Our History
Mendocino County has a rich and varied past, and the people here feel a strong connection to their history. For thousands of years Pomo, Yuki, Cahto, Wailaki, and other Indigenous peoples were nurtured by the natural resources of the forests, mountains, rivers and ocean.
In the 1800s, explorers and settlers began to arrive from Russia, China and Europe. Inland, the valleys hosted the northernmost Mexican ranchos. After the gold rush of 49, many would-be miners also established ranches inland. Today, cowboys celebrate their way of life at California’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo in Willits every Fourth of July.
Lumberjacks came from New England and timber drove the County’s economy for many years. The fishing industry grew and still plays a vital part in Mendocino County.
Italians and Greeks moved north from San Francisco and found the ideal climate for growing wine grapes, fruit and olives. Our County still benefits from their bounty and organic grape growing and winemaking techniques, making Mendocino County America’s Greenest Wine Region (TM).
(Thank You ‘Visit Mendocino County’ http://visitmendocino.com ) for the use of this information.
Mendocino County Programs
Reach Jessica Farfan, 4-H Community Education Specialist II at the Mendocino County Office (707) 463-4495. 4-H is more than a club - 4-H is young people getting ready for the future. In 4-H, you will work with other people in a 4-H club, in your school,or with another organization. Attend camps, show at fairs, travel, host youth from other countries, attend meetings and events with other young people, and much, much more!
The Mendocino-Lake 4-H Summer Camp is a week long camp filled with fun and exciting adventures that are sure to be remembered for years to come. Any 4-H Member who is 9-13 years of age for campers and 14-18 years of age for teen staff. If a member is age 12-13 years they also have the opportunity to attend camp as a Counselor-In-Training. Older members who have already attended camp as a Counselor-In-Training have the opportunity to come to camp as a Counselor, Dean, or Director. For more information contact (707)463-4495.
Reach Clebson Gonçalves, Diversified Agricultural Advisor for Lake, and Mendocino Counties at the Lake County office (707) 463-4495. The Diversified Agriculture program provides education and outreach to 1) maintain and enhance the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of diversified agriculture; and 2) meet the growing demands and contribute to the success of farms in Lake & Mendocino counties.
Reach Michael Jones, Forestry Advisor for Mendocino, Lake, and Sonoma Counties at the Mendocino County office (707) 463-4495. Forestry addresses complex management concerns with an inclusive approach for landowner input and direction. Assists decision makers in developing progressive programs aimed at the conservation of natural resources. Forest health, entomology, IPM, and sustainability of forest resources.
Reach Cindy Kron, North Coast Area IPM Advisor, at the Sonoma County Office (707) 565-2621. Research and links for Integrated Pest Management of apples, pears and winegrapes.
Reach Christopher Chen, Integrated Vineyard Systems Advisor for Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino (707) 463-4495. The variety of winegrapes grown in northern California is astounding and includes more than sixty cultivars each planted to over 500 acres. I am available to help you with your viticulture and plant science questions.
Reach John Harper, Livestock and Range Management emeritus-Advisor at the Mendocino County Office (707) 463-4495. The Livestock and Range Management program encompasses water quality issues, natural resource management, and livestock production. Additional information is available here.
Reach Michelle Stout, Master Gardener Coordinator at the Mendocino County Office calling (707) 463-4495. UC Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who provide advice and support for local non-commercial gardeners. Contact Master Gardeners at celake@ucanr.edu or call (707) 263-6838.
Reach Laura Garza Diaz, Area Water Quality, Quantity, and Climate Change Advisor at the Mendocino County Office (707) 463-4495. Focusing on developing water and climate resilience strategies for water supply and water demand challenges.
Beneficial Burning and Tribal Land Stewardship
Reach Alexandra Sung-Jereczek, Beneficial Burning and Tribal Land Stewardship Advisor for the Lake, Sonoma, and Mendocino Counties (707) 744-1424.
Director:
Matthew Barnes
