Sierra Foothill Conservancy

Join the Sierra Foothill Conservancy in a wide variety of hikes, classes, and Open Preserve Days. These events introduce people to the extraordinary lands the Conservancy protects. It is a beautiful way to spend the day outdoors and learn something about nature. To build an even deeper connection with these natural spaces, sign up for a volunteer workday.

The Sierra Foothill Conservancy manages eight nature preserves and conservation easements, representing more than 30,000 protected acres.  Each protected area lies within the grasslands, foothills, and forests between Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks.  Despite this narrow geographical region, they represent diverse histories, landscapes, and ecosystems. Delight in stories of native flowers in bloom, and endangered wildlife protection.

Of the eight preserves, three are located within beautiful Mariposa County.

Stockton Creek Preserve is just a short distance from the center of the town of Mariposa. It’s a beautiful and serene place for a morning or evening stroll. You’ll find a network of trails to explore. Try the short walk out to the Stockton Creek Reservoir. You’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by singing frogs, basking turtles, and a variety of brightly-colored dragonflies dancing through the air.

The Sierra Foothill Conservancy was gifted the Bean Creek Preserve by Teri and Ken Pulvino in 2010. It is named for the rippling creek that runs through the property. Surrounded by a low-elevation meadow, the gentle waters of Bean Creek pause at a small pond on the southern end of the property before joining the North Fork of the Merced River about 7 miles beyond the Preserve. This area provides a refuge for raptors, songbirds, and Great Gray Owls.

The Feliciana Mountain Limestone Salamander Preserve covers 40 acres of ideal habitat for the Limestone Salamander (Hydromantes brunus). Limestone outcrops by the Merced River are the only place you’ll find these salamanders. The preserve itself is located on the rim of the Merced River canyon – providing views of layers upon layers of rolling foothills. In the spring look for expansive wildflower displays and many flowering bushes. Pacific Gas & Electric funded this purchase in 2009.