Mission: Protect, manage and preserve lands and wildlife having unique natural resources and cultural qualities within and near the foothills of the sierra nevada range.
Programs: Land conservation - sierra foothill conservancy has preserved over 30,000 acres in our service region that includes fresno, madera, and mariposa counties. With 8 preserves and 32 conservation easements that highlight the diverse ecology of the sierra nevada, sfc has active project development for an additional 15,000 acres in 2018, creating connected habitats and expanding the madera/mariposa focus area.
land stewardship - from the snow-capped sierra to the central valley floor, expansive landscapes, important habitats, and clean water resources are conserved and managed to ensure continuing public benefits. Sfc supports a thriving land-based economy while promoting a conservation ethic that spans generations. Funding awards for forest restoration and fuels management, reestablishing blue oak woodlands & ponderosa pines, community engagement to volunteer with plantings, and opportunities for internships along with partnerships which provide avian, vegetation & carbon monitoring, erosion controls, fig removal.
education & engagement- sfc education and outreach offers a variety of ways for the public to enjoy and connect to nature. Through our over 80 hikes and classes which are led by trained and experienced docents, opportunities to engage in our local conserved lands is a highlight of our programs. Sfc connected more than 5,000 people from school children to senior citizens with sfc protected lands. Sfc won the prestigious community participant award from the fresno state richter center for our collaborative efforts in education and outreach. Our stem based youth education program brings under served k-12 students from nearby communities to our mckenzie preserve where they are focused on experiential learning that relates to core standards. Our volunteer workdays allow for multi preserve trail work collaborations with rotary, fresno state university and ca naturalist students. Through grant funded partnerships sfc is able to complete trail work on several preserves.
Sierra Foothill Conservancy is an accredited land trust. Accreditation means Sierra Foothill Conservancy meets national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Sierra Foothill Conservancy has demonstrated to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission its commitment to excellence. Accredited land trusts meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. These land trusts demonstrate their commitment to excellence by adopting Land Trust Standards and Practices, the ethical and technical guidelines for the responsible operation of a land trust, and meeting the accreditation requirements drawn from them. Learn More: http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/about.
