The Nature Conservancy Introduces New River Fork Ranch Preserve Manager

The Nature Conservancy has named Lori Leonard as the new preserve manager at River Fork Ranch Preserve outside of Genoa.

“I’ve been working for The Nature Conservancy as a Restoration Technician at the McCarran Ranch Preserve on the Truckee River for nearly four years,” explains Leonard. “Now, I’m really looking forward to bringing my conservation skills and background to the beautiful Carson Valley. I’m excited to engage with community members to make the most of this incredible preserve and to build on the success that TNC and partners have had here over nearly two decades.”

Leonard brings a rich history of connection to the land. Originally from Wisconsin, she grew up on a fourth generation dairy and beef farm, which her family still runs. Her early conservation efforts began at The Aldo Leopold Foundation doing prairie restoration.

From there, she headed West and worked in Utah, Alaska, and California doing habitat restoration and vegetation surveys. Before moving to Nevada in 2012, she was a Farm Bill Biologist for five years in a Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office, helping enroll private landowners in USDA conservation programs.

“Our goal is for River Fork Ranch to showcase how people and nature can both thrive together,” says Leonard. The preserve plays an important role in protecting floodplain for its bird and wildlife habitat and ranching values. Trails along the river and around wetlands offer a tranquil place for walking or trail running. The LEED Platinum-certified Whit Hall Interpretive Center demonstrates green development.

The preserve has many uses, including serving as an outdoor classroom for local students, a testing ground for sustainable agricultural practices, and a living laboratory for biology researchers. The Nature Conservancy is working to ensure the preserve is a place for the community to enjoy all nature has to offer.

“We’re continually looking for new ways to use River Fork Ranch Preserve as a community asset and gathering place,” says Leonard. “I encourage partners and community members to reach out to me anytime regarding ideas for collaborating at River Fork Ranch or to set up a time to meet in person.”

About River Fork Ranch Preserve and TNC’s work:
Eighteen years ago, the Conservancy ensured the long-term protection of more than 800 acres of wildlife habitat around the confluence of the East and West Forks of the Carson River near Genoa, NV by purchasing River Fork Ranch. Using sustainable agricultural practices, the River Fork Ranch Preserve is now both a nature preserve and a working cattle operation.

The River Fork Ranch Preserve’s riparian corridor and patchwork of pastures, meadows and wetlands support a robust and diverse wildlife population including bald eagles, sandhill cranes, leopard frogs, monarch butterflies, mule deer, and Western Pond Turtles. The Whit Hall Interpretive Center (WHIC) located at the River Fork Ranch Preserve is the hub of The Nature Conservancy’s community outreach and experiential education efforts in the Carson Valley. The WHIC is open for school visits and other scheduled events and activities throughout the year and ensures the Conservancy is able to connect nearly 2,000 people to nature at this site alone each year — typically, at least 30% of these individuals are youth.

About The Nature Conservancy: The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. Working in 72 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. We’ve been working in Nevada for nearly 35 years and have conserved more than 3 million acres and 26 river miles statewide. To learn more, visit www.nature.org/nevada or follow us at www.facebook.com/NatureNevada.