A Deeper Dive into the Preserve’s Plant World
Last year one of the world's most prestigious redwood researchers visited The Preserve to measure redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) in Trappers Loop, as part of a redwoods and climate change study spanning over a decade. Humboldt State University Professor Steve Sillett’s work has been featured in National Geographic, the BBC and NPR, to name a few. In 2018, Steve and his [...]Grassroots: Notes from the Field
In our first newsletter, the Conservancy introduced our ‘Weed Warriors,’ a group of five seasonal staff spending day after day methodically traversing The Preserve to take down invasive weeds. In this edition, we want to showcase the hard work within The Preserve community by featuring four of your ‘Weed Warrior’ neighbors: Anne Cardone, Scot Smythe, Ivan Humphreys and Rich Griffith. [...]Wild Preserve: Connections with Our Natural Neighbors
Oh-my-kiss, that is how the fisheries biologists refer to them. No, it isn’t an affectionate term for a loved one, but short hand for Oncorhynchus mykiss, also known as the steelhead trout. The silvery steelhead is one of the most remarkable animals on the planet. They are a unique form of rainbow trout that are anadromous. Like their pink fleshed [...]Grasslands, Explained: Serenading Santa Lucia Cattle
A cow’s life doesn’t get better than grazing at the Santa Lucia Preserve. As hard working and highly qualified members of the Conservancy team, our bovine enjoy exceptional employee benefits. Their scope of work is primarily to eat grass, trample weeds and shrubs, and increase organic matter in our soils. Why do we need them to do this you may [...]Sharing the View: A World from the Executive Director
The fragrance of lupin fields and hum of native bees across The Preserve this Spring is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the natural world. Spending a few minutes soaking in the sounds, colors and scents of the season reaffirms what an extraordinary place this truly is. The Preserve lies at the heart of the Central Coast, one of [...]The fragrance of lupin fields and hum of native bees across The Preserve this Spring is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the natural world. Spending a few minutes soaking in the sounds, colors and scents of the season reaffirms what an extraordinary place this truly is. The Preserve lies at the heart of the Central Coast, one of [...]
Conservation Champions: Inspiration from Our Community
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 prisms near glass doors and [...]Grassroots: Tales from the Field
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 and restore this threatened ecosystem. [...]Into the Weeds: A Weed Warrior’s Toolkit
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 and buzz of bees busily [...]Wild Preserve: Coyotes, It’s a Family Affair
One of the joys of living on The Preserve is the fabulous wildlife watching opportunities that exist here, every season of the year. Spring is one of the best times to see our second largest resident predator, the coyote. Right now, coyotes appear bigger, or rather, fluffier, as they are still sporting their thick winter coats but in reality, coyotes [...]Grasslands, Explained: For the Love of California’s Grasslands
What is it about those grasslands? Over the last six years I’m sure you have heard the Conservancy talk about how important our grasslands are at least a time or two, or a few dozen more. But you may still be wondering why exactly grasslands are so important. Especially when compared to the visually complex and biodiverse oak woodlands, coastal [...]Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Santa Lucia Conservancy’s new bi-monthly newsletter. We hope you find stories below that engage, inform, entertain and inspire you! We’d love to hear from you as well. Please share your photos, stories and memories of time spent in nature or communing with wildlife, and we’ll find a place to feature them in future [...]
Connecting Conservation Communities: Portola Valley Ranch
Just an hour and a half north of The Preserve on the San Francisco Peninsula, a 400-acre conservation community is nestled in the hills of Portola Valley. Portola Valley Ranch is an active, landowner-led planned community committed to protecting its shared natural resources. Like The Preserve, homes recede into the landscape and residents adhere to community guidelines to protect the [...]Brand New Website
The Santa Lucia Conservancy team has been working hard to rebuild our website. We hope this new and improved interface delights and inspires you. There are so many exciting things happening on the Santa Lucia Preserve! Our work is dynamic, involves multi-stakeholder engagement and cutting edge science! This blog and this website are meant to keep the community up to […]