For the third year running, Placer Land Trust’s Community Council honored National Great Outdoors Month in June by hosting a Preserve Passport Program. To extend the fun, this year the program started mid-May and ran through the end of June. During this time, participants visited Placer Land Trust public access preserves on their own, shared their photos and experiences, and won prizes that support local businesses.
Eden Rock, Community Engagement Manager, explained the many ways that people benefit. “The program invites families, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts to take a moment to walk our trails, find a spot for a picnic or to fish, and enjoy the natural beauty of Placer County’s native plants, trees and wildlife.”
Participation in the program took many forms. The Anderson family, who has done the program every year since it began, visited more than half of the preserves and “had a ton of fun, as always.”
Others were new to the program, visiting just one preserve or several. Ryan Jones had fond memories of family fishing trips when he revisited Halsey Preserve and made new memories going to Rock Creek and Miner’s Ravine Preserves for the first time.
Whether the visit was short or long, first time or a happy return, participants expressed appreciation for the experience. “The goal of this program is to celebrate nature and raise awareness of the importance of protecting our region’s beautiful open spaces and agricultural lands,” said Karen Keene, Community Council co-chair. “We’re proud that so many participated and were able to have meaningful experiences with their family and friends.”
For a full list of Placer Land Trust preserves that are open to the public, click here.
The Community Council are volunteers who spread the mission of Placer Land Trust through community engagement and activities.
