1. Welcome to Canyon View Preserve!
This is a perfect spot to take in the view of the river canyons and the Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance. This 50-acre preserve was protected in 2003 by Placer Land Trust in partnership with the American Land Conservancy and Emigrant Trails Greenway Trust.
Previous to its protection, this land was considered for subdivision and development. Now, as a permanently protected nature preserve, Canyon View Preserve will continue to offer wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, and scenic open space forever.
2. Habitat
Canyon View Preserve is a special place to plants, animals, and people alike. This preserve is an important “highway” for wildlife to safely travel to other connected natural lands. The oak trees here thrive in dry conditions while providing food for animal species that eat bark, acorns and insects, such as the black-tailed deer, raccoons, and turkeys. The creek that runs through the preserve, and the surrounding area, is essential for migration and protection for many animals, such as skunk, coyotes and quail. Birds of prey like the red-shoulder hawk and red-tailed hawk perch on the foothill pines and oak trees.
The native grasses slow down and manage storm water and provide habitat for the western fence lizard and rattlesnakes. Trails and benches provide places for people to experience the many benefits of spending time in nature.
3. Watershed
A watershed is an area of land that drains or channels water into a specific body of water. The land where you are standing is part of the North Fork American River watershed. That means that every drop of rain that falls here will run downhill until it reaches the American River! Can you hear the sound of the river in the distance?
4. Forests and Fire Safety
Wildfire is a natural part of the life of many forests. This particular forest is located close to a city and neighborhoods, so we manage the land carefully to reduce wildfire risk. Here you can see that the forest is very open because we have cleared understory vegetation. These “ladder fuels” can raise a fire into the upper tree canopy. This work is part of the Auburn Shaded Fuel Break project.
5. Gathering Space
Welcome to the Gathering Space! Here, in the embrace of nature’s beauty, we honor the memory of Andrea Roberta Young — an inquisitive spirit and a loving adventurer. Take a moment to unwind, to be still, and to revel in the wonders of the flora and fauna that call this environment home.
In this serene sanctuary, we witness the delicate balance of our environment — the gentle strength of life that endures, even in the face of storms, wildfires, or earthquakes. It mirrors the resilience we find within ourselves when we navigate the loss of a cherished soul. Amidst these outdoor surroundings, may you find solace for contemplation — a place where precious memories of your loved one can be cradled with grace. Let the healing power of nature guide your journey through both grief and joy.
Andrea’s profound love for the outdoors was surpassed only by her eagerness to share its marvels with generations, imparting her wisdom to children and grandchildren alike. Her insatiable curiosity, her boundless generosity, and her zest for uncovering the secrets of the natural world were sources of unending joy.
This Gathering Space stands as a tribute to the enduring spirit of Andrea — a woman whose very presence urged us to exceed our limitations. May her legacy ignite the same passion within you.
6. Homestead History
An old homestead used to be located on this property. Look for the pear trees that used to be part of a fruit orchard, and the stone foundations of a house above the creek. Can you picture what it might have been like to live here a hundred years ago?
7. Indigenous History
The protected lands in Placer Land Trust’s care are the ancestral lands of the Maidu, Miwok, Nisenan and Washoe Tribes. These lands were forcibly seized, and these tribes were unjustly treated. Although Placer Land Trust cannot change the past, we seek to work with local Native American tribes where we can to help address this injustice.
Nisenan lands offered abundant year-round food sources. Food gathering was based on seasonal ripening, but hunting, gathering, and fishing went on all year, with the greatest activity in late summer and early fall. They gathered many different foods, not depending on one crop.
Extended families or whole villages would gather acorns. The acorns were cracked on an acorn anvil and shelled. They were then ground into flour using a bedrock mortar, or grinding rock. The flour was leached with water to remove the bitter tannin and would then be cooked in watertight baskets. Cooking was done by heating stones with fire and dropping them into the cooking basket.
Grasses, herbs, and rushes provided food and material for clothing and baskets. The Nissan gathered many kinds of roots, seeds, wild fruits, and berries for food. Fish and game such as deer, rabbits, and certain birds were important food sources as well. Skins, feathers, bone, and many other parts were saved for clothing, tools, and other purposes, ensuring that nothing went to waste from these precious resources.
8. Forest Diversity
Take a moment to relax on the bench and admire the biodiversity of this peaceful spot. How many different tree species can you see? To help identify them, check out our free field guide at the link below. If you are visiting in spring, try our wildflower guide as well!
9. Mining History
Canyon View Preserve is rich with history if you know where to look, from Indigenous people to the Gold Rush to homesteading and agriculture. Here, on the uphill side of the trail, you can still see an old wagon road from the early 1900s. This road once ran all the way to “Clarks Hole,” a popular swimming hole on the North Fork American River.
10. Sierra Creek
As rain falls on Canyon View Preserve, it runs into Sierra Creek, which crosses the preserve. The grasslands, oak woodlands, and small creeks naturally filter the water before it reaches the river.
Placer Land Trust has worked to restore the natural structure and function of this stream bed. Shallow “riffle pools” were added to slow the movement of water as it flows downhill, and native shrubs were planted to provide habitat and food for wildlife. These native plants and grasses help hold the soil together, preventing erosion and keeping sediment out of our waterways.
YOU can help make it possible for us to protect more natural and agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, and wide-open spaces! To find out more about how to volunteer or support our work, visit our Get Involved page.