The mission of the Santa Lucia Conservancy is to protect and steward in perpetuity the unique natural, cultural, and aesthetic resources of the Santa Lucia Preserve and serve as a model of ecologically sustainable development to communities outside of The Preserve. The organization is dedicated to advancing the art and science of conservation-compatible development through adaptive land management, conservation easement stewardship, ecological research, and environmental education programs.
The SLC will conduct 100 environmental field experiences for County students in the Potrero Canyon redwood forest. This site is perfect for exploring healthy forest ecosystems, understanding riparian zones, and learning to conserve and restore our natural spaces. The Conservancy joined a collaboration with the local Rumsen Ohlone and Esselen Tribes to weave accurate native history and culture into lessons.
Field studies include an age-appropriate introduction followed by an interpretive nature walk along the creek in the Potrero Canyon watershed. Lessons aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) use an ecosystem-lens approach to understanding each subject. Redwood adaptations, microclimate within our watershed, indigenous history, ecosystem diversity, and restoration techniques are integrated.
Hands-on projects like building birdhouses teach compassion for wildlife, giving youth a sense of accomplishment. During restoration activities, students learn self-confidence and the joy in helping others. They become empowered by their capacity to make a change for good.
Due to its geography, weather patterns, and fire history, the 20,000-acre Santa Lucia Preserve acts as an important wildfire buffer zone between the Los Padres National Forest and the high fire risk communities of Carmel Valley/Village, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Carmel Highlands. We create and maintain fire breaks, clear emergency routes and easements, and reduce fuels. In a fire event, this work protects a population of over 19,000, and protects shopping centers, public schools, repeater and cell towers, a 60-kilovolt transmission line, and the Carmel River and related infrastructure that supplies drinking water to the Monterey Peninsula.
Habitat conservation and restoration efforts strengthen the ecological integrity of the Preserve—a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot—by supporting native species including state and federally protected plants and wildlife, significantly increasing soil carbon, and enhancing soil, water, and air quality within the Carmel River Watershed.
The Conservancy’s environmental education program serves nearly 3,000 grade K-12 students annually with 50% from Salinas, 40% from Seaside & Marina, and 10% from other areas of the Monterey Peninsula.
Zili enjoyed the day camp nature walks and watershed activities the most. I loved that the biologists helped the children make connections with the habitat and the importance of conservation. Zili frequently recalled learnings and discussed them with me, a rare and wonderful occurrence that tells me that her Conservancy experience was stimulating, engaging, and exceptional!
- Zili's Mother, Carmel Valley
