THE LAND CONSERVANCY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Featured Project: Kathleen's Canyon Overlook

Overview/History

Named Kathleen’s Canyon Overlook, the site at the corner of Callender Road and Highway 1 boasts scenic views of Black Lake Canyon and the world-class Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes while fostering native flora and fauna. The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County recently dedicated the 55-acre conservation property in Black Lake Canyon to the late Kathleen Goddard Jones, a longtime environmental activist affectionately known as the “Dunes Mother”.

The ceremony acknowledged the instrumental support of the recently disbanded environmental group, Save the Mesa, in underwriting The Land Conservancy to secure outside funding to permanently purchase the property and conserve local lands.  In total, $136,000 in grants from Save the Mesa to The Land Conservancy resulted in the permanent conservation of millions of dollars worth of lands on the Nipomo Mesa including land around the Dana Adobe, and in Black Lake Canyon.  In the South County area, The Land Conservancy has helped to conserve sensitive lands along Nipomo Creek, in Black Lake Canyon, and within the world class Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes.

Project Goals

While honoring the past, Land Conservancy leaders also unveiled conceptual plans for future enhancements to Kathleen’s Canyon Overlook including improved public access and on-site experiential education activities. The group applied for a grant to fund the enhancements and is looking for community support from stewardship volunteers to manage the site over the long term

How to Help

Volunteers - Those interested in working on property enhancements at Kathleen’s Canyon Overlook such as restoration plantings, trail building, and site maintenance can sign up as a volunteer. Please fill out the Volunteer Profile Form, specific to Kathleen’s Canyon Overlook, if you are interested in getting involved.

Donate - Private donations of all sizes are welcome and can be made to the Healthy Lands Forever Fund to be dedicated for enhancements at the site

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