As we reflect on 2024, the Kings River Land Trust (KRLT) is proud of the significant strides we have made in our mission to conserve agricultural land and natural resources in Fresno County. This year has been one of exciting developments, from expanding our team to advancing key conservation projects, and we are pleased to share our progress with our community.
New name, same trusted organization
In order to better represent the region of the Central Valley that our organization seeks to represent as well as to better stand for the work we do, our team made the decision to change the organization’s name from El Rio Reyes Conservation Trust, a name the organization held since its inception 25 years ago, to Kings River Land Trust.
There was history behind the El Rio Reyes name, but in a practical sense we found it was often misunderstood by many when trying to convey exactly what our organization does and what we work for. Kings River Land Trust more clearly conveys what we are, where our work is focused and that we are here to help landowners protect their agricultural lands from development.
New Leadership in Development and Outreach
In 2024, we welcomed a new full-time development and outreach director to the KRLT team. Cher Arambel has spent the last five years in nonprofit fundraising and community relations after a 20-year career as a newspaper journalist.
Cher’s hiring was a pivotal step in strengthening our efforts to engage with the community, build relationships with landowners, and expand our presence in the region. Cher has been instrumental in driving forward our special events, philanthropic partnerships, and media outreach, ensuring that our work reaches a broader audience and receives the support it needs to thrive.
Progress on Conservation Easements
We are thrilled to report that more than 50% of the necessary work has been completed to close escrow on a 112-acre conservation easement — one of the cornerstone projects KRLT has been working on this year. This easement will play a critical role in preserving vital agricultural land and natural habitats in Fresno County, helping to ensure that these spaces are protected for future generations.
In addition, we have completed all of the preliminary project review work with the Department of Conservation for a grant proposal to help fund the purchase of another conservation easement on a 54-acre property in Parlier. This property is home to diverse ecosystems and agricultural resources, and securing the easement will further solidify our commitment to conserving the natural landscape in this key region.
Community Engagement and Events
A highlight of 2024 has been our series of special events aimed at educating the community, raising awareness, and fundraising to support our efforts. We hosted seven events this year, each providing an opportunity for local residents, landowners, and supporters to learn about our mission, connect with like-minded individuals, and contribute to the work of KRLT. These events have been crucial in building a network of conservation-minded citizens who are dedicated to protecting the unique agricultural and natural resources of Fresno County.
Outreach and Media Expansion
To support our outreach efforts, we created a new printed and digital landowner outreach brochure this year. This resource is designed to provide clear, accessible information to landowners interested in placing conservation easements on their properties. Along with this, we developed a new KRLT service area map, showcasing the regions where we are actively working and helping to visualize the impact of our conservation efforts.
We have also increased our footprint in local print, broadcast, and radio media, ensuring that KRLT’s message is reaching more people than ever before. Our media presence has been a powerful tool in raising awareness about the importance of land conservation and the role that KRLT plays in preserving the region’s agricultural and natural heritage.
Building Relationships with Landowners and Agencies
A core part of KRLT’s work involves building relationships with local landowners. This year, we met with numerous landowners to discuss the possibility of placing conservation easements on their farms and ranches. These conversations are at the heart of our mission, as they help to secure long-term protection for some of the most valuable agricultural lands in Fresno County.
In addition, we conducted meetings with multiple state agencies and elected officials to explore potential partnerships and gain support for our work. These collaborations are essential for leveraging resources and ensuring that our conservation efforts are supported at all levels.
Training and Expanding Our Network
To ensure KRLT remains at the forefront of conservation practices, our team attended a wide variety of local, statewide, and national conferences this year. These events provided invaluable opportunities for training, knowledge exchange, and networking with other organizations working in the land conservation field. Through these conferences, we have expanded our partnership network, connecting with like-minded organizations and agencies that share our commitment to preserving agricultural land and natural resources.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward into 2025, KRLT remains dedicated to our mission of conserving the land and wildlife that make Fresno County a special place. The progress we have made this year is a testament to the hard work of our team, the support of our community, and the partnerships we have built with landowners and agencies.
Some of the things we are most looking forward to in 2025 are:
- Special events: We will be hosting four events, including the 2nd Annual BBQ Bash on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Kings River Winery. We also will be participating in outreach opportunities, like the Kingsburg Swedish Festival. Make sure you are signed up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for details.
- Closing escrow on our current easement project
- Pursuing an additional grant to purchase another easement in Parlier
- Replacing cattle fencing on two easements, so native Oak trees are protected and cattle can graze safely on those properties
- Expanding our Advisory Council
We look forward to continuing our efforts to protect the land and resources that sustain us, and we invite you to join us in this important work. Whether through attending an event, placing a conservation easement on your property, or simply spreading the word about our mission, your support is essential to the future of land conservation in Fresno County.
Together, we can ensure that the agricultural lands and natural landscapes of the Kings River area remain protected for generations to come.
Thank you for your continued support of the Kings River Land Trust! Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates on our progress and opportunities to get involved.