FLC launches membership drive

FALLBROOK – The Fallbrook Land Conservancy’s (FLC) annual membership drive is underway through May 18 to help raise funds and increase public awareness, announced Gary Beeler, chairman of the non-profit group’s board of directors.

The FLC was founded in 1988 with the mission to preserve and enhance the natural beauty and rural character of the community. More than 70 percent of the funding for the management of its 11 nature preserves and other operations comes from contributions by individuals, businesses and community organizations, explained Beeler.

“Most people still think that our preserves are owned by the County, or that we’re part of a larger group like The Nature Conservancy,” said Beeler. “The FLC was founded by a small group of local citizens who recognized the value of preserving our open space for future generations. The continued support of our community is vital in helping us maintain the beauty of these areas.”

The total acreage of land now protected by FLC ownership or conservation easement is 2,706 acres. Operations at the preserves include removing invasive species and restoring native habitat, as well as managing miles of hiking trails that require continual re-building, mowing, weed abatement, trash pickup and erosion control.

The FLC also works with three groups of dedicated volunteers: Native Plant Restoration Team, which helps restore native plants and trees; Save Our Forest, which has planted and maintains thousands of trees in the downtown area and community, as well as provides educational programs in local schools; and the Trails Council, which maintains an extensive trails network along the Santa Margarita River.

During the membership drive, information tables manned by volunteers will be set up on the weekends at Los Jilgueros and Monserate Mountain preserves, and at the entrance to the Santa Margarita River Trail. During the week of May 13, volunteers will also be stationed at the entrances to Albertson’s, Major Market, and Daniel’s Market. At the booths, volunteers will field questions and distribute membership applications featuring guides to local preserves and trails.

The drive will end on Saturday, May 18 at the Wine, Brews and Blues Festival at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. To help raise additional funds, the FLC is among several charity partners earning a percentage of sales to the Bonsall Rotary-sponsored event.

For more information, or to become a member of the FLC, call (760) 728-0889 or visit http://www.fallbrooklandconservancy.org. To order tickets to the Wine, Brews and Blues Festival visit

http://www.bonsallrotary.com.