State grant advances protection of Black Dog Woodlands in Humboldt County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4/23/2026

Download Press Release Here

Bayside, CA – The Northcoast Regional Land Trust has secured a grant from the California Natural Resources Agency’s Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program to help conserve Black Dog Woodlands, a 554-acre working forest and agricultural property in Kneeland, in the hills above Arcata.

The funding will support the creation of a conservation easement on the property, ensuring the long-term protection of its forests, meadows and wildlife habitat while keeping the land intact, productive and under local stewardship.

Black Dog Woodlands represents years of effort by landowners Eric and Mary Almquist, who reassembled the landscape from multiple smaller ownerships and restored it into a cohesive, working property that supports diverse habitats and uses.

“It has such a range — from prairie and hayfields at the top, through oak woodlands, down into deep timber,” Eric Almquist said. “It has all the ingredients of a really important conservation property.”

The property shares a boundary with the Butler Valley Ranch conservation easement, completed by the Land Trust in 2024, and plays a key role in regional habitat connectivity. Together, these conserved lands protect important salmon habitat along Black Creek, which flows through both properties, while also linking the forests of Jacoby Creek and Humboldt Bay to the Mad River watershed.

Once finalized, the conservation easement will permanently prohibit subdivision and development while allowing continued agriculture and sustainable forest management. The agreement is designed to support both ecological health and the long-term economic viability of the land.

“This is not about completely locking the land up — it’s about keeping it working and protecting what makes it unique,” Almquist said. “The goal is for the property to have diverse income streams that don’t rely solely on timber harvest, and now we’re one step closer towards that.”

Black Dog Woodlands is actively managed for forest health, wildfire resilience and sustainable production, including hay and timber. The property is also home to mission-aligned partners and programs, including Karuna Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, the Forestry Institute for Teachers, and Sacred Groves, a recently permitted conservation burial project.

“This project reflects Eric and Mary’s long-term vision of bringing separate ownerships back together as a single, functioning landscape,” said Dan Ehresman, Executive Director of the Northcoast Regional Land Trust. “It will strengthen a growing network of conserved lands in the region, support ongoing stewardship across a mix of forest and agricultural land, and protect the headwaters of Black Creek, an important salmon-bearing stream. It also includes, for the first time in our work, a new conservation burial site, adding another dimension to how this property serves long-term conservation and community needs.”

The project is now underway, with completion of the conservation easement targeted for next year.

Funding for the project comes through the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program, which supports projects that offset environmental impacts associated with transportation

improvements. Protection of Black Dog Woodlands will help mitigate impacts from the Greenpoint Sink slope stabilization project along State Route 299, approximately 15 miles away, by conserving intact headwater ecosystems and supporting watershed health in nearby salmon-bearing streams.

About the Northcoast Regional Land Trust

The Northcoast Regional Land Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving wild and working lands across northwestern California. Since 2000, the organization has protected more than 81,000 acres through voluntary partnerships with landowners, tribes, public agencies and community supporters. Learn more at www.ncrlt.org.

Media Contact:

Dan Ehresman

Executive Director

Northcoast Regional Land Trust

d.ehresman@ncrlt.org

(707) 822-2242

Read the California Natural Resource Agency’s funding announcement here! 

Conservation easement protects 12,000 acres of wild and working lands at Travis Ranch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 02/09/26

Download Press Release Here 

Bayside, Calif. — February 9, 2026 — Northcoast Regional Land Trust (NRLT), in partnership with the California Department of Foresty and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USFS), has completed a conservation easement on the Travis Ranch, a 12,000-acre working ranch in southwestern Trinity County.

The easement protects a key landscape linking the Six Rivers National Forest’s Yolla Bolly–Middle Eel and North Fork wilderness areas with adjoining U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. It permanently extinguishes the ability to subdivide or develop the property while supporting continued timber and agricultural production alongside habitat restoration, wildfire risk reduction, and long-term stewardship.

“We are honored to work with such forward-thinking landowner and agency partners to protect this remarkable property,” said Dan Ehresman, NRLT executive director. “The Travis Ranch conservation easement will keep the ranch intact while protecting wildlife habitat, conserving natural resources we all depend on, and sustaining resource-based livelihoods that have shaped this landscape for generations.”

Travis Ranch provides habitat for the federally threatened northern spotted owl and Northern California summer steelhead and lies along a well-known seasonal Black-tailed deer and Roosevelt elk migration route connecting mountain and river habitats. The ranch is intersected by the North Fork Eel River, a National Wild and Scenic River, and includes more than 530 acres of protected riparian corridors that help maintain clean, cold water, reduce erosion and support fish and wildlife habitat.

Forest and range management under the easement emphasize long-term resilience and stewardship. Nearly 900 acres are designated as forest reserves, where activities are limited to those that improve forest health, enhance wildlife habitat and reduce wildfire risk. Outside these areas, sustainable timber harvesting and ranching will continue as part of an integrated approach to land management.

The easement will be held by CAL FIRE, with funding provided by the Wildlife Conservation Board and the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program. NRLT worked with the landowner and agency partners to design an easement that balances conservation, stewardship and continued working land use. NRLT will serve as the monitoring agent, ensuring the long-term protection of the ranch’s conservation values.

The Travis Ranch conservation easement reflects a collaborative approach to conserving land in ways that benefit wildlife, water resources and working landscapes across northwestern California. Learn more at ncrlt.org.

About NRLT

NRLT is a nonprofit organization that conserves wild and working lands across northwestern California. Since 2000, NRLT has protected more than 80,000 acres through voluntary partnerships with landowners, tribes, public agencies and community support.

About CAL FIRE

The purpose of the CAL FIRE Forest Legacy Program is to protect environmentally important forest land threatened with conversion to non-forest uses. The primary tool CAL FIRE uses to conserve forest lands in perpetuity are permanent Working Forest Conservation Easements (WFCEs). Since the start of the California Forest Legacy Program (FLP) over 191,000 acres of important forest land have been permanently conserved throughout the State.

About USFS FLP

The Forest Legacy Program (FLP) is a conservation program administered by the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with State agencies to encourage the protection of privately owned forest lands through conservation easements or land purchases. Loss of forested areas poses an increasing threat to the integrity of the nation’s natural resources. By providing economic incentives to landowners to keep their forests as forests, we can encourage sustainable forest management.

About WCB

Established in 1947, the Wildlife Conservation Board protects, restores and enhances California’s spectacular natural resources for wildlife and the public’s enjoyment. WCB works in partnership with Tribes, conservation groups, government agencies and the people of California to safeguard biodiversity and expand access to nature.

Media Contact:

Dan Ehresman, Executive Director
Northcoast Regional Land Trust
d.ehresman@ncrltolrg / (707) 822-2242

Click here to view the PDF version of the  Sea Level Rise sign!

¡Haga clic aquí para ver la versión PDF del cartel del aumento del nivel del mar!

Reflecting on 25 Years of Conservation

It’s hard to believe that the Northcoast Regional Land Trust’s (NRLT) 25th anniversary year has already come to a close. From advancing the permanent protection of local lands to hosting stewardship days with community members and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards through our education programs, 2025 was truly unforgettable. As we step into 2026, we’re taking a moment to reflect on some of our favorite highlights from this milestone year.

Land Conserved

At the heart of NRLT’s mission is the conservation of the wild and working lands we all depend on. In 2025, we continued progress on a number of conservation projects across Northern California. NRLT is currently working toward the permanent protection of 53,615 additional acres, building on the 69,254 acres already conserved. This critical work would not be possible without the dedicated landowners, community partners, and supporters like you who help make our mission a reality. You can visit our website to learn more about these properties and to learn about our most recently completed conservation easement, Lindsay Creek. 

Restoration Efforts 

In August of this year, NRLT and project partners broke ground on the Wood Creek Phase III restoration project at Freshwater Farms Reserve. Building on more than a decade of restoration work in the Humboldt Bay watershed, this project will restore tidal connectivity, create over 7,500 feet of salmon rearing habitat, enhance 12 acres of wetland habitat, and reduce flooding—benefiting wildlife, working lands, and surrounding communities for generations to come. This project would not be possible without the dedication of landowners Sean and Kathy O’Day and the incredible support of Mike Love & Associates, GHD, Thomas Gast & Associates, Pacific Earthscape, Samara Restoration, GR Sundberg, and many others. This project is supported by funding from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW’s) Cannabis Restoration Grant program (CRGP), Point Blue Conservation Science’s Roots Program, the State of California’s Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), and the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). 

This year, NRLT and partners are also moving forward with the Butte Creek/Buck Mountain Forest Health Project, a new effort to reduce wildfire risk in the Little Van Duzen River watershed. This project treats over 1,500 acres of wild and working lands by thinning crowded forests, removing dry brush, establishing shaded fuel breaks, and restoring native oak woodlands—protecting both natural resources and nearby communities. Developed in collaboration with Cottrell Ranch, LLC, and supported by CAL FIRE’s Forest Health Grants Program, this work builds on the Cottrell/Moore family’s commitment to conservation and complements ongoing stewardship across the region. By pairing on-the-ground restoration with long-term conservation easements, this project helps safeguard the land, wildlife, and communities for generations to come. Learn more about this project here! 

 

Education 

This year, we proudly continued our Cows & Cattails education program, which highlights the coexistence of working farms and wetlands for elementary school students in our region. More than 400 local students participated in hands-on field trips at Freshwater Farms Reserve, where they learned about soil health, fisheries, hydrology, and biodiversity.

Students from Cal Poly Humboldt also visited Freshwater Farms Reserve to learn about the Wood Creek Phase III Restoration Project, conduct water quality testing, and explore restoration science in action. Connecting students of all ages to the land through immersive, hands-on experiences is one of the most impactful ways we can empower future stewards to protect these special places.

25th Anniversary Event Series

What better way to celebrate 25 years of NRLT than by connecting with our community every month? With so many incredible gatherings throughout the year, it’s hard to pick favorites—but a few events truly stood out:

Freshwater Farms Reserve Fall Fest
Thanks to Shakefork Community Farm and funding from the California Coastal Commission’s Whale Tail Grant, families carved pumpkins and placed them along the Nature Trail to get into the spooky spirit at Freshwater Farms Reserve.

Pint Night at Paskenta Mad River Brewing
This July event featured foot-tapping tunes by Billy & the Flames, great brews, and community connection. One dollar from every pint sold went directly to supporting local conservation efforts, thanks to the generosity of Paskenta Mad River Brewing! 

Steward’s Circle Coffee Social
Held in March, this gathering celebrated the Steward’s Circle members whose monthly donations sustain NRLT’s conservation work and community programs. We truly couldn’t do this work without them, and starting the year by honoring our Steward’s Circle felt especially meaningful.

Community Support

Thanks to our incredible community of conservation supporters, NRLT hosted 22 events in 2025 that helped connect people to local lands while supporting conservation across the region. We are deeply grateful to our partners, including the Humboldt Trails Council Volunteer Trail Stewards, Latino Outdoors, YES Humboldt, the Cal Poly Humboldt Triathlon Team, Watershed Stewards Program, Lost Coast Pride, and many more who helped make these events possible.

Fundraising Success

Our 7th Annual Summer Celebration was one for the books—a completely sold-out event that raised over $16,000 for local conservation! With lively music from the Oyster Baes and headliner Huckleberry Flint, the evening was filled with dancing and smiles all around. We’re also thankful for the generous local vendors who supported the event, including Humboldt County Cattlewomen, Los Giles, Dick Taylor Chocolates, Freshwater Family Farms, Paskenta Mad River Brewing, and Fieldbrook Winery.

In October, we raised an incredible $85,000 at our Annual Boots & Birkenstocks celebration. This event was a wonderful opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life who support NRLT’s work and to come together over our shared love for conservation. It was an evening well spent enjoying delicious food by Dorris & Daughter Catering and beef from Pete Bussman, music by All Wheel Drive, and incredible auction items donated by local businesses and artists. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and business sponsors, the Summer Celebration and Boots & Birkenstocks Annual Celebration supports ongoing wild and working land conservation efforts throughout the region..  We couldn’t do this without your support– thank you!

Final Reflections

The lands conserved, communities reached, and students inspired this year are all made possible by supporters like you. Your continued generosity and encouragement keep NRLT moving forward, even during challenging times. As we enter our 26th year, we are filled with gratitude—and excitement for what’s ahead.

P.S. Want to learn more about what we’ve been up to? Check out our 25th Anniversary Short Documentary Film, now available on YouTube (or click here!).

 

 

Green Diamond Resource Company Completes Lindsay Creek Conservation Easement in Partnership with Northcoast Regional Land Trust and CAL FIRE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12/17/25

Download Press Release Here

McKinleyville, CA – Green Diamond Resource Company (Green Diamond) announced the completion of the Lindsay Creek Conservation Easement, a significant conservation project in partnership with the Northcoast Regional Land Trust (NRLT) and with funding support from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Forest Legacy Program. This project ensures sustainable forest management, the protection of wildlife habitat and provides lasting public benefits to the surrounding communities.

The 2,815-acre Lindsay Creek Conservation Easement permanently conserves working forestlands and a critical watershed in Humboldt County. Lindsay Creek serves as an important spawning tributary to the Mad River (Baduwa’t), supporting Coho and Chinook salmon, summer and winter run steelhead, and coastal cutthroat trout. With the adjacent Van-Eck Forest Conservation Easement and McKinleyville Community Forest, this easement creates a 5,200- acre expanse of protected lands, which provides important habitat for these vulnerable species and a corridor for many more. Thanks to all project partners, the wild, working and scenic values of the Lindsay Creek Conservation Easement will remain protected for future generations.

“This project reflects our long-term commitment to balancing sustainable forest management with conservation and community benefit,” said Pete Jackson, Vice President and General Manager, Green Diamond.  “The Lindsay Creek Conservation Easement completes a broader conservation strategy for Green Diamond’s McKinleyville property which included the transfer of roughly 600 acres to the McKinleyville Community Services District in 2023 for the establishment of the McKinleyville Community Forest”.

The vision for the McKinleyville Community Forest and the Lindsay Creek Conservation Easement originated in the 2002 McKinleyville Community Plan, reflecting the community’s commitment to preserving the forested corridor between McKinleyville and Fieldbrook and preventing future development. As the fastest growing population center in Humboldt —having expanded nearly 20% since 2000 —McKinleyville faces increasing development pressure. The Lindsay Creek Conservation Easement ensures that the property will remain a productive forestland and critical wildlife corridor by protecting it from subdivision and residential development.

The Northcoast Regional Land Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving wild and working lands across northwestern California, will hold and monitor the easement in perpetuity. The easement ensures that the property will remain a productive forestland and critical wildlife corridor by protecting it from subdivision and residential development.

“The Lindsay Creek Conservation Easement represents a collaborative approach to conservation that supports both the environment and local economies,” said Daniel Ehresman, NRLT Executive Director. “Through the Forest Legacy Program and partnerships with landowners like Green Diamond, we can protect landscapes that matter most to our region.”

Funding for the project was provided through the CAL FIRE Forest Legacy Program, which is supported by California Climate Investments, a state initiative that supports conservation of private forestlands threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. The program helps preserve California’s forest heritage while promoting sustainable forestry and enhancing public values such as clean water, carbon storage, and wildlife habitat.

The Lindsay Creek Conservation Easement  is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Invest, formerly known as Cap-and-Trade, dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.

The Lindsay Creek Conservation Easement adds to a growing network of conserved forestlands across Northern California that together support resilient ecosystems, local communities, and the long-term sustainability of California’s natural resources.

 

About Green Diamond Resource Company
Green Diamond Resource Company is a sixth-generation, family-owned forest products company that owns and manages working forests in California, Oregon, Washington, Montana and the southeastern United States. The company is committed to environmental stewardship, sustainable forestry, and community engagement. Learn more at www.greendiamond.com

About Northcoast Regional Land Trust
The Northcoast Regional Land Trust is a nonprofit organization which conserves wild and working lands across northwestern California for the benefit of the region’s farms, forests, watersheds, wildlife, and people. Since 2000, NRLT has protected over 68,000 acres through voluntary partnerships with landowners, tribes, public agencies, and community support. Learn more at https://ncrlt.org/.

About CAL FIRE’s Forest Legacy Program
The CAL FIRE Forest Legacy Program partners with landowners, conservation organizations, and local communities to protect privately owned forestlands through conservation easements and other voluntary measures that prevent forestland conversion and maintain ecological and public benefits.

Media Contact:
Elicia Goldsworthy, Policy and Communications Manager
Green Diamond Resource Company
elicia.goldsworthy@greendiamond.com | (707) 357-3769

Daniel Ehresman, Executive Director

Northcoast Regional Land Trust

d.ehresman@ncrlt.org | (707) 822-2242

NRLT Celebrates 25 Years of Conservation at Boots & Birkenstocks Annual Celebration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/21/2025

Download Press Release Here

Fortuna, CA – On Saturday, October 11^th supporters of the Northcoast Regional Land Trust (NRLT) came together at the Fortuna River Lodge to celebrate conservation in honor of NRLT’s 25^th Anniversary. The Boots & Birkenstocks Annual Celebration is an opportunity to gather with the wide range of people who value the wild and working lands of this region and to raise funds to continue protecting them. Thanks to NRLT’s amazing community, this year’s event raised over $85,000 for local conservation!

There is no better way to recognize 25 years of NRLT than to gather with all the people who make this work possible. Since 2000, NRLT has permanently protected over 65,000 acres of wild and working lands in the region. This milestone year offers even more to celebrate, with more than a dozen conservation easements in progress, the Wood Creek Phase III restoration project underway, and the Cows & Cattails education program serving over 500 students annually.

This year’s event featured live music by All Wheel Drive, flowers by Buttermilk Floral, a tasty dinner by Dorris & Daughter Catering, dessert by Foggy Bottoms Boys’ Jersey Scoops, beef donated by Humboldt Grassfed Beef and prepared by Peter Bussman, local tuna donated by the Fulkerson family, an open bar, and great company. Thanks to Lee Mora of Humboldt Auction Yard, Boots & Birkenstocks featured a lively auction that included vacation stays near and far, art inspired by the land, local hunting experiences, CSA shares, farm and ranch tours, and much more! The silent auction included a wide array of incredible items generously donated by local businesses, artists, and farms.

The Northcoast Regional Land Trust’s Annual Celebration was generously sponsored by Jason Garlick Attorney at Law, American AgCredit, Harbers Insurance, Points West Surveying Co., Pacific Earthscape, Pacific Gas & Electric, North Fork Lumber Company, Mendocino & Humboldt Redwood Companies, PlanWest  Partners Inc, ReMax Humboldt Realty, Coast Central Credit Union, Green Diamond Resource Company, GHD, Cottrell Ranch LLC, Dave Imper, Erin Kelly & Randy Terra, Kier Associates, Lone Star Ranch, NorthPoint Consulting, Redwood Capital Bank, Stillwater Sciences, and Vollmar Natural Lands Consulting.

For those who couldn’t make it this year, there’s always next time! Mark your calendar for Boots & Birkenstocks on October 10, 2026. In the meantime, stay connected to NRLT’s work at www.ncrlt.org.

To see more photos from Boots & Birkenstocks click here!

August 18, 2025

If you’ve driven past Freshwater Farms Reserve today, you may have noticed an increase of equipment within the currently closed parking lot. We are excited to see machinery and other equipment staged for Wood Creek Phase III restoration, which will continue for the next two years at Freshwater Farms Reserve and the Felt Ranch. As such, the lot has been closed the past two days, and the parking lot closure will extend to tomorrow, Tuesday Aug. 19, while final restoration preparations are made.

But never fear, trail users! The parking lot (and nature trail) will be open again on Wednesday, though with some reduced capacity. We anticipate minimal disruptions to public access throughout the duration of this restoration project, but as always, follow our social media and emails like this for up to date information! Read more about this the Wood Creek Phase III Restoration project here.

Stay tuned for more information to be released in the coming months! Thank you for supporting this and other conservation projects of NRLT.

Northcoast Regional Land Trust Breaks Ground on Wood Creek Restoration Project: Community Invited to Learn More at September 25 Presentation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2025

Eureka, CA — The Northcoast Regional Land Trust (NRLT), in partnership with landowners Sean and Kathy O’Day, the County of Humboldt, and other project partners, is proud to announce the groundbreaking of the Wood Creek Phase III – Felt Ranch Off-Channel Rearing Habitat Project. This major restoration project builds on over a decade of collaborative work to restore tidal wetlands, improve salmon habitat, and enhance climate resilience in the Humboldt Bay watershed.

“The Wood Creek Phase III project will expand on previous restoration successes by rerouting Wood Creek from a roadside ditch back into a natural channel, restoring habitat for salmon and other wildlife and reducing flooding in the Wood Creek drainage,” said NRLT Executive Director Dan Ehresman. “It’s a true community effort that will benefit wildlife, agriculture, and surrounding communities for generations to come.”

About the Project

Wood Creek Phase III, located on the Felt Ranch property with tie in to NRLT’s Freshwater Farms Reserve, is the latest step in a multi-phase, multi-partner effort to restore tidal connectivity and fish rearing habitat in one of the Humboldt Bay’s largest tributaries, the Freshwater Creek Watershed. This phase will:

• Create more than 7,500 feet of high-quality salmon rearing habitat and improve fish passage
• Restore 12 acres of wetlands with increased tidal influence and diverse native plant communities
• Support working lands by reducing flood duration and creating drought-resistant spring-fed habitats

Beginning on NRLT’s Freshwater Farms Reserve and moving upstream to the Felt Ranch, this project will restore tidal connectivity and fish rearing habitat in one of the Humboldt Bay’s largest tributaries, the Freshwater Creek Watershed. Specifically, the effort will create over 7,500 feet of salmon rearing stream habitat and migration access, restore 12 acres of wetlands with increased tidal influence and plant diversity, and improve climate resilience on working lands through flood mitigation and the creation of drought-resistant spring-fed habitats.

Community Invitation to Public Presentation

As part of this effort, NRLT will host a free public presentation, which will include Q&A with project partners and optional walking tour. Community members are encouraged to attend to learn more about the project and see restoration progress firsthand.

• Wood Creek Restoration: Past, Present, and Future
• Thursday, September 25: Presentation 5:30 – 6:30 PM, optional walking tour 6:30 – 7:00 PM
• Freshwater Farms Reserve Barn, 5851 Myrtle Ave, Eureka

Free and open to the public. Please RSVP, or find more information about this event here.

Project Partners

This phase is supported by funding from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW’s) Cannabis Restoration Grant Program (CRGP), Point Blue Conservation Science’s Roots Program, the State of California’s Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). Planning for this project was led by the Buckeye Conservancy, with funding from CDFW’s Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP) and the California State Coastal Conservancy (SCC).

Project partners include Michael Love & Associates, Thomas Gast & Associates Environmental Consultants, GHD, GR Sundberg Inc., Samara Restoration, Pacific Earthscape, Wiyot Tribe Natural Resources Department, Cal Poly Humboldt, and others.

“Supporting restoration and protection of California’s diverse ecosystems is critical to maintaining the health of our state’s natural resources and these grants reflect our ongoing commitment to safeguarding habitats that support wildlife, water quality and resilient landscapes,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham in a news release announcing $6,740,000 in funding for this project.

 

If you are interested in diving into the details on this project, you are welcome to visit the pages for the Earthworks, Revegetation, and Wood Procurement contracts.

Photos and interviews available upon request.

Contact:
Dan Ehresman, Executive Director
d.ehresman@ncrlt.org, (707) 822-2242

About the Northcoast Regional Land Trust

The Northcoast Regional Land Trust conserves wild and working lands across northwestern California for the benefit of our region’s farms, forests, watersheds, wildlife, and people. Since 2000, NRLT has protected over 65,000 acres in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity Counties through voluntary conservation efforts and partnerships with landowners, tribes, and public agencies.

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Disclaimers: The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government or the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and its funding sources. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government, or the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation or its funding sources.

 

Huckleberry Flint Benefit Concert Aug. 9th in Support of NRLT: Celebrate 25 years of NRLT’s Wild and Working Land Conservation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 07/24/25

Download Press Release Here

Eureka, CA – The Northcoast Regional Land Trust (NRLT) is hosting its seventh annual Summer Celebration benefit concert on Saturday, August 9^th at Freshwater Farms Reserve (5851 Myrtle Ave), This family-friendly event features popular local band Huckleberry Flint with opening performance by the Oyster Baes, as well as facepainting, a Cake Walk, and kid play area.

This year NRLT is celebrating 25 years of wild and working land conservation in Northwestern California! Since 2000, NRLT has permanently protected more than 65,000 acres of wild and working lands in the region. And, with the next phase of Wood Creek restoration slated to break ground in August, now is a great time to celebrate and raise funds for continued land protection, restoration, and education in our region.

Tickets are on sale now at givebutter.com/HuckFlint2025: $30 for adults, kids under 10 are free but must be registered. $40 at the door. Doors open at 4pm, music starts at 5pm. This is an outdoor concert with lawn seating (bring blankets or low chairs).

Food and drink will be available for purchase from the Humboldt County Cattlewomen, Los Giles, Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate, Fieldbrook Winery, and Paskenta Mad River Brewing. Please bike or carpool! Parking is limited at Freshwater Farms Reserve and a neighboring pasture (5853 Myrtle Ave). No pets, please.

This event is sponsored by Pacific Earthscape, Humboldt Mendocino Redwood Company, North Fork Lumber Company, PG&E, A.M. Baird Engineering, American AgCredit, Harbers Insurance, North Coast Co-op, Ramone’s Bakery & Café, Alyson Hunter & Bill Richards, and supporters like you!

Freshwater Farms Reserve Nature Trail and parking lot temporarily closed due to forecasted storm conditions: 11/19 – 11/22. Questions? Email info@ncrlt.org.

From an email sent to our community November 18, 2024

Find the full email here.

 

The rain and dark days are here again and besides battening down the hatches at Freshwater Farms Reserve, we are also closing in on the end of big year. With a small team for much of 2024, we continued to make progress on some really exciting conservation easement projects (I can’t wait for you to read about them in our winter newsletter, coming soon!).

But even with a staff of three, you made sure we were never doing this work alone. Thank you for coming out to events, volunteering at Freshwater Farms Reserve, and generously supporting conservation with your time, money, and other contributions.

We are excited to be staffed up again, with the addition of Project Managers Connor and Lily earlier this fall, and our newest team member, Riley Martel-Phillips, who started just last week. Riley is returning home to Arcata after earning a degree in Economics and Environmental Studies at UC Santa Cruz. She is excited to collaborate with the local community on conservation efforts as our new Administration & Community Engagement Manager. Learn more about her and the rest of our team here.

This year’s Boots & Birkenstocks Annual Celebration at the Fortuna River Lodge on October 12th solidified once again that our community comes together for conservation (find yourself or other NRLT supporters in photos from the event here).

I am proud to be part of an organization that intentionally includes people from different backgrounds and ideologies to work together towards a sustainable future for our land and communities. Amidst politically polarizing times, it is wonderful to come together as neighbors in celebration of our shared values: a deep care for the lands that sustain us.

I hope you’ll continue to celebrate with us at this year’s NRLT Open Office Holiday Party, coming up on Friday, December 13th. Our door is open to everyone as we head into our 25th year of conserving wild and working lands in Northwestern California together. Appetizers and refreshments will be provided, you bring the merriment!

No matter where you are this season, we hope you are staying warm and dry. Thank you for being part of this special community of people who care for our region’s remarkable landscapes that are as unique as each one of us. I’m grateful to have your perspectives and support in this conservation work.

Warmly,

Nadia Van Lynn
Outreach and Development Manager
Northcoast Regional Land Trust
n.vanlynn@ncrlt.org

Find the full email here.

August 21, 2024

At the Northcoast Regional Land Trust, we’re thrilled to see our work recognized in the Land Trust Alliance’s recent article, Coastal Connections: The Economic Benefits of Conservation to Coastal Communities in Maine and California, published online and in the Summer 2024 Saving Land magazine. This piece highlights the critical role that conservation plays in supporting the economic health and resilience of coastal communities, including our own here in Northern California.

One of the featured projects is our ongoing restoration work at Freshwater Farms Reserve. This unique 74-acre property, located between Arcata and Eureka, has been a focal point for our efforts to restore and enhance critical coastal wetlands, while maintaining local agricultural production. This landscape provides essential habitat for a variety of wildlife, including fish, birds, and other species, alongside seasonal grazing lands for cattle production.

Our work at Freshwater Farms Reserve includes the restoration of tidal channels, the removal of invasive species, and the replanting of native vegetation. These efforts not only improve habitat quality but also contribute to the overall resilience of the coastal environment. Additionally, the Reserve serves as a community space where visitors can learn about the compatibility of conservation and agriculture through educational programs and guided tours.

The article underscores how restoring natural landscapes like Freshwater Farms Reserve not only safeguards the environment but also enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. From boosting local economies through eco-tourism to protecting the natural resources that coastal communities rely on, conservation is a powerful tool for ensuring a sustainable future.

We’re proud to be featured alongside other organizations making a difference and are grateful to the Land Trust Alliance for their continued support of land trusts like ours. Together, we’re protecting the local ecosystems that sustain us.

Thank you to the Land Trust Alliance for including us in this important work!

Read the full article here: Coastal Connections: The Economic Benefits of Conservation to Coastal Communities in Maine and California.

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NRLT is a proud, accredited member of the Land Trust Alliance, a mark of distinction that signifies our commitment to excellence, accountability, and the enduring stewardship of the lands we protect.

July 29, 2024

Thank you to all who came out to celebrate and support local land conservation on Saturday, July 20, 2024! The Northcoast Regional Land Trust hosted its sixth annual “Summer Celebration” benefit concert at NRLT’s demonstration property, Freshwater Farms Reserve, 5851 Myrtle Ave., Eureka. Over 400 people were in attendance and helped us raise over $15,000 for important land conservation projects in our region.

The event featured local favorites, Huckleberry Flint, with an opening performance by Canary & the Vamp. Family friendly activities included face painting by Lela Annotto Arts, a kid play area by the Ukeladies (friends & family of Freshwater Family Farm), and a cake walk fundraiser for NRLT. Food and drink were available from Los Giles, Fern Mountain Eats, Freshwater Family Farm, Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate, Fieldbrook Winery and Eel River Brewing.

Huge thanks to attendees, performers, vendors, and volunteers who made this event the celebratory success we look forward to every year!

July 5, 2024

Can you believe it’s been almost 20 years since NRLT first took on stewardship of the Freshwater Farms Reserve (FWFR)? In that time, we’ve seen countless individuals, agencies, school groups, organizations, families, and more take part in making this the rich community resource it continues to be today.

Already this year at FWFR, there have been several volunteer workdays with various partners (including Cal Poly Humboldt, the California Conservation Corps Watershed Stewards Program, and Humboldt Trails Council), a bilingual family event, multiple Cows & Cattails field trips—and that’s just the NRLT hosted activities!

The California Native Plant Society continues to nurture a vibrant nursery under the gentle hands of their dedicated volunteers; Freshwater Family Farms diligently grows microgreens to sell to the community at large; and the North Coast Community Garden Collaborative with Redwood Community Action Agency is off to a full growing season with lots of work put in by their staff and Cal Poly College Corps interns.

We are proud of all that has grown out of this humble ambassador property, and all the ways it continues to bloom. We are particularly excited about the addition of three new benches, funded by a grant from Eureka Rotary Club and made and donated by Monument Settings, and an owl nesting box built and installed on the North side of the Graham-Long Dairy Barn by NRLT supporter, Gary Falxa. These projects represent the committed involvement of our local community, who continue to show up for and invest in the people and wildlife who visit this special place.

Join us on July 20th, 2024 as we host our Summer Celebration at Freshwater Farms Reserve, and you can see all these projects and connect with our conservation community! Tickets and more information available at givebutter.com/huckflint2024.