Our Mission
RCLC’s mission is to preserve, restore and share the natural wonders of coastal southern Mendocino and northern Sonoma Counties.
Preserving
Since 1992, RCLC has acquired key properties and conservation easements, protecting critical habitats along the Mendonoma Coast, benefiting native plants and wildlife. The purchase of Mill Bend Preserve in 2021 – a community-wide endeavor – was a particularly momentous accomplishment, as it secured 113 acres located near the mouth of the Gualala River and bordering Sonoma County’s Gualala Point Regional Park. Mill Bend Preserve holds the river’s estuary, varied upland habitats, and Gualala’s historic cemetery.
Restoring
Intensive habitat restoration is currently underway at Mill Bend Preserve. State Coastal Conservancy and California Department of Fish and Wildlife grants are funding wildfire resilience efforts – benefiting both the Preserve and the adjoining community – and comprehensive plans to employ cutting-edge strategies to restore native habitats, including enhancing spawning conditions for Gualala River salmonids. Staff and dedicated volunteers are actively removing invasive plant species, such as Scotch broom, pampas grass, and Cape ivy.
Sharing
RCLC takes great pride, even delight, in sharing Mendonoma nature with residents and visitors alike. The Gualala Bluff Trail showcases the Pacific Ocean and Gualala River, and the point where they meet seasonally. Cooks Beach and Hearn Gulch invite beachgoers to witness Northern California’s wild and ever-changing coastline in person. And Mill Bend Preserve’s “living lab” is an evolving story of restoration and learning. We are inspired by the deep belief that nature improves all our lives and plants the seeds for the next generation of natural world stewards.
“The Redwood Coast Land Conservancy is doing great work and these latest grants to protect 113 acres of sensitive habitat at the mouth of the Gualala is fantastic news. The state has been grateful to partner with the Conservancy to preserve the property and help increase public access along our beloved coast.”
–California State Sen. Mike McGuire, an early supporter of the Gualala River Park
Learn More
Learn about Redwood Coast Land Conservancy projects here.
Photo credits: Banner photo – David Bradbrook; Cemetery – Dave Shpak; Birders – Teresa Burns Gunther; Clouds over MBP – Nicolet Houtz; CCC crew at work – Nicolet Houtz; Youth at rope swing – RCLC Archives