Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy

Description

AFC works specifically to conserve lands that facilitate connectivity of the San Gabriel Mountains, San Rafael Hills, Verdugo Mountains, and Griffith Park. These wildlife corridors will allow wildlife to travel from one area to another. This will maintain biological and genetic diversity, strengthening the ability of the species living in these unique urban habitats to adapt to climate change. We are also preserving lands in our foothills with the highest intrinsic ecological value. These key habitat areas are being strategically protected through land acquisition, conservation easements, land use planning and implementation, and education.

To ensure the future stewardship of these properties we need to nurture the next generation of land stewards. A local, volunteer-driven community called a "Friends" group is established at each property to husband it. The Friends help develop program ideas, do outreach in the community and provide manpower. AFC undergirds it with expertise and resources needed to execute programs and effectively manage the property. Examples of programs initiated and run by Friends groups include field trips for local public schools, community service days for students, docent led tours, and open gate days, all providing opportunities for community members to visit our properties and learn about the unique natural diversity of our foothills.