About

The Cache Creek Conservancy was established in 1996 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to restore, protect, and enhance the lower Cache Creek watershed. The formation of the Cache Creek Conservancy marked the end of the "gravel wars," a 20-year conflict between concerned individuals, the government, and the aggregate industry over in-channel mining. 

The organization fulfills its mission to restore, protect and enhance the lower Cache Creek watershed through restoration projects, an invasive weed removal program, and various educational programs. Currently the Cache Creek Conservancy is a leader promoting understanding of Native American traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) through its Tending and Gathering Garden and its Leok Po (Good Fire) programs. The Conservancy manages the 130-acre Cache Creek Nature Preserve on behalf of Yolo County. A restored off-channel mining site, the Nature Preserve showcases the dynamic way landscapes can be reclaimed into habitats for wildlife and humans to enjoy and thrive. Currently, the Conservancy has a college-level internship program to help train future biologists and ecologists in the hard work of restoring landscapes and monitoring for success. The organization has four full-time employees, two part-time employees, a 12-member volunteer Board of Directors and many volunteers.