A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

Now in our 28th year, the Conservancy takes pride in the impact we’re making together in furthering our mission to protect and steward the unique natural capital of the Santa Lucia Preserve and serve as a model of ecologically sustainable development to communities outside of The Preserve.

We have you — our amazing community of members, property owners, Preserve entities, agency and foundation partners, and supporters — to thank for every success.

In 2023, together, we:

• Helped make The Preserve a safer place to live by effectively managing fuels and fire risk
• Enhanced our region’s unique biodiversity through conservation grazing, invasive species removal, and monitoring special-status and keystone species such as the Smith’s blue butterfly, California red-legged frog, and tri-colored blackbird
• Advanced land stewardship through Openlands Stewardship Plans (OSPs), unique experiential events, engaging and informative media, and complimentary technical assistance
• Inspired the next generation of land stewards through our environmental education program serving more than 3,000 students from across Monterey County, including 55% from disadvantaged schools
• Adopted a new Strategic Plan to guide our work over the next 10 years. Page 4
  of our report introduces our strategic priorities and specific objectives.

As we look to the future, we are adapting our strategies to the demands of climate change, with a goal to promote The Preserve’s resilient biodiversity and wild beauty in perpetuity.

Thank you for making our collective vision possible.

With gratitude,
Jamison Watts, Executive Director

The Santa Lucia Conservancy Board of Trustees 2023-24

Richard Frank, Chair
Jim Andrasick, Vice Chair
Richard Schaefer, Treasurer and Sonoran Institute Rep.
Paul Kranhold, Preserve Board Rep.
Lorraine Yglesias, Secretary
Scot Smythe
Kathy Siegel
Dr. Andrew Lawson
Scott Hennessy
Tom Gray, Conservancy Founder