Marshall Canyon Regional Park Expansion
From Trust for Public Land’s website: “Between the L.A. basin and the wildlands of the San Gabriel Mountains, we’re working to create a buffer of protected lands in Marshall Canyon. This complex of foothill parks and greenways protects water quality and mitigates fire danger. By ensuring that pathways to the mountains will not be obstructed by private development, we’re also protecting easy access to local wilderness for L.A. residents.” Approximately 250 acres have been preserved in the Marshall and Webb Canyons adding to both the Marshall Canyon Regional Park and the Claremont Wilderness Area.
The La Verne Wilderness Area
Approximately 208 acres were acquired with the help of LVLC, TPL, the County of Los Angeles (Sup. Mike Antonovich), and the City of La Verne, adding to the existing 150 acres the City already owned creating an extensive area of protected open space that will eventually be available for the enjoyment of the residents of La Verne and surrounding areas. LVLC participated with the City of La Verne to develop a draft management plan (and supporting documents), and conducted numerous public workshops to help the City move towards opening the newly acquired open space areas for passive recreation uses. Unfortunately, to date, the Management Plan has not been finalized.
Conservation Easement
LVLC negotiated with a private land owner in North La Verne to accept and hold a Conservation Easement over a large portion of his property thereby confirming that the specified portion of the property covered by the easement could not be built on or used for any purpose other than open space.
Grant Application for Property Acquisition
LVLC submitted a detailed grant application to the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy for the acquisition of 33 acres located in North La Verne. The privately owned property is situated in a canyon that includes dozens of mature oaks and other native trees, a blue-line stream and healthy riparian areas. The property is adjacent to parcels acquired by the City to be managed as open space. Acquisition would allow the City to develop and manage a new trail connection leading from the lower elevation properties to the Sunset Ridge Mountain Road. The project, titled La Verne Open Space ANF Connection, requested $1,300,000 for the purchase of the property. The project was not funded but recieved high scores from the RMC and was deferred as a Tier II Project (available for futures funding).
Peace & Carrots Community Garden
The Peace & Carrots Community Garden, located at the Church of the Brethren in La Verne, offers members of the community the opportunity to grow their own organic produce as well as donating any surplus to local food banks. La Verne Online says, “To defray the cost of preparing the land and the soil for planting, the Church received a grant from the La Verne Land Conservancy and individual donations from contributors who have purchased commemorative bricks that have since been laid down by garden workers as part of the garden’s entry.”
Photo credit: La Verne Online
Read More About the Garden:
Marshall Canyon Regional Park Expansion, Phase II
The potential acquisition of an 18o acre parcel of land within Marshall Canyon park
Webb Canyon
50 acre parcel of land in Webb Canyon, CA