Andrew Justus-Fritz with the Placer Resource Conservation District speaks with Atwood Ranch HOA residents about the needs and habits of beaver. The pond at the Atwood Ranch Open Space Preserve is host to its newest family members, a family of beaver!
On May 23rd, 2024, Placer RCD’s Community and Conservation Director Andrew Justus-Fritz, along with the Auburn Area Recreation and Park District (ARD), hosted a “Tour and Talk” at the Atwood Ranch Open Space Preserve. This event aimed to educate and hear from residents of the Atwood Ranch HOA about the unique and special role the preserve plays in their neighborhood.
The Atwood Ranch Open Space Preserve, a ten-acre designated legal preserve within the Atwood Ranch HOA neighborhood in North Auburn, was established as a condition of development occuring on riparian areas or wetlands to counter the potential adverse effects of development on riparian habitats. Now set in perpetuity, this preserve provides the crucial habitat for numerous plant and wildlife species.
Understanding the Role of Preserves
Designated preserves, like the Atwood Ranch Open Space Preserve, are managed uniquely, shaping their appearance, function, and how people can interact with them, distinguishing them from traditional parks. This distinction can sometimes pose challenges in urban settings, where cultural expectations about open or undeveloped areas may not align with a preserve’s purpose. However, with regular, transparent communication, this mismatch between residents’ expectations and the preserve’s role can lead to greater understanding and satisfaction.
Community Engagement and Education
Understanding this, Placer RCD (preserve manager), in collaboration with ARD (landowner) and neighborhood leaders, organized the Atwood Ranch Open Space Preserve Tour and Talk. This event was not just about sharing information but also about valuing the residents’ perspectives and concerns. It provided:
- A platform to discuss the preserve’s origin and its role in supporting habitats.
- Updates on current management activities.
- Future management scenarios that balance habitat conservation with the safety and concerns of nearby residents.
“What is being done here?” : Preserves vs. Parks
The Atwood Ranch Open Space Preserve includes bike pathways and a playground, blending park-like elements within a preserve. However, because most of the open space is a preserve, it’s important to note the fundamental contrasts between preserves and parks regarding their management and purpose.
Key Differences:
- Preserves: Focus on conservation, biodiversity, and ecological education. Management is dynamic and embraces natural changes.
- Parks: Designed for recreation and leisure, with a more controlled and predictable environment.
From one perspective, preserves may seem less maintained than their park-like counterparts. However, it’s a misconception that preserves lack management. The Atwood Open Space Nature Preserve undergoes over four inspections annually to ensure the upkeep of signage and fencing, along with continual work on managing invasive species, conducting biological surveys, and performing wildfire suppression activities.
Discussing PRESERVE Management Efforts
Atwood Ranch residents explored the ten-acre preserve throughout the tour, during which Placer RCD and ARD highlighted ongoing conservation efforts. Key topics included the management of mosquito fern, a native plant that grows on still water and significantly reduces mosquito populations, and controlling non-native plants that threaten ecological integrity. Participants also visited a new wildlife resident, a family of beavers who made the pond at the preserve their home and discussed their habitat needs. Additionally, residents were informed about the wildfire mitigation strategies implemented to protect nearby homes.
A community Leaning In
The “Tour and Talk” event at the Atwood Ranch Open Space Preserve showcased the ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance this vital natural space while creating space for residents to share thoughts and observations. By engaging with the community and educating residents about the importance and distinct role of preserves, Placer RCD is fostering a shared commitment to community and conservation.