On Farms Hedgerows at 15410 CA Hwy 16

A 3,850-foot native plant hedgerow is being established along orchard fields at 15410 CA Hwy 16 in Yolo County, California, with the goal of enhancing habitat for native wildlife and pollinators, particularly Crotch’s bumblebee, through the provision of floral resources, forage, and shelter in an otherwise agricultural landscape. Planting will occur in two phases: 630 feet will be installed by community volunteers and approximately 1,870 feet by local high school students during the 2025–2026 planting season, with the remaining portion completed in the 2026–2027 season. All plantings will be carried out during fall or winter months using hand tools to dig and install containerized native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous flowering plants, ensuring minimal ground disturbance and avoiding impacts on special status species. The project is managed by the Yolo County Resource Conservation District and operates under a Class 33 Categorical Exemption under CEQA, which validates its compliance with environmental standards through the use of native species, lack of mechanized equipment, and absence of significant ecological impact. No formal procurement process is involved; the initiative relies on volunteer labor and student participation, with no contractual obligations, cost estimates, or competitive bidding. The site is located in Capay, California, with all work conducted on-site and accepted by the agency directly. An environmental filing fee of $50 was paid, and documentation including a Notice of Exemption and a California Department of Fish and Wildlife No Effect Determination support the exemption. Payments and administrative functions are handled manually through the Yolo County RCD office in Woodland, with no electronic invoicing or federal contracting systems utilized. The project reflects a community-driven conservation effort that aligns with state environmental guidelines and prioritizes ecological restoration without commercial procurement mechanisms.