Erosion Resiliency in the Sonoma Coastal Bioregion
Project Willow Dean
Stewarding the Watershed from the City of Cotati’s Headwaters to the Pacific Ocean The City of Cotati – Stewarding the Historic Veronda-Falletti Ranch Happy Sattva – Program Manager for Sandy Loam, Stewards of Conserved Open Space Salix laevigata, Red Willow Tree (Pawek, 2013).
Summary
The City of Cotati in partnership with Sandy Loam proposes the development of Project Willow Dean (PWD) for mitigation of erosion-sensitive areas along the Laguna de Santa Rosa watershed and the greater Sonoma Coast bioregion. PWD is a multi-benefit program that provides climate resilience through enhanced nature-based education, erosion mitigation, and coastal-based programming accessible to the community of Cotati. The mission of PWD is to aid in stewardship of the Laguna de Santa Rosa watershed through meaningful programming which, in turn enhances the engagement of the community through actionable steps designed to ensure California’s Sonoma Coast bioregion is resilient to the anticipated sea-level rise of 3.5 feet in the coming years (California Sea Level Rise Guidance, 2024). The major tasks include the propagation of native red willow (Salix laevigata), establishing a native plant nursery at the City’s historic Veronda-Falletti Ranch, facilitating erosion mitigation field trips for its citizens, developing interactive educational programming and enhancing all of these efforts through meaningful connection to the watershed and the ocean by way of trips led by an accredited California Naturalist and insured yoga instructor specializing in Applied Polyvagal Theory. The team consists of experts in erosion mitigation, open-space land stewardship, hydrogeology, foundational community wellbeing systems, and public administration.
1 Project Description
Rationale
The City of Cotati lies at the southern headwaters of the Laguna de Santa Rosa, which is northern California's largest freshwater wetlands complex (The Laguna Foundation, 2020).
The Laguna is situated in Sonoma County and known for its rich biological diversity. Its 22-mile channel is the primary tributary to the Russian River, draining a 254-square-mile watershed encompassing much of the Santa Rosa Plain. These 30,000 acres of complex wetlands are facing risk from damages due to erosion causing sedimentation at the rate of 61,000 tons per year, essentially infilling the basin (Butcher, 2020). This fine sedimentary infilling reduces the Laguna’s natural ability to manage storm runoff, exacerbates downstream flooding, decimates habitats of crucial and endangered species and increases sedimentation migration into the marine ecosystem. Areas at risk are vernal pools, wetlands, coastal hillsides, stream and river banks and the Sonoma Coast’s marine habitat (Johnson, 2022). Project Willow Dean seeks to strengthen erosion resiliency efforts in this vast and complex bioregion through strategic plantings of native red willow (Salix laevigata) propagations. Red willow is a fast-growing native tree commonly found along creeks and wetlands throughout California, from sea level to 5,000 feet (Calscape, 2014).
It thrives in consistently moist areas and is often used for erosion control and ecosystem restoration projects.
It is fast growing, easily propagated from cuttings, and is an important component for native habitats,
providing food for butterflies like the Western tiger
swallowtail (Stout, 2016). Red willow holds historical
cultural significance as well, having been used by
numerous local native communities for its durable
flexibility in basketweaving and in ceremony as a
symbol of healing, community, and kinship (Putah
Creek Council, 2022). As a symbol of
interconnectedness, Sandy Loam aims to engage the
community to source local red willow cuttings from
city managed landscapes, propagate them within the
greenhouse located at the City’s own Veronda-Falletti
Ranch, and plant them along areas of the Laguna de
Santa Rosa watershed requiring erosion resiliency
support. In this way, together we may sustain our
community and heal the land from the headwaters to
the sea.
2 Figure 2. California map
showing Sonoma County
(2024).
Figure 3. Map of the Laguna de Santa Rosa
Watershed featuring the City of Cotati,
located at the Laguna’s southern headwaters
(Turner, 2009).
Goals
● Gather, propagate and plant 1800 red willow
cuttings.
● Engage 30-60 able-bodied volunteers.
● Engage 30-60 seniors and/or others facing
barriers to accessing the ocean.
● Develop enhanced education programming.
● Develop a geotextile to enhance erosion
mitigation.
● Establish a licensed native plant nursery.
Implementation Plan
Activity 1: Red Willow Propagation and Planting for Erosion Resiliency At the heart of PWD is the effort to partner the community with red willow to observe its wisdom within the context of our bioregion and support its effect, to the benefit of all. PWD facilitates the community coming together to learn wisdom from the red willow and partner with it through efforts to gather, nurture, and plant red willow into areas needing erosion mitigation.
Accompanying these conservation efforts, PWD seeks to enhance the meaning of this work for the community through the design and implementation of enhanced event experiences. Guided by an accredited California Naturalist and insured yoga instructor specializing in Applied Polyvagal Theory, each planting event and recreational visit to the ocean will be enhanced by thoughtfully developed therapeutic programming. Participants will engage in hands-on events adapted to their ability at the Veronda-Falletti Ranch’s greenhouse where they will receive education and training on red willow propagation. Able-bodied participants will meet at predetermined planting locations and install red willow propagations, creating six erosion resiliency zones dispersed along the watershed from the headwaters in Cotati to the Sonoma Coastline.
Activity 2: Research and Development of a Geotextile for Erosion Resiliency
Propagating red willow will produce the byproduct known commonly as “willow water.” This is a solution rich in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), the rooting hormone produced by red willow. In addition to the activities of propagating and planting red willow, PWD seeks to research and develop a geotextile combining this IAA rich solution with compostable natural fibers, which may aid in the success rate of erosion resiliency proliferation. The natural fibers may hold soils and propagations in place during the critical first few months after planting, mechanically resisting erosion. The inundation of the IAA into the 3 Figure 4. A home washed away during recent
flooding of the Russian River (Porter, 2025).
Figure 5. Gathering
red willow cuttings
for propagation
(Brocket, 2025).
natural fibers may increase growth rate potential. With this enhancement the propagations may stand a better chance at establishing root structures in the intended location. Over the course of months and once the roots have grown, the natural fibers will decompose into a nutrient rich medium for feeding the rapidly growing propagations, further supporting the success rate of the PWD erosion resiliency efforts while leaving no trace of man-made product behind. A simple lysimeter will be constructed in the greenhouse to accommodate research by simulating erosion inducing conditions. These scientific activities will also serve to enhance and expand ongoing nature-based youth education programming.
Activity 3: Provide Enhanced Access to Ocean Recreation for Seniors and Others Facing Access Barriers
PWD seeks to engage the City of Cotati’s residents living in senior communities and others facing access barriers to the ocean in two modalities.
First, an invitation to meaningful volunteer work-days at the Veronda-Falletti Ranch where seniors and others are welcomed to socialize together for educational hands-on workshops. Participants will receive education about erosion mitigation and training in processing and caring for the red willow propagations in the greenhouse. In addition, PWD seeks to provide shuttle transportation for participants to enjoy up to six enhanced recreational outings to the Sonoma Coastline. Exposure to natural settings like the Sonoma Coastline is essential to health and wellbeing as studies have shown measurable physiological and mental health benefits (Andersen, 2021). Led by an accredited California Naturalist with specialized training in Applied Polyvagal Theory for Therapeutic Yoga (Schwartz, 2017, 2021), the 6-session series will guide participants through somatic awareness practices grounded in polyvagal theory (Porges, 2011) and trauma-informed body-based approaches (Levine, 2010). Participants will explore the interconnection between environmental resilience and nervous system regulation, fostering deeper embodied awareness and meaningful connection with self, community, and place.
Future Funding 1: Sea+Me+Cotati Fundraiser Event
PWD seeks to continue the activities listed above in this proposal past the initial funding by establishing an annual fundraiser event called Sea+Me+Cotati. This event seeks to highlight the importance of our interconnection with the Sonoma Coastal bioregion by putting out a call to artists to produce works along this theme. A silent auction will be held and donations welcomed with all proceeds going to fund the continuation of treating erosion resiliency zones along the watershed and providing meaningful beach outings to seniors and others facing barriers to accessing the ocean. Partnerships with Sonoma Land Trust and other organizations will be considered to increase sponsorship and establish patronage. Sandy Loam has plans to onboard an intern in the Spring of 2026 to support the design of a structured sponsorship program which may be implemented as a resource for this fundraiser. 4 Figure 6. Second-year
red willow propagation
displaying rapid
growth (Brocket,
2025).
Future Funding 2: Native Plant Nursery
PWD seeks to establish a licensed commercial nursery at the Veronda-Falletti Ranch to provide salable red willow propagations and other native plants to the general public, and potentially municipal contractors. Sandy Loam has come to understand that despite valiant efforts by the City to practice conservation in their managed landscapes, the contractors performing the installation of plants at this time have little guidance as to what species are utilized. This oversight has resulted in a non-native species that is potentially invasive being introduced in one such maintenance area. If PWD establishes a native plant nursery, the City will consider including specifications in their landscaper contracts requiring the use of locally sourced native plants, which the Veronda-Falletti Ranch nursery would be well-positioned to provide. The proceeds of these sales would go to fund continuation and expansion of activities listed previously in this proposal.
Table 1. Tentative Schedule for Project Red Willow – Action Plan Key Activity 1 Activity 2 Activity 3 Fundraiser Nursery Year Month Actionable Item Measurable Goal
2026 May Gather initial red willow cuttings. 300 cuttings.
May Processing event at V.F. Ranch greenhouse. 6 seniors and/or others facing access barriers.
May-Aug. Determine target locations for plantings. 6 locations.
May-Aug Willow water collection, processing from solution for stability + natural fiber testing - laboratory
testing with simple lysimeter constructed within
greenhouse.
Produce 1) stable IAA solution,
2) natural fiber material which
retains soil under simulated
erosive conditions.
Sept. Gather a second round of red willow cuttings. 1500 cuttings.
Sept. Processing event at V.F. Ranch greenhouse. 6 seniors and/or others facing access barriers.
Oct. Enhanced recreational outing to the ocean. 10 seniors and/or others facing access barriers.
Nov. Prepping propagations for planting at V.F. Ranch
greenhouse.
6 seniors and/or others facing
access barriers.
Nov. Host premier planting event. First location, plant up to 300 propagations.
Nov. Test geotextile prototype in field. 50% propagations planted with geotextile (treated), 50% without
(control).
Dec. Enhanced recreational outing to the ocean. 10 seniors and/or others facing access barriers.
Dec. Field survey to observe any changes. Erosion/movement of soils at 5 planting area, measure any
vegetative growth - observe for
any difference between control
vs. treated.
Dec. Adjust design via laboratory testing based on the
Dec. survey (and future surveys) to improve
application results (ongoing for duration of grant
timeline).
TBD
Dec. Host premier Sea+Me+Cotati Fundraiser Event. 5 artists, 25 attendees. 2027 Jan. Prepping propagations for planting at V.F. Ranch greenhouse.
6 seniors and/or others facing
access barriers.
Jan. Host second planting event. Second location, plant up to 300 propagations.
Jan Apply geotextile to all propagations. Improved rate of success.
Jan. Field survey to observe any changes. Erosion/movement of soils at planting area, measure any
vegetative growth, sample for
rate of decay.
Jan. Enhanced recreational outing to the ocean. 10 seniors and/or others facing access barriers.
Feb. Prepping propagations for planting at V.F. Ranch
greenhouse.
6 seniors and/or others facing
access barriers.
Feb. Host third planting event. Third location, plant up to 300 propagations.
Feb. Apply geotextile to all propagations. Improved rate of success.
Feb. Field survey to observe any changes. Erosion/movement of soils at planting area, measure any
vegetative growth, sample for
rate of decay.
Feb. Enhanced recreational outing to the ocean. 10 seniors and/or others facing access barriers.
March Prepping propagations for planting at V.F. Ranch
greenhouse.
6 seniors and/or others facing
access barriers.
March Host fourth planting event. Fourth location, plant up to 300 propagations.
March Apply geotextile to all propagations. Improved rate of success.
March Conduct field surveys of previously planted sites. Survey report to include results from 3 sites.
April Prepping propagations for planting at V.F. Ranch
greenhouse.
6 seniors and/or others facing
access barriers.
April Host fifth planting event. Fifth location, plant up to 300 6 propagations.
April Apply geotextile to all propagations. Improved rate of success.
April Enhanced recreational outing to the ocean. 10 seniors and/or others facing access barriers.
May Prepping propagations for planting at V.F. Ranch
greenhouse.
6 seniors and/or others facing
access barriers.
May Host sixth planting event. Sixth location, plant up to 300 propagations.
May Apply geotextile to all propagations. Improved rate of success.
May Field survey to observe any changes. Erosion/movement of soils at planting area, measure any
vegetative growth, sample for
rate of decay.
May Enhanced recreational outing to the ocean. 10 seniors and/or others facing access barriers.
July Conduct field surveys of previously planted sites. Survey report to include results from 6 sites.
Sept. Gather a third round of red willow cuttings. Quantity TBD based on need to replenish target. sites and
stocking greenhouse as a
resource for governments and the
community.
Sept. Processing event at V.F. Ranch greenhouse. 6 seniors and/or others facing access barriers.
Nov. Conduct field surveys of previously planted sites. Survey report to include results for 6 sites.
Dec. Host second annual Sea+Me+Cotati Fundraiser
Event.
7 artists, 35 attendees.
2028 Jan-April Establish greenhouse as a licensed nursery for red willow propagation.
Supply to 1+ contractor, host 1+
farmstand event.
March Conduct field surveys of previously planted sites. Survey report to include results for 6 sites.
April 17th Completion of All Grant Funded Activities Final Report Submitted 7 Project Willow Dean Coordinators
Happy Sattva
Principal Investigator – Project Manager – Sandy Loam
____________________________________________________________________________________________ A pioneer in sustainable design, Happy champions an innovative approach to nature-centric solutions that bridge the gap between human needs and environmental preservation. Her work is guided by a core philosophy of ecological balance, striving to restore and enhance biodiversity while creating resilient, low-impact educational habitats.
Francisca Lizotte
California Naturalist, Trail Guide and Educator – Common Thread Yoga ____________________________________________________________________________________________ As an accredited California Naturalist, Herbalist, Trail Guide and E-RYT with over 6,000 yoga teaching hours, Francisca creates transformative experiences which connect participants deeply with their bodies and the natural world. Her trauma-informed teaching weaves together meditation, breathwork, and somatic nervous system practices, helping students build resilience and emotional balance. Francisca provides adaptable modalities through a unique blend of Hatha and Restorative yoga.
Ashley Wilson
Grant Coordinator – Recreation Manager – The City of Cotati ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Ashley has over 20 years of parks and recreation experience working with various school districts, special districts, and municipalities. She holds a B.S. in Liberal Studies from California State University, Chico and has served for over 10 years on the California Parks and Recreation Society District 1 Board of Directors, including serving as President in 2020. She started the Recreation department in Cotati in 2015 from the ground up and continues to work to provide quality programs for all. Her passion is bringing the community together and offering unique, fun, and educational experiences for all.
8 Aishwarya Kancharla
Grant Compliance Officer – Director – Sandy Loam
____________________________________________________________________________________________ Aishwarya brings over 20 years of project management expertise across education, environmental stewardship, and public health to design and implement foundational community wellbeing systems in her hometown of Cotati. She served as a Communications & Grants Officer for the USAID-funded Rule of Law – Formal project in Afghanistan and as a Healthcare Strategy and Operations Project Manager for public and private health systems worldwide. Aishwarya holds a B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communications from New York University and a J.D. from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings). She is currently pursuing an A.S. in Natural Resource Management at Santa Rosa Junior College and a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Environmental Planning & Management at the University of Connecticut.
Advisory Member
● Dr. Jejung Lee – University of Missouri - Kansas City – Dr. Lee’s expertise is in quantifying and improving the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic activities on groundwater through the integration of surficial processes, land use and vegetation. Dr. Lee has worked closely with Ms.
Sattva on a number of awarded projects during her time attending and working at UMKC.
Community Partners
● Becoming Independent - Serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ● Charles Street Village - Affordable senior housing provider in Cotati. ● Friends of the Laguna - Established collection of citizens proactive for conservation. ● Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation - Experts in conservation efforts within the Laguna. ● Point Blue - Leaders in climate-smart conservation and sustainable native plant environments. ● San Francisco Estuary Institute - Developers of the Laguna de Santa Rosa Master Plan. ● Sonoma Land Trust - Stewards of open space and land conservation practices. ● Sonoma Water - County water agency with a department specializing in erosion mitigation. ● The Sonoma Resource Conservation District (SCD) - Support for natural resource conservation.
Deliverables
Activity 1:
Conduct field surveys and analyze data of erosion resiliency zones, for example:
● Number of propagations alive and remaining;
● Mark and record any movement due to erosion;
● Vegetative growth rate of propagations (in centimeters).
Activity 2:
Examples of geotextile data collection:
● Rate of any changes in soil retention, control vs. geotextile treated area; ● Rate of decomposition of natural fibers under simulated environmental exposure; 9 ● Effect on rate of growth - control vs. IAA inundated geotextile planting area.
Activity 3:
Track by surveying participants with a questionnaire including questions like the following examples:
● Describe your desired frequency of accessing the ocean; ● Rating scale: How well has this event inspired your personal connection to the ocean? ● Suggestions for improvement, including: transportation, frequency, programming.
References
Andersen, L., Corazon, S. S., & Stigsdotter, U. K. (2021). Nature Exposure and Its Effects on Immune System Functioning: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 1416. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041416 Brockett, B. (2025, September 2). Beginner’s Guide to Willow Basketry. Foggy Blossom Farm. https://www.foggyblossomfarm.com/stories/beginners-guide-to-willow-basketry.
Butcher, Dr. J. (2020). (tech.). Laguna de Santa Rosa – Linkage Analysis for Sediment Impairments (Revised). Retrieved 2025, from
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/northcoast/water_issues/programs/tmdls/laguna_de_santa_rosa/pdf/2510 30/sediment-budget.pdf.
California map showing Sonoma County. (2024, January 27). Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved December 7, 2025, from
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:California_map_showing_Sonoma_County.png& oldid=845978440.
California Sea Level Rise Guidance: 2024 Science and Policy Update. 2024. California Sea Level Rise Science Task Force, California Ocean Protection Council, California Ocean Science Trust.
Calscape. (2014). Red Willow. California Native Plant Society. https://calscape.org/Salix-laevigata-(Red-Willow)
Johnson, C., Morkill, A., & Gause, A. (2022). (rep.). Laguna Foundation Impact Report 2020-2021.
Retrieved 2025, from http://www.lagunafoundation.org/pdfs/LDSR_Annual_Report_FY_20-21_web.pdf.
Levine, P. A. (2010). In An Unspoken Voice: How the body releases trauma and restores goodness. North Atlantic Books.
Pawek, J. (2013). Salix laevigata; Red Willow. Calphotos. https://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?enlarge=0000%2B0000%2B1213%2B0586 Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company. 10 Porter, K. (2025, February 4). Forestville house falls into Russian river due to mudslide. The Press Democrat. Retrieved December 7, 2025, from
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2025/02/04/forestville-house-falls-into-russian-river-due-to-mudslide/.
Putah Creek Council. (2022, April). Red Willow (Salix laevigata). https://putahcreekcouncil.org/creekside-neighbors/red-willow-salix-laevigata/ Schwartz, A. (2017). The complex PTSD workbook: A mind-body approach to regaining emotional control and becoming whole. Althea Press.
Schwartz, A., Porges, S. W., & Cruikshank, T. (2022). Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma Recovery: Applying the principles of polyvagal theory to self-discovery, embodied healing, and meaningful change. PESI Publishing.
Stout, T. (2016, July 24). Western tiger swallowtail papilio rutulus lucas, 1852. Western Tiger Swallowtail Papilio rutulus Lucas, 1852 | Butterflies and Moths of North America. https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Papilio-rutulus#:~:text=Habitat%3A%20Woodlands%20near %20rivers%20and,rare%20stray%20to%20central%20Nebraska.
The Laguna Foundation. (2020). Recreation in the Laguna de Santa Rosa. http://www.lagunafoundation.org/about_recreation.html#:~:text=The%20largest%20tributary%20of%20t he,two%20weeks%20after%20heavy%20rainfall.
Turner, B. (2009, August 24). Map of the Laguna de Santa Rosa Watershed. http://www.lagunafoundation.org/about_maps.html
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