Restoring Land also Restores Our Well-being by Adrienne Mohan, Executive Director of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
Restoring Land also Restores Our Well-being
by Adrienne Mohan, Executive Director of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
Photo credit: Jerry Kotler
As the year 2020 comes to a close and we reflect on the challenges of the past year, many are feeling the mental and physical uplifting benefits of the Peninsula’s natural lands during this time of social distancing. The Conservancy has continued to carefully steward these lands without interruption, restoring the health of the land for wildlife and public enjoyment. In spite of everything we have collectively endured, it is reassuring that open space is there for us to escape to and enjoy during trying times.
Habitat restoration and enhancement has begun on over 13 acres of designated land at Abalone Cove. Goats feasted on the proliferation of nonnative weeds, while the Conservancy deployed their own crews along with specialized arborists to remove acacia and other shrubs.
Since March, the Conservancy has conducted essential land restoration activities including the historic first release of captive-reared, endangered Palos Verdes blue butterflies into restored areas of the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve located in Rancho Palos Verdes. In addition, the Conservancy completed the removal of over 60 acres of non-native Acacia and other fire-prone weeds to reduce the abundance of fire fuel in the Preserve.
Docent training
Photo by Michae Hakimi
The first habitat restoration project under the now-formally adopted National Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) has been launched at Abalone Cove Reserve. Thirteen acres of land will be cleared of invasive weeds to make way for the installation of over 10,000 native plants fed by temporary drip irrigation. . I encourage you to visit Abalone Cove to enjoy the scenic ocean views and view the progress of the project.. A range of other projects proceed as part of the Conservancy’s habitat management responsibilities. The ongoing work of planning, site preparation, weeding, planting, trail maintenance, and signage installation continues while following appropriate health precautions along with essential vegetation and wildlife monitoring activities.
Due to the significant impacts on schools since COVID-19, the Conservancy’s Education staff transformed the Student Naturalist education program in order to provide the experience of the outdoors tomore than 3,000 elementary students in 23 different schools virtually. New online educational materials including video lessons for classrooms are providing much needed support for teachers and students.
None of this would be possible without community support. Please consider a gift to help the Conservancy continue to protect the Peninsula’s precious coastal lands and provide education programs that encourage students to understand and appreciate the importance the natural world around them. Each gift of $100 or more made by Dec. 31st will be doubled by a matching gift. Consider adopting a goat for $100 or more. You will be invited to a small spring event where you will be offered a family portrait with the goats (exact date in spring 2021 will be announced in April).
On January 17th, please join the Conservancy for the first virtual presentation of Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour. The festival is an exciting collection of nature films that will thrill, motivate and inspire your love of the outdoors. A Dinner-to-Go Package and Online Auction will make a great movie night for the family. Tickets will be available January 1, 2021.
Please visit pvplc.org to find out more and to donate now!
Adrienne Mohan
Adrienne Mohan, Executive Director
Adrienne Mohan is the Executive Director of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. She oversees the non-profit land trust annual budget of $2.1 million, management and maintenance of 1600 acres of public land serving a populated region of southern Los Angeles County with 40 miles of multi-use trails, the operation of two nature centers, and the delivery of community programming. Adrienne brings over 15+ years of experience in land conservation and ecosystem management, and non-profit board management. Adrienne has earned Masters in Geography from California State University, Long Beach. Before her current role, Adrienne served as the Conservancy's Conservation Director.