Cities Index.
2023 Sandy Loam WorkPlan

Cotati City Council
December 13, 2022

Document
2023 Sandy Loam WorkPlan
Meeting
December 13, 2022
Body
Cotati City Council
Original file
10.5 MB
Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on cotaticity.primegov.com. That file is the official record.

V E R O N D A - F A L L E T T I R A N C H
202 3 C H I LD & Y O UT H PR O G R A M S

WO R K P L A N
Operated by
Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities | sandyloam.org
Ammamma Tati | ammammatati.com

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
02 04
2022 Highlights
Property Management
05 Program Management
Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities | sandyloam.org
1 5 Cost Plan
01 About Us

A B O U T U S
Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities | sandyloam.org

F R E E & L O W - C O S T P R O G R A M S I M P L E M E N T E D Provides high-quality early childhood education best exemplified by the Montessori Method, and sustainability-minded community & enrichment programs for children and youth. We serve the beautiful communities located in Southern Sonoma County.
operates

C A M P S &

E N R I C H M E N T P R O G R A M S

C O M M U N I T Y E D U C A T I O N ,

W O R K S H O P S &

S P E C I A L E V E N T S
Connects and engages with our young
community members through activities that
focus on environmental sustainability and
Sonoma County’s diverse cultural heritage.

Youth served range from preschoolers to
high schoolers through a range of programs
such as educational field trip programs;
farm, garden & nature educational
workshops; fun events and festivals.

Provides immersive farm and nature-based
learning environment to school-age children.

Programs and camps are hosted in a facility
licensed by the CA Dept. of Health &
Human Services, Community Care Licensing
Division, giving families confidence that
care is provided in a facility that follows
appropriate health and safety measures and
by credentialed teachers with background
clearances and first aid training.

Located at Veronda-Falletti Ranch
1 2 0 2 2 H I G H L I G H T S
Sandy Loam piloted Open Ranch youth days in collaboration with Sonoma County Library's Bibliobus.

The program was offered free of charge and was administered by Sandy Loam with outreach support provided by the City of Cotati.

We hosted 6 Youth Days and hosted 30-66 visitors per event.

Youth Days
Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities | sandyloam.org
Two farm & nature focused summer camp sessions piloted in partnership with City of Cotati, 10-14 children attended each day (14 max. capacity). The City collects participant registrations, Farm & nature focused Early Release Enrichment Program launched on local schools' early release days (Tuesdays & Wednesdays) under a "pay what you can" model ensuring program affordability, 15 participants have attended with more expected as program grows! This pilot program was administered by Sandy Loam with outreach support provided by the City of Cotati.

Summer Camps & Early Release Enrichment Programs Piloted Early Childhood Field Trip program taught gardening and chicken-keeping skills to ECE educators and young children.

The program was offered free of charge under sponsorship by the City of Cotati.

We have served 147 children and 70 adults (teachers and parent volunteers) on monthly field trips! We serve every preschool within walking distance to Veronda-Falletti Ranch: Cotati-Rohnert Park Coop Nursery, Grow With Me ECE, Training Wheels, Mixed Greens, and Rainbow Bridge.

Field trip program expanded to include groups serving children with disabilities.

Field Trip Program

F R E E & A F F O R D A B L E P R O G R A M S I M P L E M E N T E D 2 2 0 2 2 H I G H L I G H T S
0 2 P R O G R A M H I G H L I G H T S
Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities | sandyloam.org
Pollinator garden gopher-proofed and rehabilitated at the corner of West Sierra & School St.

Gopher is Sandy Loam's official mascot for being Cotati's scrappiest of foragers Pollinator Garden Lives Despite Gopher Activity!
Applied for and obtained a facility licensed to serve young people in a safe environment staffed by instructors with background clearances, first aid training, and appropriate educational credentials Six raised garden beds have been built and planted in, with more to follow.

Licensed Farm & Nature Enrichment Program Facility and Playground Includes 9 garden beds with more coming!
Chicken coop suitable for 10 chickens hosts the Sandy Loam flock, protected by RJ the rooster.

Greenhouse is being used to produce plant starts for youth program Old oak tree has been maintained and provides a beautiful and cooling canopy for visitors.

Education Garden

R A N C H F A C I L I T I E S D E V E L O P E D T O H O S T

P U B L I C - F A C I N G E V E N T S
3 P R O P E R T Y M A N A G E M E N T

K E Y T A S K S
Ranch managed for safe public access and comfort
Continuous monitoring and oversight of property taking into account property's functional and aesthetic assets.

Vendor and contractor management
Property Management:

Q U A R T E R L Y T A S K S
Landscape management will be responsive to environmental factors The butterfly garden on the corner of W. Sierra and E. School St. is included as a part of this service.

Seasonally-Responsive Landscape Management
A weekly professional janitorial service ensures the Ranch House and Water Tower bathroom are sanitary and program ready for Ranch programs.

A sanitization and cleaning plan will be included as a part of all special event project plans, and will be undertaken as agreed to by involved parties.

Janitorial Services
Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities | sandyloam.org

CHECKPOINT
A post-winter mulching and property rehabilitation will be conducted as needed. Other tasks will be defined based on need.

January to March
The property will be prepared for summer activities, shade sails will be re-installed, and other shaded areas will be re-established in preparation for the summer's heat. Other tasks will be defined based on need.

April to June
Deferred maintenance will be conducted in preparation for children's return to the Ranch for the Fall semester. Other tasks will be defined based on need.

July to September
A Fall planting will be conducted for ornamental plants. The Ranch House's HVAC system will be serviced. The property will be prepared for Winter. Other tasks will be defined based on need.

October to December
2 0 2 3 S C O P E O F W O R K
4 A D M I N I S T R A T I O N & P R O G R A M C U R A T I O N Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities | sandyloam.org
Development of new and innovative pilot programs based on a community survey developed and implemented. AMTI to develop and implement survey in early 2023.

Continuing to design, build and maintain farm and garden demonstration areas specifically for educating young people and their families on sustainable farming and food production.

Oversight of farm & nature educational and enrichment programs and camps, licensed by the Department of Health & Human Services, Division of Community Care Licensing, including mandated record-keeping, regulatory compliance, community relations, staff and contractor management, student/participant behavioral guidance and parent communication.

Overall management of 2023 Sandy Loam programs, including community relations, staff and contractor management, etc.

A Program Administrator and Program Curator will undertake the tasks below to enhance public access to Veronda-Falletti Ranch through meaningful and enjoyable farm and nature-focused programming that are free or low-cost.

1. Farm and Chicken-Keeping Field Trip Program for Youth

2. Paint it Bright Summer Camps (4 sessions)

3. Youth Open Ranch Days (6 days)

4. Early Release Enrichment Program

5. Spring Campout

6. Workshops (3 total): Youth Gardening - Spring & Fall and Birds - Summer

7. Spring Festival

8. Halloween Fall Festival

P R O G R A M M A N A G E M E N T

S C O P E O F W O R K
5 Month Ranch Programs
January
Early Release Enrichment (T & W)
Field Trips (~10)
February
Early Release Enrichment (T & W)
Field Trips (~10)
March
Early Release Enrichment (T & W)
Field Trips (~10)
Open Ranch Youth Day
Youth Gardening Workshop
April
Early Release Enrichment (T & W)
Field Trips (~10)
Sweet Spring Festival
Open Ranch Youth Day
May
Early Release Enrichment (T & W)
Field Trips (~10)
Open Ranch Youth Day
Spring Campout
June
Paint it Bright Summer Camps
(2 sessions)
Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities | sandyloam.org

P R O G R A M S U M M A R Y
free &
Affordable
Youth Programs
5 Days p/ Week
Linking Community to
Farms & Nature
Month Ranch Programs
July
Paint it Bright Summer Camps
(2 sessions)
August
Early Release Enrichment (T & W)
Open Ranch Youth Day
Youth Bird Workshop
September
Early Release Enrichment (T & W)
Field Trips (~10)
Open Ranch Youth Day
Youth Gardening Workshop
October
Early Release Enrichment (T & W)
Field Trips (~10)
Open Ranch Youth Day
Halloween Fall Festival
November
Early Release Enrichment (T & W)
Field Trips (~10)
December Early Release Enrichment (T & W)

P R O G R A M M A N A G E M E N T
6 F A R M A N D C H I C K E N - K E E P I N G F I E L D

T R I P P R O G R A M F O R Y O U T H
Continued collaboration with local preschool
groups which conduct walking field trips to the
Ranch at no cost: preschoolers and teachers have
regular monthly access to programs, resulting in
relatively stable groups of children receiving
increasingly complex and exciting opportunities to
participate.

Specialized farm and nature curriculum developed
targeted to youth with disabilities or learning
differences.

Development of partnerships with local school
districts, Sonoma First Five and/or Sonoma 4C's to
enable access to county-wide educators, tie-ins with
groups connected to school-age children (afterschool groups, PTA’s).

Expansion of program to include other school
groups and non-profit organizations.

S C O P E O F W O R K
2022's Field Trip program was specifically designed for local preschools conducting walking field trips. In 2023, this program is being expanded to include broader school-age groups, community school and non-profit groups.

Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities | sandyloam.org
Presented In partnership with

P R O G R A M M A N A G E M E N T
7 P A I N T I T B R I G H T C A M P S

S C O P E O F W O R K
In 2022, two "Paint it Bright!" summer camp sessions served elementary-aged children. In 2023, two sessions will serve elementary students and two additional sessions will serve Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten-aged children based on demand from local families. The camps will focus on farm, nature and art activities.

Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities | sandyloam.org
Each camp session (four in total) will run
from Monday through Thursday, from
8:30am - 1:30pm.

City of Cotati to establish fees or fee
subsidization for participants. Sandy Loam
forgoes any share of tuition income, and will
bill for agreed upon implementation costs.

Fully-licensed facility staffed by teachers
with background clearances.

A robust farm, art and nature-based program
will be planned and implemented. Musical
experiences will be incorporated when
possible.

A culminating art show and party will be
held for campers and their families.

Presented In partnership with

P R O G R A M M A N A G E M E N T
8 Y O U T H D A Y S - O P E N R A N C H
In 2022, Sandy Loam independently piloted and tested the popularity of farm and art experiences for youth during 6 special afternoons. The program was a major success! In 2023, we aim to present the same program in partnership with the City of Cotati.

Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities | sandyloam.org

S C O P E O F W O R K
6 open ranch days for youth (3 Spring
Days & 3 Fall Days). Program hours are
3:30pm - 5pm.

Staffing to be provided by Sandy Loam.

Included:

Ice cream, hot cocoa & other treats
Farm and nature based activities
Art stations
New Partnership!

P R O G R A M M A N A G E M E N T
9 E A R L Y R E L E A S E E N R I C H M E N T
A farm, art and nature-based program planned and
implemented on every Tuesday and Wednesday that
local schools are in session.

Flexible sign-ups, children may attend as many or
little days as desired.

Fully licensed facility, with experienced teachers, and health & safety measures in place.
"Pay what you can" model, with a $10 minimum fee
for a 4 hour program.

Development of partnerships with local school-age
groups (PTAs, afterschool groups, etc).

S C O P E O F W O R K
Sandy Loam's Early Release Enrichment Program launched in 2022 as a pilot program that was independently implemented. The program was offered as a "pay what you can" program to keep the program affordable. It was attended by school-aged children on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which are early release schools days in Cotati-Rohnert Park and Petaluma school districts respectively. Parents have reassurance that the program is implemented in a safe and licensed facility.

In 2023, we aim to present the same program in partnership with the City of Cotati.

Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities | sandyloam.org
New Partnership!

P R O G R A M M A N A G E M E N T
10 S P R I N G C A M P O U T
Up to 6 children and their families.

For families with elementary aged children
Families bring own tent & sleeping bag, packed dinner, Sandy Loam provides crafts, hosts a campfire song circle, cooking activities, and breakfast.

City of Cotati to establish fees or fee subsidization for participants.

S C O P E O F W O R K
A very special overnight campout will be held at the Ranch in May 2023 to introduce young people and their adults to camping in an accessible and joyous way! Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities | sandyloam.org
Newprogram!

P R O G R A M M A N A G E M E N T
11 W O R K S H O P S
3 Workshops held for up to 14 youth participants and one adult per youth.

City of Cotati to establish fees or fee subsidization for participants.

Fall Gardening Workshop
Harvest / clear the old plants out
Add compost and mix
Plant winter veggies
Dry herbs
Spring Gardening Workshop
Prepare beds
Plant seeds
Start seeds in greenhouse
Transplant starts
Home garden demonstration
Summer Bird Workshop (K-5)
Sonoma County is home to beautiful and unique bird wildlife. We will help participants identify and appreciate the birds in our own backyards.

A craft activity will be included.

S C O P E O F W O R K
Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities | sandyloam.org
New programs!
Three special workshops for youth and families will be held to introduce youth to farm, garden and nature topics.

P R O G R A M M A N A G E M E N T
12 P R O G R A M M A N A G E M E N T
City of Cotati to staff event with 5-6 hosts for day of event in addition to 3 Sandy Loam event staff.

Hours of Operation: One Saturday close to Earth Day; 10am - 4pm City of Cotati to set price of entry.

Festival features to include:

Crafts
Games
Chicken and animal petting
Dance patch with music
Photo area
Farmer board or tall flowers for photo ops
Cookies and lemonade
Plant a flower seed to take home

S W E E T S P R I N G F E S T I V A L

S C O P E O F W O R K
Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities | sandyloam.org
NewEvent!
The Spring Festival will celebrate all the beautiful and new things Earth provides us each and every year, from bees to butterflies to birds to blooms! 13 P R O G R A M M A N A G E M E N T
Sandy Loam to incorporate pumpkin patch development into farm and garden plan.

City of Cotati to staff event with 5-6 hosts for day of event in addition to 3 Sandy Loam event staff.

Hours of Operation: 2 consecutive weekends
Fridays: 3:30pm - 6pm
Saturdays: 10am - 4pm
City of Cotati to set price of entry.

Festival Features to Include:

Hay bale pyramid
Cut out farmer & animal picture board - Repurposed from Kids Day Pumpkin patch & painting
Corn sensory boxes
Pumpkin bowling
Chicken & animal petting
Crafts
Photo area backdrop
Games: pumpkin toss
"How tall this fall" sign
Hot cider & donuts
Music

H A L L O W E E N F A L L F E S T I V A L

S C O P E O F W O R K
Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities | sandyloam.org
NewEvent!
The front pasture of Veronda-Falletti Ranch will turn into a temporary pumpkin patch, and will be the site of the very first Halloween Fall Festival! 14 C O S T P L A N
Annual Cost
Property Management
Property Management $6,000
Administrative Costs, Materials & Supplies
(Estimated Reimbursable Expenses) $4,800
Seasonally-Responsive Landscape Management $9,000
Janitorial Services $6,960
Subtotal $26,760
Program Management
Labor Costs
Administrator & Program Curator $12,000
Director & Farmer & Lead Teacher
(1455 Estimated Labor Hours at $34 p/h) $49,470
Assistant Teacher
(779 Estimated Labor Hours at $26 p/h) $20,254
Subtotal $81,724
Other Costs
Annual Administration & Marketing Fee $1,225
Estimated Reimbursable Expenses $10,710
Subtotal $11,935
TOTAL COST $120,419.00
Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities | sandyloam.org
Detailed Cost Plan Attached
15 Contact
Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities
175 West Sierra Ave.

Cotati, CA 94931
t. 707-664-5347
sandyloam.org
Sandy Loam Sustainable Communities | sandyloam.org

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