Sacramento Valley Conservancy

A nonprofit organization
Fundraise

$35,236 raised by 163 donors

100% complete

$35,000 Goal

The Sacramento Valley Conservancy (SVC) was founded in 1990 on two basic principles: open lands are necessary for quality of life, and we must care for the land today so future generations may enjoy its physical and spiritual benefits tomorrow.

SVC is the Sacramento Region's oldest land trust, protecting land, managing natural resources, and sharing special places. SVC's main projects include a vernal pool preserve, various parkways (including the Dry Creek Parkway, the Humbug-Willow Creek Parkway, and the American River Parkway), agricultural land preservation, oak woodland protection, and Camp Pollock -- an urban open space and rustic venue near downtown Sacramento.

Deer Creek Hills Preserve and Camp Pollock are utilized for public recreation and SVC's Youth, Education, and Stewardship Programs introduce people to our natural environment.

Mission

To preserve the beauty, character, and biodiversity of the Sacramento Valley landscape by protecting and stewarding natural and working lands and scenic open spaces for the benefit of current and future generations.

Needs

LAND PROTECTION & CONSERVATION

We are working diligently to protect and preserve the farms and ranchland, vernal pools, waterways, and historical resources that make the Sacramento region unique. Land conservation takes considerable resources and time. Funding conservation helps cover unfunded costs and can be critical to leverage and secure grants.

High Priority project areas in 2025-2027:

~ Cosumnes Watershed - key agricultural and riparian land adjacent to Deer Creek and Cosumnes River.

~ Southeast Sacramento Agriculture Buffer - 10,000-acre corridor connecting Deer Creek Hills to the American River Parkway is essential for wildlife migration in East Sacramento County.

LAND MANAGEMENT & PUBLIC ACCESS

Funding for land management and restoration helps on the preserves that SVC manages when we do not otherwise have dedicated funds for ongoing management and maintenance. These include Deer Creek Hills Preserve, Sacramento County's largest open space preserve at 4,600 acres, and Camp Pollock, the 11-acre gem of the American River Parkway. Each year SVC serves more than 10,000 visitors, hosts 250 outings and 30 clean-up days.

EDUCATION & STEWARDSHIP

SVC is dedicated to teaching and inspiring stewards of the environment. Each year SVC provides discounted event space for educational outings and hosts more than 3,300 youth from various program partnerships with schools, scouts, and youth programs. Nearly 5,000 people came to our properties to learn about stewardship, adding up to roughly 20,000 hours of hands-on learning experience in the outdoors.

VOLUNTEERISM

With more than 18,000+ acres to monitor and maintain, SVC is always in need of volunteers. Whether you want to mow the lawn at Camp Pollock, pick up trash at Deer Creek Hills, share information at a community event, or lend a hand with administrative office tasks, we can put your time and talents to good use! Please also contact us if you are interested in helping with special events, coordinating a service day, joining our board of directors, or becoming a docent.

Equity Statement

We acknowledge our privilege as current land stewards and honor the Indigenous peoples who have cultivated deep-rooted relationships with this land for millennia. Their knowledge and respect serve as reminders of our connection to nature, emphasizing care, gratitude, and responsibility.

At the Sacramento Valley Conservancy, we are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of our work. Our mission to protect and steward natural and working lands is rooted in the belief that access to nature is a fundamental right, and that the benefits of open spaces, environmental education, and outdoor recreation should be shared equitably by all communities.

Our Commitment to Equity:

INCLUSIVE ACCESS

We strive to ensure that our preserves, programs, and facilities are welcoming, safe, and accessible to people of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities. This includes removing barriers to participation, whether physical, financial, or cultural.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

We actively engage with diverse communities, particularly those historically underrepresented in conservation and outdoor spaces. We listen, learn, and adapt our practices to reflect the needs and values of the communities we serve.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

We recognize that environmental inequities disproportionately affect marginalized communities. SVC is dedicated to advancing environmental justice by protecting natural resources, promoting climate resilience, and providing equitable access to healthy outdoor environments.

EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT

Through our programs, we aim to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, with a focus on reaching youth and communities who face systemic barriers to outdoor experiences and environmental education.

ACCOUNTABILITY AND GROWTH

We are committed to ongoing reflection and growth in our equity journey. This includes training our staff and volunteers, evaluating our programs and policies through an equity lens, and holding ourselves accountable to the communities we serve.

At SVC, we believe that diversity strengthens our work, equity guides our actions, and inclusion ensures that everyone has a seat at the table. Together, we can create a future where both people and the environment thrive.

Get Involved

View our current participation opportunities.

In-Person Event

Saturday Trail Hikes

Deer Creek Hills Preserve

Ongoing opportunity

In-Person Volunteering

Volunteer Service Day

Camp Pollock

May 10, 2025

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Sacramento Valley Conservancy

other names

SVC, Sac Valley Conservancy, Camp Pollock, Deer Creek Hills Preserve

Year Established

1990

Tax id (EIN)

68-0256214

Mission Category

Environment

Operating Budget

$500,001-$1 million

Organization Need

Funding: Unrestricted, Funding: Program, Volunteers, In-Kind Donations

Local Counties Served

El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Yolo

Address

PO Box 163351
Sacramento, CA 95816

Service areas

Sacramento County, CA, US

Yolo County, CA, US

Amador County, CA, US

Yuba County, CA, US

Sutter County, CA, US

Phone

916-731-8798

Email

info@sacramentovalleyconservancy.org

Website

http://www.sacramentovalleyconservancy.org

Social Media