Nature Conservancy California

California is nature.  Nature is California.  I am proud to highlight a non-profit organization that really appreciates the natural treasures we cherish in our Golden State.

The Nature Conservancy in California has saved more than 1.2 million acres of California's valuable landscape.  This year marks the Conservancy’s 50th anniversary protecting California. Over five decades, they’ve safeguarded hundreds of parcels of land and waterways and millions of acres of ocean.

Starting with their first project, the Angelo Coast Range Reserve in Mendocino County, the Nature Conservancy has

• saved the Marin Headlands
• rescued the San Francisco Bay shoreline
• formed the Northern Sierra Partnership
• rehabilitated the Sacramento River
• created Andrew Molera State Park
• created Elkhorn Slough Reserve
• helped establish the Carrizo Plain National Monument
• dramatically expanded Montaña de Oro State Park
• brokered the Coachella Valley Preserve
• stewarded the Irvine Ranch National Natural Landmark
• developed the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve
• restored Santa Cruz Island, and
  
• partnered for California’s NCCP land-use planning program
  

The Nature Conservancy played a leadership role in the state’s new landmark climate change legislation. They guided CalPERS (California Public Employee Retirement System) to begin investing more than $2 billion in environmentally friendly timber projects.

Today, the Conservancy is at work in one of the first (and largest) forests to be recognized in California as a verified source of carbon credits.

As for the next 50 years? The Nature Conservancy aims to show the world how to achieve healthier and more prosperous communities. Their ongoing dream is to create a world where nature and Californians thrive.

I say it's a California Dream we all can imagine.

Happy 50th Anniversary to the Nature Conservancy in California.  Let's all support California nature and celebrate it!