The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy, a local environmental nonprofit, has received a commitment of $350,000 from the office of L.A. County Supervisor Michael Antonovich to preserve 7.75 acres of land at the top of Rosemont Ave. as natural wilderness.

Supervisor Antonovich’s commitment represents more than three-quarters of the total cost of $450,000 to create the “Rosemont Preserve.” The pledge came after the Crescenta Valley Town Council recommended that the county fund the project.

“We’re thrilled by the supervisor’s support, and heartened that the council recognized this project as a priority,” said Paul Rabinov, an AFC board member and La Crescenta resident. “There’s a huge need for open space in our community.”

Of the remaining $100,000 project cost, local community members have already donated over $11,000. AFC needs to raise the total amount by April 30, 2012, in order to complete the project.

Preserving the land would secure habitat for a range of wildlife, including mule deer, mountain lions, bobcats, bears, coyotes and Arroyo toads, as well as at least 31 bird species. The land would also provide the first access from within La Crescenta to the wilderness that surrounds the town. Currently, the town’s only public open space is the 8-acre Two-Strike Park.

AFC has held several community meetings with nearby residents, and presented the project twice before the Crescenta Valley Town Council. The conservancy will continue to meet with community members and groups as it works to raise the required funds, and determine how best to make the land a resource to the community.

“Everyone’s been very supportive,” Rabinov said. “People in La Crescenta are known for giving generously to important community projects, and we think this one will be no exception. We’re also looking forward to working with the community to steward the land once it’s been preserved.”

For more information about the project, or to donate, visit www.arroyosfoothills.org/rosemont.