WOODLAND – Debra Chase is leaving her position as executive director of Tuleyome on July 15.

Tuleyome was founded in 2002 as a volunteer advocacy-oriented nonprofit organization that is focused on protecting both the wild and agricultural heritages of the Putah-Cache bioregion, including all or parts of Yolo, Lake, Napa, Colusa and Solano counties.

“This was a difficult decision for me, because I truly love Tuleyome,” Chase said. “However, I'll be pursuing long-time passions that were further developed during my tenure at Tuleyome, including promoting the local food-shed, preserving and supporting local farms and helping people develop personal carbon-reduction goals by encouraging participation among individuals, businesses and local environmental groups.”

Chase will work in partnership with Silvina’s Basket, a local restaurant in Woodland that has been a strong supporter of Tuleyome and other community service groups, including the Woodland Farmers Market, the Woodland Opera House, The Parent Project and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

She will be working closely with restaurant owner Silvina Salcedo, developing the restaurant as one of Woodland’s first planet-friendly eateries and educating the public about local food and farms.

Tuleyome has been a strong supporter of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, of which Salcedo is the current president.

“Debra will help us to be a more mindful restaurant, ‘greening up’ the restaurant’s dining room and catering menus by serving food that reflects the cultural and agricultural bounties of Yolo County,” Salcedo said. “Debra will also offer her own personal-chef services designed to help folks build a planet-friendly pantry and transition to a more healthful local diet. Stop in often to see the changes she will be making, which include a breakfast service, as they come to fruition.”

Chase has served as Tuleyome’s executive director since late 2005, building the capacity of the local nonprofit conservation-advocacy organization.

She said she hopes to remain involved as a volunteer, continuing to write Tuleyome Tales and as a part time contractor supporting the group’s work with the “One Farm at a Time” collaboration, building community gardens in Woodland and preserving the rare and endangered native plants at Mavis Henson Field.

“Tuleyome has a strong and knowledgeable working Board of Directors and the programs and projects each Board member tackled was both a challenge and a joy to work on,” Chase said. “The Wild and Scenic Film Festival and the youth program were always a lot of fun, but some of the best days were when we were able to purchase the Ireland Ranch and the Cold Canyon Headwaters for the public to enjoy.”

Tuleyome is dedicated to achieving its mission statement, Protecting the Wild Heritage and the Agricultural Heritage of the Northern Inner Coast Range and the Western Sacramento Valley for Existing and Future Generations.

“We are proud of our record and what we have accomplished for current and future generations in terms of preserving, protecting, restoring, and enjoying the natural amenities of the region,” stated Board President Andrew Fulks. “Debra has been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals. We are pleased that she will be remaining in our local community. We are also energized by our agenda for the future.”

Tuleyome’s engagement in the region will continue to grow, building on current focuses such as the proposed designation of the Berryessa Snow Mountain region a National Conservation Area, helping underserved youth enjoy the outdoors and the Yolo Hiker program.

For more information about Tuleyome visit www.tuleyome.org or call 530-350-2599.