San Joaquin Valley
Regional
Group

Situated between California’s Central Coast and the Sierra Nevada, the San Joaquin Valley region spans eight California counties. Once covered by vast wetlands, Valley Oak savannahs, and desert shrublands, it is now the most productive agricultural region in the U.S. But that has come with an environmental cost to nature and humans. Now the area faces the necessary retirement of up to a million acres of farmland, with the opportunity to restore the land, support wildlife and bring justice to the peoples of the Valley.

Denise Kadara

Local Leader

“

During these racial equity times having 30×30 bring together voices of the underserved communities is critical and especially at the beginning stages of this process to help establish plans and projects that mutually benefit people and nature. Allensworth, in SW Tulare County on the old shoreline of Tulare Lake, is essential to these efforts and a seat at the table is important to achieving regional resiliency in the face of climate change. We are excited to participate in this endeavor and share the valuable history with California.”

Denise Kadara

President, Allensworth Progressive Association

Gallery

Desert milkweed (Asclepias erosa) is an essential plant for the continued existence of the endangered Western Monarch Butterfly. Conservation and restoration of San Joaquin Valley land that contains milkweed will aid in the recovery of Monarch populations from their alarming crash.

Desert milkweed (Asclepias erosa) is an essential plant for the continued existence of the endangered Western Monarch Butterfly. Conservation and restoration of San Joaquin Valley land that contains milkweed will aid in the recovery of Monarch populations from their alarming crash.

Tricolored Blackbirds have declined dramatically in the San Joaquin Valley because they rely on wetlands for breeding. Such wetlands are in critically short supply, for reasons that include agricultural water use, and climate change. Restoration efforts aim to increase wetlands and breeding habitat for Tricoloreds and other species in decline.

Tricolored Blackbirds have declined dramatically in the San Joaquin Valley because they rely on wetlands for breeding. Such wetlands are in critically short supply, for reasons that include agricultural water use, and climate change. Restoration efforts aim to increase wetlands and breeding habitat for Tricoloreds and other species in decline.

Vernal pools form when rainfall lands on soil that has an impermeable layer underground, creating shallow pools. In addition to specialized plants that have evolved to take advantage of these short-term conditions, vernal pools create habitat for endangered fairy shrimp and spadefoot toads, as well as other species. Unfortunately, the vast majority of vernal pools have been destroyed. We seek to preserve and restore the precious vernal pools that remain.

Vernal pools form when rainfall lands on soil that has an impermeable layer underground, creating shallow pools. In addition to specialized plants that have evolved to take advantage of these short-term conditions, vernal pools create habitat for endangered fairy shrimp and spadefoot toads, as well as other species. Unfortunately, the vast majority of vernal pools have been destroyed. We seek to preserve and restore the precious vernal pools that remain.

San Joaquin Valley residents need access to nature. Our coalition seeks to serve communities by helping them to develop resources for outdoor access and provide nature experiences for all.

San Joaquin Valley residents need access to nature. Our coalition seeks to serve communities by helping them to develop resources for outdoor access and provide nature experiences for all.