin Valley – to bring you face-to-face with some of the most important leaders and experts in water storage, management and delivery, agriculture, habitat and land use policy.

Participants will learn how the region is ground zero for water quality and access challenges facing disadvantaged communities, as well as the challenges facing farmers, water and environmental managers. 

Among the spots we visit:

• Friant and Terminus dams
• Mendota Pool
• San Joaquin Valley farms
• San Luis National Wildlife Refuge
• Kern Water Bank
• San Luis Reservoir, the nation’s largest off-stream reservoir and a key water facility serving both the State Water Project and the federal Central Valley Project.

The tour begins and ends in Sacramento, with a fast-paced trek over three days down the west side of the valley, through the Tulare Lake Basin and back up the east side. Seats are going quickly, so get your ticket here before they’re gone!

Click here for information on all of our 2022 tours, and contact Programs Director Nick Gray via email with any questions.