One key part of the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society’s mission is to promote the conservation of natural resources and to preserve and enhance wildlife habitats and biodiversity. In late 2018, SFVAS was presented with the opportunity to donate $250,000 towards restoration and acquisition of key portions of land along the Santa Clara River in Acton, which is part of our territory. SFVAS has been the beneficiary of generous grants and bequests over many years, and this was a unique opportunity to partner with the Trust for Public Land and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) to put some of those funds to good use.
Much of the subject property consists of a closed RV park which was severely damaged in a 2016 fire and was likely to be sold for development. The acquisition of 68 total acres preserved critical habitat for not only birds but various fish and amphibians, and maintained connectivity between massive areas of protected lands. The undisturbed areas contain significant riparian habitat of various willow species and Fremont Cottonwood and many other native plants. The riparian zone merges into chaparral, coastal sage scrub and oak woodlands featuring Blue Elderberry, Coast Live Oak and much more. The portions being restored contain significant amounts of the above-mentioned plants and many other location-appropriate native plant species which are being nurtured on-site. There are some invasive species remaining in previously-developed areas such as Shortpod Mustard and non-native trees including the ill-named “Tree of Heaven” which will eventually be eliminated.
Access to the site is currently restricted due to the ongoing restoration work, and it is necessary to obtain permission to visit. On June 19, 2026 a group from the SFVAS obtained permission and spent the morning at the property surveying birds.The weather was unseasonably cool and cloudy, but nearly 30 bird species were observed including many Bullock’s and Hooded Orioles (with young), Phainopeplas, and a variety of other species (eBird list). While the area is not yet open for public access, it is a treasure and SFVAS is thrilled we could contribute to its permanent preservation as a space for nature and generations of visitors to come.
By Pat Bates 6/24/2026
