Dry Creek Nursery Grand Re-Opening Propels Central Valley Environment, Community Belonging, and an Expanded Workforce

Driving through the beautiful greenery and rolling hills of Woodlake, CA enraptures a moment of peace and unity in a world so often filled with chaos and division. That is what attendees of the Sequoia Riverlands Trust's (SRT) Dry Creek Nursery grand re-opening experienced on March 6, 2026.  

Dry Creek Nursery is a Catalyst Project of the Central Valley Community Foundation’s Sierra San Joaquin Jobs (S2J2) Initiative. The nursery was one of eight projects selected by S2J2 to receive funding due to its combined focuses on community engagement, workforce development, and sustainability objectives that advance the Initiative’s environmental priorities, as outlined in the S2J2 Regional Investment Plan Draft. Thanks to the S2J2 funding, Dry Creek Nursery expanded to include a greenhouse to enable year-round native plant production. 

The land is home to native plants which not only preserve water but also establish stewardship opportunities for a burgeoning network of environmental advocates. "When we support programs like Dry Creek Nursery, we're doing more than growing native plants. We're growing the next generation of land stewards, restoration practitioners, and community leaders," said Phil Daubenspeck, SRT Chief Investments and Partnerships Officer. 

In addition to decreased water output, native plants are also beneficial for enriching wildlife habitats and local ecological connectivity. The beauty of the land and its native plants are crucial for convening a diverse group of people, standing in solidarity to admire and respect this sacred space. "In our region, where water is extremely precious, these native plants are part of nature-based solutions that enhance drought resilience, support biodiversity, and connect people to the land around them," said Logan Robertson Huecker, Ph.D., SRT Executive Director.  

Lastly, this climate revitalization work will increase local job opportunities. "Restoring the ecosystems of the San Joaquin Valley will require a workforce. It requires people trained in restoration, land management, native plant production, and watershed stewardship —and that workforce must originate from our region," Daubenspeck said. 

Dry Creek Nursery is open to the public every weekday, except Wednesday, and on the first two Saturdays of each month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can view and purchase Dry Creek Nursery’s plants here.