Two American badgers have been observed on Johnson Ranch Preserve—captured not by a staff member’s lucky sighting, but by a quietly watching wildlife camera. Earlier this year, wildlife cameras captured images of an American badger (Taxidea taxus) after more than 25 years with no observations on...
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After 33 productive years of conservation work, recent funding cuts made it difficult for the California State University, Stanislaus to continue administering the Endangered Species Recovery Program (ESRP). Recognizing the importance of programs like ESRP, the Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM), which specializes in...
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Kern County, California — October 2025 — The contiguous interior dunes of Sand Ridge and Caliente Preserves —a rare ecosystem that provides habitat for several imperiled species of plants and animals, one of which is found nowhere else on Earth—will receive strengthened protection through...
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After 21 years of service as CNLM's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and also as Co-Executive Director for the last five, Melanie Barranco is retiring. She is looking forward to spending more time travelling with her husband and visiting with family. Melanie expressed sincere appreciation for...
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On August 5, 2024 a single spark was all it would take to set off a grass fire that swept through the Prichard Lake Preserve in Sacramento County, California. The source of the fire, likely a discarded cigarette thrown out a car window a mile...
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Molalla, Oregon — May 20, 2025 — An ecologically significant and treasured stretch of land along the Upper Molalla River, held by the same family for over a century, has now been permanently conserved with a conservation easement thanks to a partnership among CNLM, the...
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THOUSAND PALMS, CA — On April 1, 2025, representatives from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) joined staff from the Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) for a visit to the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve—a preserve that spans over 800 acres of diverse...
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As a conservation organization, CNLM’s mission aims squarely at environmental protection, yet our land-based services in protecting endangered species and critical habitat involve the use of vehicles and equipment that produce a carbon footprint and gaseous toxic emissions. Although stewardship staff have discussed means of...
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With the growth of CNLM’s portfolio of preserves across California, Washington, and Oregon, plans are being implemented for strategic growth in staff positions and our Board of Directors. At the December 2024 regular meeting of the Board, Directors elected two new individuals to CNLM’s governance...
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The Illa M. Collin Conservation Preserve (previously known as the “Mather” vernal pool preserve) in Sacramento County, California, is a mecca for those in search of vibrant vernal pool landscapes. As such, it is no surprise that when the California Department of Fish and Wildlife...
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