Local roots and strategic partnerships
Our Story
We were founded in 2000 by a visionary group of local volunteers. Now a nationally accredited land trust 1,100 members strong, we have protected over 100,000 acres of the Feather River region’s most important lands and waters.
FRLT Milestones
Nonprofit Status
2000
With 40 charter members and no paid staff, FRLT forms as a nonprofit land trust to conserve the most important lands and waters in the Feather River Watershed
First Preserve
2003
In partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Sierra Business Council, FRLT acquires the 575-acre Maddalena Property, now part of the Sierra Valley Preserve
Learning Landscapes
2004
With local school districts, FRLT kicks off conservation and education program to connect kids to nature that will become a national model
Heart K Ranch
2006
FRLT purchases the Heart K Ranch, a culturally important and biodiverse 903-acre ranch along Indian Creek in Genesee Valley
Northern Sierra Partnership
2007
FRLT, The Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Land, Sierra Business Council, and Truckee-Donner Land Trust launch campaign to conserve the Northern Sierra's large landscapes
30,000 acres
2010
By its tenth anniversary, FRLT had helped conserve 30,000 acres of wetlands, meadows, and working family ranches rich in water and biodiversity
Olsen Barn Meadow
2015
With tremendous community support, FRLT purchases the 107-acre historic Olsen Barn Meadow in Chester
National Accreditation
2015
FRLT achieves accreditation through the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission
New Executive Director
2016
After 17 years of visionary conservation, founder Paul Hardy passes the leadership torch to FRLT's conservation director, Shelton Douthit
Sierra Valley Preserve
2016-2019
In partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Northern Sierra Partnership, the Sierra Valley Preserve expands to 2,586 acres
Vision Campaign
2017
FRLT kicks off campaign to conserve 120,000 acres of Feather River headwaters and globally unique wetlands, meadows, and forests
100,000+ acres
Today
With community support and strategic partners, together we've conserved over 100,000 acres of important lands and waters
I think back to the day we first gathered, in June of 1999, to see if it would be viable to start a land trust to protect this place we love. We had a dream, a vision, and our passion. We had no staff, and almost no money. It's so gratifying to look back over what we have accomplished together.
—Bob Cobb, founding Land Trust member, Quincy, CA
When you feel very connected to the land, and you see a special place being developed, you feel that you're losing part of your Self. It's just natural and instinctual, like the immune response of a white blood cell, to want to do something about it.
—Paul Hardy, founding Executive Director
Feather River Land Trust’s conservation of this watershed, from working ranches to secluded river bends, has inspired and deepened our commitment to this place we have called home for more than 50 years.
—Jon and Jane Braxton Little, members since 2000, Greenville, CA
I've been coming to places in the Feather River Watershed for over 46 years. Along with its natural beauty, I appreciate the many valuable ecosystem services it provides both us humans and all the other living things. I consider it a privilege to help steward this land and I encourage anybody who loves this landscape to join us in this endeavor.
—Bob Battagin, charter Land Trust member, Woodacre, CA
Our roots
Action driven by a deep love of place
From a 4-year old boy digging worms at what is now FRLT's Sierra Valley Preserve, to a gathering of passionate volunteers in 1999, FRLT was formed by local people whose love for the special lands and waters of the Feather River region spurred them to protect it for future generations.
Photo courtesy of Paul Hardy
FRLT Today
Because of the tremendous support of our community and partners, we’ve conserved over 100,000 acres of special lands and waters in the Feather River region, and we’re connecting people of all ages to nature through our five preserves. With your help, we will conserve 120,000 acres of globally unique wetlands, headwaters, and wildlife habitats over the next few years. Please join us.
Protect what you love
Join us in protecting critical headwaters and habitats for wildlife, plants, and people
A few things to know about us:
We’re a local, non-governmental, nonprofit land trust.
We work with willing landowners to protect private lands for public benefit.
We leverage our expertise and partnerships to accomplish a lot, while keeping our operations lean.
In 2015, we achieved national accreditation through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Accreditation means that we meet national standards for excellence, upholding the public trust, and ensuring that our conservation efforts are permanent.
You Can Count On Us
As a nationally accredited land trust, we are built to last. We leverage your donations with state, federal, and foundation dollars and strategic partnerships to achieve the greatest possible impact for the lands, waters, and people of the Feather River region.
