Steward

Steward

The Preserve lies in the very heart of California’s central coast, an ecological crown jewel. Conserving this treasure-trove of diversity and wild natural beauty has been central to the Santa Lucia Preserve design since its conception. Recognizing the land’s global conservation significance, The Preserve’s founders set an ambitious goal: to create an innovative model for how people and nature can coexist and thrive together in a changing world. They chose to carefully weave the natural and human communities together in a manner that would inspire an abiding sense of stewardship in current and future generations.

To guide this process, the developers created and permanently endowed the Santa Lucia Conservancy in 1995 as an independent non-profit land trust. The Conservancy plays an essential role in delivering on the promise of the Santa Lucia Preserve design.  Science-based and forward-thinking, the Conservancy facilitates the realization of The Preserve’s full potential:  a place of enduring wild beauty and resilient biodiversity, actively cared for and protected by a thriving community of people who treasure it.

The American West is grappling with many of the same challenges and opportunities of biodiversity conservation shared by communities all over the world. Reflecting a culture of optimism and hope in the face of these challenges, the Santa Lucia Preserve is an extraordinary place where, by design, the future of the community and the land is interwoven. Working together, the Conservancy and Preserve is creating a legacy of health and wild natural beauty for many generations to come.

Conservation Grazing

The Conservancy’s experimental ‘Conservation Grazing’ program uses cattle to reduce thatch (dead organic material), manage brush and weeds, and improve conditions for a host of grassland plants and animals. Learn more.

Invasive Weeds

Invasive plants threaten The Preserve’s biodiversity and natural beauty. Left unchecked, these species out-compete native species. Here’s what we’re doing about it.

Science Guided Management

All of the Conservancy’s actions are grounded in best-informed scientific practices and research. Read more here.

Landowner Partnerships 

The Conservancy collaborates with Landowners to proactively steward The Preserve’s diverse landscape. Learn more.