Land Stewardship

Caring for the Land

 

STEWARDING LAND, WATER, AND CULTURAL SITES

A critical component of our mission is to steward wildlands and waterways under our care. Stewardship at each preserve includes adaptive planning, active habitat restoration, and ongoing maintenance.

Lands and waters are sustained and enhanced through native plant and wildlife restoration, invasive species removal, ecological monitoring, vegetation management, grazing, and improvement to trails and roads to reduce erosion.  To effectively manage dozens of protected preserves and extremely diverse habitats, we use the best available knowledge, science, and management practices.

Below you will find information on some of the programs the Land Trust pursues through our active land stewardship program.

A completed section of Land Trust of Napa County’s Aetna Springs fuel break. Photo by Mike Palladini – Land Trust of Napa County.

Land Trust completes Aetna Springs fuel break project

The shaded fuel break treatment, which included thinning dense stands of small trees, chipping woody debris, and limbing larger trees, was also aimed at enhancing overall forest health.

Controlled burn helps reduce wildfire risk and restore habitat in the Snell Valley

Completing a prescribed burn on Missimer Preserve in June 2021, Land Trust of Napa County hit what you might call a wildfire risk mitigation and habitat restoration jackpot.

4,461-Acre Ranch Permanently Protected in Napa

The easement will ensure the future of open space and ranching traditions next to the Lake.

Land Trust Uses Goats to Help Restore Protected Land

750 goats were enlisted to do a job that few are qualified to undertake – remove the heavy buildup of dry weed thatch during the height of the dry season.

Wildlife Picture Index Project

Tracking the health of wildlife populations within the Land Trust’s preserve network.

Scientists Study Ancient Redwoods on Land Trust Preserve Grove

The research team sampled trees that have now been determined to be over 500 years old, with one tree aged at approximately 800 years.

Land Trust finalizes landmark conservation achievement

“This ranch ranked as the number one priority for biodiversity conservation in Napa County,” said Doug Parker, CEO of the Land Trust.

Conn Creek Restoration on Linda Falls Preserve

The creek is a perennial tributary of the Napa River and feeds Lake Hennessy, the key water source for the City of Napa.

Topic Specific Natural History Outings Enhance Land Trust’s Field Trip Program

LTNC stewardship staff has continued to expand expert-led, topic specific field trip offerings

Post Fire Botanical Assessment on the Snell Peak Preserve Yields Valuable Information

In a 254-acre area comprised largely of one habitat type LTNC documented 16 special status plant species!

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