AFC’s Land Stewardship Program
Once we acquire a property, we get to work restoring the land with native plants, removing invasive species, and forming a group of committed volunteers to support with the long term maintenance and stewardship. Together, with our committed volunteers, we transform each property into a sanctuary for biodiversity.
Restoring Habitat
Almost all of our Preserves have monthly habitat restoration days. At these events, volunteers gather to maintain the habitat, both for wildlife and human communities. Restoration work looks different at each property, depending on the needs of the land and the amount of public access. For example, at Rosemont Preserve, restoration events are often focused on maintaining native vegetation and trails, and preparing the preserve for upcoming field trips. At Sunshine Preserve, volunteers can often be seen removing invasive species from the hillsides and replacing them with native species, and creating and maintaining walking trails for community members to enjoy the space.
Meanwhile, at Cottonwood Canyon, Sycamore Canyon, and Millard Canyon, our preserves with very little public access, restoration focuses on removing invasive species, fire fuel reduction, and maintaining the properties to be safe and inviting wildlife corridors.
The video below is a timelapse of volunteers removing invasive fountain grass at Sunshine Preserve.
To learn more about native plants and biodiversity, click here.
Community Outreach
The foundation for AFC’s land conservation program is grounded in community outreach. In the neighborhoods surrounding our Preserves, we engage neighbors, families, teachers, students, and friends to get them involved with land stewardship. We educate them about the value of their natural open space and ask for their input regarding what we do with each property. We encourage everyone to get involved and provide volunteer opportunities for everything from habitat restoration and docent training to biological surveys and remote wildlife camera trapping. Our goal is to transform vacant land into a community resource.
We form a “Friends” group to help steward each property and supply them with resources and guidance.
Friends Groups
The Friends groups provide program ideas and outreach to the community while AFC provides the organizational structure and resources the Friends need to both execute programs and effectively manage the property. This method creates sustainability by involving committed, local volunteers and experts to serve on management committees for each preserve.
The Friends help organize and run monthly volunteer events and create unique programs that best suit their community. This can be open gate days, when visitors can enjoy the preserves, or docent led tours on topics ranging from birding to wildlife photography.
If you would like to join one of ‘Friends’ stewardship groups, you can contact AFC’s Land Manager & Community Liaison, Tim Martinez at timmartinez@arroyosfoothills.org.
