Santa Clara River Conservancy

What Santa Clara River Conservancy does

The Santa Clara River Conservancy (SCRC) is a California-based 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2009 and headquartered in Santa Paula, focused on protecting and restoring riparian habitat along the 84-mile Santa Clara River and its 1,600-square-mile watershed — described as the last major coastal system in southern California that retains much of its natural hydrology. The organization delivers three core programs: invasive species management (primarily Arundo donax, Tamarix, and other riparian invasives treated via mechanical, chemical, and biocontrol methods), habitat restoration (seed collection, planting, pole cutting, irrigation across floodplain and wetland sites), and environmental education and outreach for schools, youth groups, and local communities. Active restoration projects include the 234-acre Cienega Springs Ecological Reserve, the 10.2-acre Santa Clara River Artesian Site (2024-2028), 175 acres of Arundo removal at Sespe Cienega with UCSB, the 250-acre Hedrick Ranch Natural Area restoration with The Nature Conservancy, and the 25-acre North Shiells Property project, supplemented by a watershed-scale LiDAR-based Arundo mapping and planning initiative with Stillwater Sciences and the City of Santa Clarita.

SCRC operates as a community-led non-profit under Executive Director Shawn Kelly, with a six-person operational team (Lead Restoration Specialist Devina Schneider, Restoration Specialists Dalton Laue, Beckett Staubs-Friedmann, Alexis Luna, and Goonjan Katbamna) and a six-member volunteer Board of Directors. Revenue is generated entirely through donations and fundraising (individual giving via Donorbox, recurring gifts, land and equipment donations), grants from state and federal agencies (NRCS, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, State Coastal Conservancy, Department of Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Board, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), and corporate sponsorships (Limoneira, Patagonia, SafePort, Procter & Gamble). The organization does not sell products or services commercially and operates as a hybrid of regional restoration implementer and convening partner for a network of agencies, academic institutions (UCSB), and conservation NGOs (California Trout, The Nature Conservancy, Friends of the Santa Clara River, National Audubon, Sierra Club).

Name

Santa Clara River Conservancy

Legal name

Santa Clara River Conservancy

Website

https://santaclarariver.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Santa Clara River Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2009 that protects and restores riparian habitat across the 84-mile Santa Clara River watershed in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties through invasive species removal, habitat restoration, and youth environmental education, funded by grants, donations, and corporate sponsors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Forestry (800)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Resources & Watershed Protection (BPAGAGAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Ecosystem Restoration & Rewilding Services (AFAMAMAE), Watershed Protection & Water Quality Services (AFAMAMAB), Riparian & Watershed Reforestation (Streambank Stabilization) (AFAMACAK)

Keywords

• Riparian habitat restoration
• Invasive species management
• Watershed conservation services
• Environmental education programs
• Habitat restoration projects

Headquarters

HQ city

Santa Paula

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: The organization raises funds through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising campaigns. Donors can contribute money to build organizational capacity and support administrative staff, donate land for conservation, or provide equipment and supplies.
2. Grants and Government Funding: SCRC receives grant funding from government agencies including Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, State Coastal Conservancy, Department of Conservation, and Procter & Gamble for specific restoration projects.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Santa Clara River Conservancy is a non-profit conservation organization that delivers habitat restoration, invasive species management, and environmental education programs across the 1,600-square-mile Santa Clara River watershed in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, California. Its core offerings include invasive species removal (Arundo donax, Tamarix), ecological restoration using seed collection, planting, pole cutting, and irrigation, and educational outreach through school presentations, field trips, and volunteer events. The organization operates as a project-based non-profit, funding specific restoration projects through grants, donations, and corporate sponsorships.

Product overview

The Santa Clara River Conservancy is a non-profit conservation organization (formed in 2009) that offers a portfolio of environmental programs and restoration projects focused on protecting and restoring the Santa Clara River Watershed. The organization's core offerings include: Invasive Species Management targeting prolific invasive species like Arundo donax (Giant Reed) and Tamarix; Habitat Restoration using techniques such as seed collection, planting, pole cutting, and irrigation; and Education and Outreach programs including school presentations and field trips. Major active restoration projects include the Cienega Springs Ecological Reserve (234 acres), the Santa Clara River Artesian Site Habitat Restoration Project (10.2 acres), Arundo Removal at Sespe Cienega (175 acres), Hedrick Ranch Nature Area restoration (41+ acres), and the North Shiells Property project (25 acres). The organization also operates an Integrated Regional Water Management planning initiative using LiDAR remote sensing for prioritization.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Invasive Species Management Targeted management of invasive plant and animal species in the Santa Clara River Watershed, including removal of Arundo donax (Giant Reed), Tamarix (Saltcedar), castor bean, perennial pepperweed, and tree tobacco using mechanical, chemical, and biocontrol methods. Delivered for government agencies and conservation landowners managing riparian lands.
• Habitat Restoration Ecological restoration and re-vegetation services including seed collection, seeding, planting, pole cutting, and irrigation to restore riparian and wetland habitats along the Santa Clara River. Delivered for conservation partners and landowners managing protected lands.
• Education and Outreach Environmental education programs for schools and communities including volunteer events, classroom presentations, and outdoor field trips to engage the public in conservation of the Santa Clara River Watershed. Provided free of charge to local schools and youth organizations.
• Volunteer Program Volunteer opportunities for conservation activities including habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and community engagement events at various sites along the Santa Clara River. Open to community members and corporate groups.
• Santa Clara River Artesian Site Habitat Restoration Project Wetland habitat restoration project in Santa Paula covering 10.2 acres, involving invasive species removal and revegetation with native California plant species across five specific habitat types. Delivered for The Nature Conservancy and Bonneville Environmental Foundation with funding from Procter & Gamble.
• Cienega Springs Ecological Reserve Restoration Wetland and riparian restoration project actively restoring 234 acres of degraded river channel and floodplain within the Cienega Springs Ecological Reserve to a mosaic of wetland and riparian habitat types for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• Arundo Removal at Sespe Cienega Giant reed (Arundo donax) removal project working with University of California, Santa Barbara to remove 175 acres of invasive species from critical historic wetland habitat in Fillmore.
• Hedrick Ranch Nature Area and Hedrick Ranch Property Restoration Arundo removal and riparian restoration project near Santa Paula involving 41 acres of giant reed removal with partners including California Trout, California Conservation Corps, and volunteers, delivered for Friends of the Santa Clara River.
• Hedrick Ranch Natural Area (HRNA), Taylor, Best, and USC Properties Restoration 250-acre habitat restoration and enhancement project on the Santa Clara River floodplain near Santa Paula, focused on invasive giant reed removal and riparian habitat restoration, delivered in partnership with Friends of the Santa Clara River and The Nature Conservancy with UCSB.
• North Shiells Property Restoration Invasive plant removal and wetland restoration project on 25 acres of The Nature Conservancy's North Shiells Property, targeting species including giant reed, perennial pepperweed, castor bean, tree tobacco, and salt cedar, funded jointly with NRCS.
• Integrated Regional Water Management Arundo Mapping and Planning Comprehensive mapping and planning project using LiDAR remote sensing data to prioritize removal and management of giant reed (Arundo donax) across the Santa Clara River watershed, delivered in partnership with Stillwater Sciences and the City of Santa Clarita.

Quantifiable outcome

• 234 acres targeted for active restoration at Cienega Springs Ecological Reserve
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• California TroutcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with California Trout for giant reed (Arundo donax) removal from riparian areas at Hedrick Ranch Nature Area and Hedrick Ranch Property. SCRC partnered with California Trout to remove 41 acres of giant reed adjacent to the Santa Clara River near Santa Paula, with funding from Proposition 84.
• California State Coastal ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency providing funding and support for conservation and restoration projects in the Santa Clara River watershed. Worked with SCRC on agricultural lands conservation strategic planning.
• California Department of Fish and WildlifecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCDFW owns multiple properties including the Sespe Cienega (California Watercress property and Fillmore Fish Hatchery) and Cienega Springs Ecological Reserve (designated April 2020). SCRC conducts restoration work on CDFW properties with long-term management by CDFW.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency partner delivering education programs. SCRC partnered with USFWS to provide education programs and field trips to third and fourth grade students in Ventura County, funded by the Trustees Council.
• The Nature ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTNC owns multiple properties including the Prairie Pacific Property and North Shiells Property. SCRC conducts invasive plant removal and restoration on TNC lands. Also partnered on 250-acre habitat restoration project at Hedrick Ranch Natural Area with UCSB.
• Friends of the Santa Clara RivercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFSCR holds stewardship of the Hedrick Ranch Natural Area and partnered with SCRC on Sespe Cienaga restoration projects. Properties include Hedrick Ranch Natural Area, Taylor, Best, and USC properties.
• University of California, Santa BarbaracoreTechnology or IntegrationUCSB partners with SCRC on multiple projects including 175-acre giant reed removal at Sespe Cienega and the Hedrick Ranch Natural Area restoration project with The Nature Conservancy. Provides technical expertise and research support.
• Stillwater SciencessupportingTechnology or IntegrationTechnical partner in the Integrated Regional Water Management Arundo Mapping and Planning Project, providing expertise in remote sensing and LiDAR data analysis for prioritizing giant reed removal sites.
• City of Santa ClaritasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Integrated Regional Water Management Arundo Mapping and Planning Project for prioritizing removal and management of giant reed in the Santa Clara River watershed.
• California Conservation CorpssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCC volunteers participated in giant reed removal and follow-up treatments at Hedrick Ranch Nature Area, working alongside SCRC staff, contractors, and other volunteers.
• National Audubon SocietysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation organization listed as a partner of the Santa Clara River Conservancy, working on bird habitat preservation in the watershed.
• Sierra ClubsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental advocacy organization listed as a partner, specifically the Los Padres Chapter Ventura group.
• Western Foundation of Vertebrate ZoologysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation organization focused on bird conservation, listed as a partner organization.
• Santa Clara River Watershed ProgramsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerWatershed management program listed as a partner organization.
• Bonneville Environmental FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerManages the property owned by The Nature Conservancy for the Santa Clara River Artesian Site Habitat Restoration Project.
• LimoneirasupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness sponsor - agricultural company supporting SCRC mission through corporate sponsorship.
• PatagoniasupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness sponsor - outdoor apparel company supporting SCRC mission through corporate sponsorship.
• SafePortsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness sponsor supporting SCRC mission through corporate sponsorship.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• California Trout: Conservation organization focused on California wild trout, salmon, and steelhead habitat. SCRC explicitly partners with CalTrout on Arundo removal and riparian restoration at Hedrick Ranch, making it the closest direct operational peer.
• Channel Islands Restoration: California-based nonprofit specializing in riparian and habitat restoration, with prior internship pipeline into SCRC. Directly comparable in technique (Arundo removal, native plant restoration) and project scale.
• Ventura Land Trust: Regional land trust operating in Ventura County with comparable mission of conserving open space, watersheds, and habitat. Closest geographic nonprofit peer with similar land protection and community engagement model.
• Friends of the Santa Clara River: Local nonprofit holding stewardship of Hedrick Ranch Natural Area and partnering with SCRC on Sespe Cienaga restoration. Operates in the same geographic niche with overlapping but distinct mission focus on river stewardship.
• Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains: Special district providing conservation, restoration, and education services in a Southern California watershed. Closest structural analog to SCRC as a community-led, grant-funded restoration and education organization.

Regional players

• Heal the Bay: Los Angeles-based nonprofit focused on Santa Monica Bay watershed water quality, education, and advocacy. Comparable education-and-restoration nonprofit model with overlapping donor and volunteer constituency in Southern California.
• Ojai Valley Land Conservancy: Adjacent regional land trust operating in the Ventura County backcountry. Comparable nonprofit structure, restoration programs, and education focus, but focused on the Ojai Valley rather than the Santa Clara River.
• Wishtoyo Foundation: Chumash-led nonprofit protecting coastal and watershed resources in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Operates in the same geographic and ecological corridor with overlapping cultural resource and habitat protection mission.

Broad incumbents

• The Nature Conservancy (California): Global conservation nonprofit and direct landowner/partner of SCRC on multiple projects (Prairie Pacific Property, North Shiells Property, Hedrick Ranch). TNC operates at vastly larger scale but shares the same riparian habitat protection and invasive species removal mission in California.
• Surfrider Foundation: National nonprofit focused on coastal water quality, beach access, and ocean ecosystem protection. Operates at much larger scale and broader geographic footprint but overlaps on watershed and coastal ecosystem advocacy.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/santaclarariver
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/santaclarariverconservancy
• Instagraminstagram.com/santaclarariver

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Santa Clara River Conservancy