Conn Creek Land Lab
Building Resilience in the Conn Valley: A Collaborative Approach to Water & Land Health
At Abuelitos, we believe that a farm is more than a place of production—it’s a living ecosystem that, when properly cared for, can sustain itself and future generations. That’s why we’ve joined forces with Element 28 to contribute to the health of this landscape, starting with the revitalization of their *ephemeral stream, a tributary of Conn Creek. Strengthening this small but integral piece of the *watershed is a step toward a healthier whole—one that can only be achieved through community-driven action and collaboration.
Why Conn Creek?
Conn Creek is a crucial part of Napa Valley’s natural and agricultural landscape, yet like many waterways, it faces erosion, water loss, and reduced ecosystem health. Our work here is about restoring the land’s ability to absorb, retain, and distribute water naturally - an essential step toward long-term agricultural abundance and climate resilience. By working together at a local scale, we can inspire broader efforts to protect and restore the landscapes that sustain us all.
What We’re Doing: A Data-Driven Approach
By applying field-tested strategies and drawing from the latest science on groundwater recharge and soil health, this project is creating a model for sustainable land and water management. Our efforts include:
Restoring native vegetation to anchor soil, reduce erosion, and increase biodiversity.
Implementing water detention structures to slow and capture rainfall, preventing runoff and maximizing soil moisture retention.
Developing a field-scale demonstration to show farmers, landowners, and policymakers how water-conscious land stewardship benefits the entire region.
Creating an ecosystem framework that integrates regenerative farming with long-term watershed resilience.
The Napa Resource Conservation District (RCD) is an integral partner in this work, providing expertise in erosion control, monitoring strategies, and grower education. Through their guidance, we are reinforcing the creek’s natural ability to retain water and stabilizing the surrounding landscape—an approach that benefits not only Conn Creek but also the broader Napa watershed.
The Big Picture: A Scalable Model for Napa Valley
Just as fire resilience projects in Napa have shown that strategic interventions reduce risks and enhance land health, we are building a scalable, data-backed model for water resilience. Our work at Conn Creek is a living laboratory—what we learn here can shape future restoration projects across Napa Valley.
How You Can Get Involved
This isn’t just a project—it’s a movement. And we need you.
Volunteer for a work day—Get your hands in the soil and be part of the transformation.
Donate to support the effort—Your contribution fuels the plants, tools, and science behind this work. Donate Here.
Spread the word—Tell a friend, share this initiative, and help build momentum for water-wise land management.
Be Part of a Legacy of Stewardship
Water is life, and our actions today shape the landscapes of tomorrow. Join us in hydrating and revitalizing Conn Creek—and building a future where every farm is an abundant, resilient ecosystem.
Together, we restore. Together, we thrive.
FAQ
What is an *ephemeral stream?
An ephemeral stream is a watercourse that only flows temporarily, typically after rainfall or snowmelt, and does not have a consistent source of groundwater or sustained base flow. These streams remain dry for much of the year, coming to life during wet periods and disappearing when conditions become dry.
How does this relate to Conn Valley?
In the Conn Creek Pilot Project, ephemeral streams play a critical role in shaping the hydrology of the landscape. Conn Creek itself, like many tributaries in the region, includes ephemeral sections that respond dynamically to seasonal rainfall. The project focuses on enhancing natural water infiltration and retention, ensuring that precipitation is absorbed effectively into the soil rather than being lost as surface runoff.
By strategically managing vegetation, improving soil structure, and restoring natural flow patterns, the project aims to slow, spread, and sink rainwater where it falls, helping ephemeral streams function as essential pathways for groundwater recharge. This approach reduces erosion, improves soil moisture, and supports a more resilient ecosystem, ultimately benefiting both agriculture and the broader watershed.
What is a *watershed?
A watershed is an area of land where all rainfall and runoff drain into a common water body, such as a creek, river, or lake.
Why does it matter?
Watersheds are essential for:
Water supply – collecting and channeling rainwater.
Soil and ecosystem health – supporting plant life and wildlife.
Flood and erosion control – regulating water flow and reducing sediment loss.
Cleaner drinking water – filtering pollutants and reducing sediment runoff.
Climate resilience – helping manage drought and extreme weather.
How does this relate to Conn Valley?
Conn Creek and its tributaries form part of the Conn Valley watershed, ultimately flowing into Lake Hennessey—Napa’s largest municipal water source. Strengthening this system, such as through the restoration of Element 28’s blueline stream, helps improve water retention, soil health, and water quality, contributing to purer drinking water for the community.