How will the story end?
A letter from Executive Director Jeff Darlington with urgent news about saving this last wild place in Rocklin
Dear friends and supporters of Placer Land Trust,
For over three years now, we have partnered with Jessup University to try to permanently protect Clover Valley, one of the last remaining intact sections of oak woodlands in western Placer County.
At the end of 2024, Jessup and Placer Land Trust faced a fundraising deadline to complete the acquisition and protection of the 402-acre property that contains the valley floor and much of the slopes of Clover Valley. We received generous support from the community and from local agencies, but we did not meet our December 31 goal.
By the end of 2024 we secured over $5.3M, just over halfway to the full purchase price of $10M plus interest.
As a result of falling short at our December 31 goal, the property is on track to revert back to the original seller (the developer), meaning we could lose this beautiful, biodiverse place forever.
However, the process of returning the property to the original seller is expected to take a couple more months, so we can still be successful if we raise the rest of the funding by the end of March 2025!
In early January we got a good boost toward this as Placer Land Trust received another $1M grant from a private foundation. That brings our total raised to $6.3M. With updated interest charges, we now have around $4.2M to go.
Clover Valley is home to diverse wildlife, including the California black rail, listed as a California State Threatened Species. Photo by Phil Robertson
What can you do to help prior to the end of March 2025?
1. If you or someone you know can make a substantial contribution to the Clover Valley effort, we need funding by mid-March! In addition to monetary donations, we offer tax-smart options to make it easier for you to make a bigger impact. And on Placer Land Trust’s behalf please reach out to any friends, family, businesses or foundations you know who might benefit from a large tax deduction this year by donating to Placer Land Trust. (You will have the option for your donation to be returned or redirected if we don’t meet the final funding goal.)
2. If you are a resident or business owner in the City of Rocklin, please contact the Rocklin City Council ASAP to tell them saving Clover Valley is important to you! Find contact info and a sample script at the link below.
Thank you for your support of Placer Land Trust, and of Clover Valley — it means the world to me and to our beautiful corner of the earth!
Sincerely,
For the earlier December update, or to read more about the history of the project to save Clover Valley, click here.
