Ken Swenson is the Past Board President of PVPLC. He is a Senior Vice President in the Office of the General Counsel of Bank of America, and has served on the Environmental Law Subsection of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.
 
The Conservancy was founded in 1988 to preserve undeveloped land as open space on the Palos Verdes Peninsula for historical, educational, ecological, recreational and scenic purposes. Since then it has successfully preserved 1,600 acres. Large blocks of natural open space have been created and maintained for visitors to enjoy peaceful solitude, for children and adults to learn about the natural environment, and for native plants and animals such as the California Gnatcatcher and Palos Verdes Blue butterfly to have opportunity to thrive.
 
 
To preserve lands in perpetuity, the Conservancy maintains staff qualified to monitor and respond to any challenges facing these conservation easements. Habitat restoration projects include seeding and planting native species, controlling invasive plants, and operating a native plant nursery with 60 species. 1700 volunteers and professional staff plant 23,000 seedlings per year, with temporary irrigation until the plants become established. The Conservancy maintains 40 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and biking. Volunteer naturalists, historians and geologists lead monthly guided nature walks and maintain 2 nature centers, at White Point Nature Preserve and George F Canyon Nature Preserve. 4000 students a year, mostly from disadvantaged schools, are brought to the Preserves for conservation education tied to the California state standards for science curriculum.
 
People thrive when connected to nature. Open spaces enhance property values and increase tourism and sense of community. Educational programs inspire the next generation. You can get involved by spreading the word, volunteering individually or as organizations or family, attending events, and donating. Last year, 16,000 hours including office help were volunteered, and $390,000 was provided in in-kind services. 12 volunteers guided 2200 visitors on nature walks.
 
Susan Wilcox is the Director of Development for the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. The office is at 916 Silver Spur Road, #207, in Rolling Hills Estates, phone 310-541-7613, x202. For program information, activities calendar, and donations, contact www.pvplc.org.