All interested are encouraged and welcome to attend the inaugural meeting of a new group, Protecting North Valley Watersheds. The meeting will be Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Grizzly Rock Café, 4905 N. Golden State Blvd., Turlock.

Organized by the Stanislaus Concerned Citizens, the meeting will feature guest speaker Jake Wenger, Division 4 Modesto Irrigation District board member, elected to the board in 2013. The fourth generation farmer and Modesto resident grows walnuts, almonds and operates a walnut huller/dehydrator with his father and brother. He is also active in multiple community organizations and is this year’s MID board vice president.

Wenger will talk about what’s happening with the State Water Board issues in Stanislaus County.

The Grizzly Rock Café is on Golden State Boulevard just north of Taylor Road.