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As Thoreau astutely observed, spring arrives with imperceptible first steps. Now, spring is waning, having been lauded by the glowing hillsides of lupines and the gentle bows of the California poppies. And as you have likely both seen and heard, the coming of spring brings not only blooms, but life in all forms. With this
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NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   THE SANTA LUCIA CONSERVANCY EXPANDS REGIONAL FIRE PREVENTION The non-profit, recognized as leader in regional fire planning and prevention, is awarded $2 million across three grants CARMEL, Calif. – The Santa Lucia Conservancy is expanding its cutting-edge role in regional fire planning and suppression. Money from three federal and state
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A reflection on 9 years of accomplishments with the Santa Lucia Conservancy Spring is a time of metamorphosis, and this year change is also afoot at the Santa Lucia Conservancy.  After a 'transformational' 9 years as the Conservancy's Executive Director,  Christy Fischer has accepted an exciting new position with a long-time Preserve partner, the Trust
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Managing the Fuel Management Program across the Santa Lucia Preserve’s 20,000 acres is no small feat. Facilitating site visits, reviewing plans, coordinating approvals, consulting with implementors and following up on treatments is a full-time job, and only one of many responsibilities under the Conservancy’s Conservation Program Manager, Lindsay Cope. In the midst of the fuel
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This blog was originally posted to Stanford University's Bill Lane Center for the American West "Out West Student Blog".  On Tuesday, July 9th, I set out to capture some photographs at Hall’s Ridge for my ongoing project for the Santa Lucia Conservancy. My project at the Conservancy up to that point had consisted of selecting historical
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When I was in fourth grade, I was completely obsessed with rocks. At nine years old I could name all of earth’s geologic eras. I spent hours upon hours searching for rocks within each classification of the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. While most other children asked for Disney themed birthday parties, I begged for
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The Preserve’s newest residents have finally arrived. Allow us to introduce the Conservancy cattle currently scattered throughout The Preserve: The Big Herd: The Original Grazers (OG) - 35 head The OG make up the foundation of the Conservancy’s Cattle Grazing Program. This week, these bovine babes are moving to San Francisquito Flats. They have been
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The first hint that we are on our way to interview a bird lover is the owl sitting atop the home’s sign post. Indications become more prevalent as we park in this Vermont native’s drive and approach her front door. Bird baths and feeders dot the perimeter of the yard, spiral bird tape create rainbow
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There are many beautiful and diverse grasslands around the world, as two of our newest staff members can attest. Before joining the Conservancy team, Rodrigo researched prairie dogs, ran cattle, and managed bison in the arid grasslands of Janos, Chihuahua, Mexico. While Lindsay snorkeled seagrass meadows in the Philippines, working with fishing communities to protect
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When I first received the exciting news that I would be working with the Conservancy on the Santa Lucia Preserve, I did not really know what was in store for me. However, spending the day at Peñon Peak filled me with enthusiasm about my role here as the Natural Lands Manager. Surrounded by the call of raptors
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