Program areas at LCSLO
The Land conservation program establishes voluntary Land protection agreements (conservation easements) with family farmers, ranchers, and landowners. The Land Conservancy also buys properties in fee title and receives gifts/donations of Land. The program focuses on identifying and protecting San Luis Obispo County lands 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 38,050 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 outreach and volunteer support program focuses on engaging community members in The mission of The organization and educating The public about Land resources 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 1,214 household memberships (non-voting) and 130 business members (non-voting). The organization newsletter and e-newsletter reach 5,368, and The annual report goes out to approximately 1,202 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.