Natural History Wanderings

from the Nature Conservancy

 Santa Clara River Preserve opens to the public in Ventura County. We’ve been waiting to write those words for decades. Check out this video and plan your visit

TNC has been protecting and restoring properties along the Santa Clara River since 1999, reversing the impacts of past sand and gravel mining and helping to recover endangered species. The Santa Clara River Preserve encompasses nearly 1,000 acres of restored riverside forest, wetlands, thriving upland habitat and almost two miles of the river.

The Santa Clara is one of Southern California’s last wild rivers. It starts high up in the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, flows down into Ventura County, then empties into the estuary at McGrath State Beach and out to sea. The Santa Clara and its tributaries are surrounded by more than 12 million people, making the river a lifeline for native species, 16 of which are threatened or endangered.

A big part of our restoration plan was to improve access and community connection to the river, which is why we are thrilled to announce the official opening of the Santa Clara River Preserve. Explore the trails, join us for a guided naturalist hike or just relax by the water. This preserve is free and open to the public seven days a week from dawn to dusk.