SRT Fact Sheet
Kaweah Oaks Preserve
WHO WE ARE & WHERE WE WORK
We are a non-profit, regional land trust dedicated to conserving the natural and agricultural legacy of the southern Sierra Nevada and San Joaquin Valley.
We engage in land protection, stewardship and educational efforts in the Kings, Kaweah, Tule and Kern rivers, plus Dry and Deer Creeks from the southern Sierra foothills to the Tulare Lake Basin.
WHY OUR CONSERVATION EFFORTS ARE IMPORTANT
Our region is distinguished by scenic, unique and diverse habitats, plants and animals
The San Joaquin Valley and adjoining foothills rank among the most productive agricultural regions in the world.
Blue oak woodland is globally significant, one of the top 200 globally threatened landscapes
Ribbons of habitat provide homes for wildlife
Riparian corridors ensure water quality
WHAT WE DO
Engage willing landowners in land protection and stewardship to conserve what they value most about their land and quality of life, while preserving economic livelihood.
Rob Hansen leads a preserve tour
Draw on the best available science to care for or restore lands owned and managed by SRT
Educate the community about the value of conserving natural and agricultural resources by fostering an awareness and understanding of our unique natural and agricultural heritage (through curriculum-based education programs and public walks/tours)
Showcase the results of effective conservation efforts
Participate, as appropriate, in public planning efforts that keep our communities thriving and beautiful
Encourage collaborative relationships among community members, business leaders, farmers, landowners, government agencies and other nonprofits so that we can keep our region’s economic and natural systems flourishing
HOW SRT CONSERVES LAND
We own and manage six preserves in Tulare County, protecting 4,069 acres:
Kaweah Oaks Preserve (322 acres) contains the largest protected example of valley oak riparian forest on the Kaweah River Delta and is located just 7 miles east of Visalia.
Homer Ranch (1,819 acres) protects one of the largest sycamore alluvial woodland communities in the world, as well as threatened blue oak woodlands and critical wildlife habitat. Located east of Woodlake.
James K. Herbert Wetland Prairie Preserve (725 acres) contains the greatest density of Northern Claypan Vernal Pool habitat in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Located just east of Tulare.
Dry Creek Preserve (152 acres), a former gravel mine, is currently being restored to its once native community of sycamore and valley oak woodlands. SRT will open the preserve as a place for residents and visitors to enjoy and learn about how once productive mines can create wildlife habitat, scenic beauty and a sense of community stewardship. Located east of Woodlake, adjacent to Homer Ranch.
Lewis Hill Preserve (110 acres), located north of Porterville, is a grassy hill scattered with rock outcrops. It protects two rare and beautiful wildflower species, the striped adobe lily (Fritillaria striata) and San Joaquin adobe sunburst (Pseudobahia peirsonii).
Blue Oak Ranch (1,135-acres), located near Springville, includes blue oak woodland and conserves an important corridor of habitat between the foothills and higher elevation streamside areas for rare mammals like the Pacific fisher and for songbirds like the rare Swainson's thrush and black swift.
We hold 19 conservation easements, protecting 3,226 acres
Conservation easements are voluntary agreements that allow landowners to keep land productive and economically viable while curbing development. Landowners can receive compensation for ceding their lands’ development rights while retaining complete ownership and of the land.
Three agricultural easement protects 572 acres of prime farmland in Tulare and Kern Counties
Five properties in Springville protect 1,799 acres of rolling blue oak woodland and sensitive riparian habitat along the North Fork of the Tule River
In partnership with the City of Porterville, a 7.3-acre property contains examples of the riparian forests and adjacent grasslands that were once typical of the Central Valley
Five properties in Three Rivers protect 411 acres of Kaweah River streamside habitat, wildlife corridors, the rare Kaweah brodiaea (Brodiaea insignis), and sweeping, scenic vistas
A property on Dry Creek safeguards 17 acres in the rare and unique sycamore alluvial woodland community
A property near California Hot Springs protects 360 acres of blue oak woodland and streamside habitat along Tyler Creek, a significant tributary of Deer Creek
A property in Fresno County protects 60 acres of oak woodlands, natural stream courses, and native plant and wildlife habitat, including the threatened shrub tree anemone (Carpeteria californica)
We partner with agencies, other non-profit conservation organizations and landowners, protecting 3,811 additional acres:
SRT added 2,740 acres to the Carrizo Plain National Monument, protecting a last remnant of the arid grasslands that once covered California’s vast San Joaquin Valley.
SRT added 576 acres to the Pixley National Wildlife Refuge, protecting marsh and grasslands that provide habitat for sandhill cranes
SRT has conserved two other properties in Tulare County, totaling 496 acres, protecting alkali vernal pools, grassland communities and blue oak woodlands
TOTAL PROTECTED ACREAGE: 10,594 ACRES
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Become a member of SRT or increase your regular contribution
Consider putting SRT in your will- your gift will leave a lasting legacy
Volunteer with SRT to restore native habitat, educate students about our precious land and water or remove invasive plant species from local rivers and creeks
Consider the donation or sale of a conservation easement or fee title to SRT and work with us to forever protect what you value most about your property and community
Sign up for our e-newsletter and tell your friends!
Your tax-deductible donation supports conservation efforts in our beautiful region.