American River Conservancy

Operating mainly as a land trust since 1989, ARC protects lands in perpetuity to improve watershed health. We apply the best available science to preserve rivers, land, and the life they support.  We foster diverse community relationships and collaborative partnerships with all who share our environmental values.  Our success is measured by a long record of productive partnerships and community support, including thousands of volunteer hours each year.  We lead through our three mission pillars:

1. Conservation:  We protect and restore open space, biodiversity, natural habitat, and cultural resources through willing land purchases, donations, and conservation easements.  To date, we have protected over 29,000 acres ranging from the rural fringes to dense headwaters forests in El Dorado and Placer Counties.  At least one-third of our protected properties are former or current agricultural lands.

2. Stewardship:  We manage land and conservation easements, including habitat restoration and enhancement, trail maintenance, and site monitoring.  We are responsible for over 35 miles of scenic foothill trails east of Sacramento. We make informed decisions and take actions to help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

3. Environmental Education:  We connect people with the outdoors by facilitating experiential place-based learning. Each year, we serve thousands of learners of all ages in environmental education.  By building environmental literacy, we bolster others to create a more sustainable world for life today and tomorrow.