History

It’s been a journey.

The Northern California Regional Land Trust was founded in 1990 by a coalition of Butte County residents concerned about the pace at which the North State was growing up around wild places. Originally named the Parks and Preserves Foundation, the organization functioned as a local, grassroots land trust that promoted cooperative preservation and enhancement of scenic open space and significant habitat resources in Butte County.

In 2000, the organization undertook a long-range strategic planning effort, unveiled a new agricultural land conservation program, and invested in expanded education and outreach programs to promote and support conservation awareness in the region. At that time, the name was changed to reflect the expanded geographic and programmatic scope. The Northern California Regional Land Trust grew to serve Butte, Glenn, and Tehama Counties, encompassing roughly 6,000 square miles that stretches from the western slopes of the Sierra-Cascade crest to the eastern slopes of the North Coast Range.

As we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the organization in 2020, we reflected on the immense contributions of community members who have served as founders, Directors, sustaining donors, volunteers, staff, and tireless supporters during this journey. Thanks to these allies, we have permanently protected over 36,000 acres of prime agricultural lands, rangelands, open spaces, and wildlife habitat, with over 6,000 additional acres in progress. We couldn’t be more grateful for the role that each of them has played in our journey.

Where we started.

Consider it a time capsule. Travel back with us to 2010 to learn more about the Land Trust’s roots, and hear from some of the most influential thought leaders in our history and growth as an organization in this series of interviews.