How to Identify Poison Oak Throughout its Life Cycle
By Alix Soliman Children recite “leaves of three, let it be,” but that’s not always specific enough, especially for those most susceptible to poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum). Since poison oak is a deciduous plant, it doesn’t always have leaves. As the seasons change, you’ll find both barren sticks and shiny new sprouts in various hues. The leaves are responsible for […]
Environmental Education Program Immerses Children in Nature
Children on the bridge over the Carmel River at Rancho Canada wave to their peers walking the river bed. Photo by Kirsten Stember. February 14, 2023 By Alix Soliman, Communications & Outreach Coordinator Since 1999, the Santa Lucia Conservancy has offered free field trips through our Environmental Education Program. Using a place-based, experiential learning approach, the program connects students in [...]Field Notes: Highlights from the 2022 Seasonal Restoration Crew
2022 crew members pull Italian Thistle in the Enchanted Forest on The Preserve. Photo by Jackson Brooke. July 21, 2022 By Jackson Brooke, Restoration Manager, and the 2022 Seasonal Restoration Crew When the Santa Lucia Conservancy launched the Grasslands Initiative in 2019, one of the goals that we set was treating 500 acres annually for invasive species. To achieve this [...]It’s Coyote Denning Season on The Central Coast
A coyote peeks out above the tall grass. Photo by Rodrigo Sierra Corona. June 20 2022 By Alix Soliman Coyotes are currently at the peak of their denning season, which lasts from May through the end of summer. Right now they are more visible, vocal, and territorial than any other time of year, as breeding pairs are busy defending areas [...]SLC Publishes Conservation Living Guide for Preserve Residents
The newly published Conservation Living Guide for Santa Lucia Preserve residents. Photo by Alix Soliman. November 18, 2021 By Jamison Watts, Executive Director We’re thrilled to announce that the Santa Lucia Conservancy will be releasing the Conservation Living Guide for Preserve residents next week! Born from an imperative to foster a comprehensive understanding of what it means to live in [...]How to Identify 5 Oak Species on the Santa Lucia Preserve
Comparing blue oak leaves (right hand) to black oak leaves (left hand). Photo by Alix Soliman. October 26, 2021 By Jackson Brooke Some of the most dramatic trees on The Preserve are old oaks, which are found sprinkled on grassy hillsides to create brilliant savannas and clustered together in woodlands, providing habitat for many species. Oak trees are especially important […]