It is with heavy hearts that we remember Dennis Bowker, a true pioneer of conservation in Napa County, who recently passed away. His profound impact on land stewardship and sustainable farming resonates throughout our community and beyond. As we honor Dennis’s remarkable contributions, we would like to share a heartfelt statement from Phill Blake, who served as the District Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service alongside Dennis for many years, reflecting on his legacy and the indelible mark he left on our environment and those who had the privilege to work alongside him. Dennis’s commitment to preserving our natural resources serves as an inspiration to us all, and he will be deeply missed.
Dennis Bowker
Dennis Bowker, a pioneer of conservation in Napa County passed away recently. It is hard to understate the role Dennis played in introducing land stewardship concepts at a watershed scale. In the 1980’s, his work with sustainable farming practices at Haywood Winery vineyards in Sonoma County brought him to the attention of the Napa County Resource Conservation District, (RCD). The district, and their federal agency partner, the Natural Resources Conservation Service were looking to develop a new watershed-scale program for agriculturalists and Dennis, it turns out, was the perfect fit.
He was hired in 1988 by the then fledgling district to develop the program, working with property owners to integrate natural resources conservation and sustainable land use with everyday agricultural production. In a brief period of time, Dennis brought together a broad and diverse array of property owners, environmentalists and government agencies to dream, discuss, and ultimately implement a whole host of measures to restore the land, and in the process, entire watersheds.
The concept caught on and was implemented by property owners, in partnership with natural resources agencies in watersheds throughout the county. In the early 1990’s, a project he led, entitled the Napa River Watershed Owner’s Manua l, became the early inspiration for the Friends of the Napa River’s Living River concept. After 10 years of leadership and development of the local RCD program, Dennis moved on to teach, encourage, and help implement land stewardship programs around the state, the country and on several continents.
Napa County, and for that matter, the world lost a very special person, whose legacy will most certainly live on. Dennis is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Jane, sons Dane and Austin, and 4 grandchildren. May we all take inspiration from his many accomplishments and carry on the work he began. Godspeed, Dennis!
As we reflect on Dennis’s remarkable journey, let us remember not only the profound changes he brought to our landscapes but also the spirit of collaboration and stewardship he fostered among us. His legacy is not just in the projects he championed but in the community he inspired to care for our environment. Rest in peace, Dennis Bowker. Your impact will forever resonate in Napa County and beyond.