Program areas at LCSLO
The Land conservation program establishes voluntary Land protection agreements (conservation easements) with family farmers, ranchers, and other landowners. The Land Conservancy also buys properties in fee title and receives gifts/donations of Land. The program focuses on protecting lands in San Luis Obispo County with important scenic, agricultural, habitat and cultural values. The Land Conservancy staff prepare grant applications and proposals, draft agreements, identify Land management goals and objectives, and conduct monitoring of each property on an annual basis. The Conservancy has protected 61,846 acres to-date through easement fee title conservation.
The stewardship and restoration program implements projects that focus on supporting healthy wildlife habitat, improving water quality, sustaining our local water supply, and protecting man-made infrastructure and farm fields. The program focuses on streams, wetlands, coastal dunes, and historic landmarks. Restoration and stewardship care program staff develop grant proposals, prepare permit applications and restoration plans, implement restoration activities, and monitor project results.
The engagement and volunteer support program focuses on engaging community members in The mission of The organization and educating The public about nature and local agriculture in San Luis Obispo County. The program works to build support for The organization through collaborative partnerships, volunteer activities, educational events, and outreach opportunities throughout The County. Currently The organization has 1,310 household memberships (non-voting) and 152 business members (non-voting). The organization newsletter and e-newsletter reach 5,500, and The annual report goes out to approximately 1,700 households.
The youth education program focuses on providing opportunities for school-aged children to learn about nature through innovative programming using oak woodlands and other natural lands for hands-on experiential learning. Through partnerships with local public schools, The program trains and empowers children as future conservationists, instilling lifelong leadership and science skills. Thousands of students benefit from The program each year.