Rivers & Lands Conservancy: Conserving the Natural Landscapes of Riverside, California

The Rivers and Lands Conservancy (RLC) is a local nonprofit organization based in Riverside, California, dedicated to preserving the area's natural landscape. RLC was founded in 1988 by a group of community members concerned about Riverside County's rapid growth and the loss of natural open space. The mission of the RLC is “to preserve the natural landscape and biodiversity of Riverside County.

The organization strives to achieve this mission by acquiring land, restoring ecosystems, and raising public awareness of the importance of conservation. RLC has conserved more than 13,000 acres of land in Riverside County, including the Santa Ana River corridor, Box Springs Mountains, and San Timoteo Canyon. The organization's conservation efforts have helped protect important wildlife habitats, create recreational opportunities for the public, and improve water quality.

One of RLC's largest land acquisitions was the purchase of the 600-acre Sycamore Canyon Preserve in Riverside in 2019. The preserve is home to many species of plants and wildlife, including including the endangered arroyo toad. RLC's acquisition of the Sycamore Canyon Preserve will help protect this important habitat for years to come.

RLC is also a leader in ecosystem restoration. The organization has restored more than 1,000 acres of riparian habitat along the Santa Ana River. RLC's restoration work has helped improve water quality, create habitat for fish and wildlife, and reduce the risk of flooding in the community. One of RLC's most successful restoration projects is the Santa Ana Reach 2 River Restoration Project. The project restored more than 200 acres of riparian habitat, including native willows and cottonwoods.

The project also creates a new public access point to the river, allowing people to enjoy the beauty of the Santa Ana River and learn about its importance to the community. RLC also offers a variety of educational programs and workshops to help the public learn about the importance of conservation and how to protect the natural environment.

The organization's educational programs are accessible to people of all ages, from elementary school students to adults. One of RLC's most popular educational programs is the Nature Rangers program. The program is designed to teach elementary school students about the natural world and how to protect it. The program includes excursions to the RLC reserve, classroom lessons, and hands-on activities.

RLC's work has a significant impact on the Riverside community. The organization's conservation efforts help protect the area's natural heritage and ensure that future generations can enjoy its beauty and benefits.

RLC's restoration work improves water quality, creates habitat for wildlife, and reduces flood risk. The organization's educational programs help inspire people of all ages to care about the environment and take action to protect it. RLC is an important part of the Riverside community. The organization's work is essential to building a more sustainable regional future.

There are many ways to support RLC and its work. You can donate to the organization, volunteer your time, or become a member. You can also learn more about RLC and their work by visiting the organization's website or following them on social media. Specifically, donations help support RLC's land acquisition, ecosystem restoration, and education programs. You can make a one-time donation or set up a recurring donation. Not to mention volunteerism, as RLC relies on volunteers to help with various tasks, such as habitat restoration, leading educational programs, and fundraising. You can learn more about volunteer opportunities by visiting the RLC website. By supporting RLC, you can help preserve Riverside County's natural landscape for future generations.