The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

About Us

In California we focus on several priority areas:

• Freshwater
• Salmon
• Climate Change
• Renewable Energy
• Marine
• Migratory Birds

For more than 50 years, The Nature Conservancy has worked to protect the most ecologically important lands and waters of California. We have safeguarded and improved the health of natural landscapes and local communities from Mt. Shasta to the Mexican border, from the high Sierra to Big Sur and the waters off our coast.

Our accomplishments have demonstrated that conservation is not just a “nice-to-have”—it is fundamental to the health and prosperity of the 37 million people who call California “home.” Ensuring clean air and water safeguards the well-being of people and nature, while innovative conservation programs support California’s economy.

In California we strive to develop cutting-edge programs that serve as models for conservation efforts worldwide. Through sound science and expert planning, as well as policy-making that embraces multiple constituencies, we endeavor to identify and solve the world's most significant environmental challenges.

Our Successes

Across the state we are protecting nature and communities:

• 1.5 million acres of rivers, forests, and lands directly protected by the Conservancy
• 6,000 square miles of California ocean protected
• In Silicon Valley’s backyard, we have safeguarded more than 100,000 acres of connected wildlife habitat.
• In southern California we pioneered a new model for conservation-friendly development.
• In Mendocino County, we and our partners are demonstrating that it is possible to simultaneously fight climate change, restore wildlife habitat and sustainably harvest timber.
• Within sight of San Francisco, we protected the Marin Headlands leading to the creation of Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
• On a 100 mile stretch of the Sacramento River, we undertook the most ambitious river restoration project in the nation.
• On Santa Cruz Island, we are leading the most successful island restoration project in history.
• Participating in the creation of numerous landmarks and preserves including Carrizo Plain National Monument, Coachella Valley Preserve, the Irvine Ranch National Natural Landmark and the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve. 

How We Work

Yet the threats to our natural environment continue to accelerate. A growing population—and corresponding demands for food, water and energy—coupled with a changing climate put increasing pressure on the planet.

To combat these threats, we must increase the pace and scale of conservation. At carefully selected locations, we are demonstrating new solutions that can be applied more broadly to create a healthier and more sustainable future in California and around the world.

Across the state we are:

• Securing fresh water for the well-being of both people and nature
• Working with fisherman, ranchers, farmers, and the timber and wine industries to create models for sustainable harvest
• Implementing new strategies to protect migrating species such as birds and salmon
• Developing solutions to minimize the negative impacts of the changing climate on human and natural communities
• Creating a blueprint for developing renewable energy while safeguarding the diversity of life in our deserts

Board of Trustees

The guidance of the California Program's Board of Trustees is critical to the continued success of The Nature Conservancy. Meet our Board of Trustees.