Saving Clover Valley
An aerial view of Clover Valley's magnificent Open Space – Photo by Randy Smith
December 2025 Update
For 26 years, Clover Valley Foundation (CVF) has worked to fulfill its mission: To save Clover Valley’s two-mile long, steep-sloped, 622-acres with its uniquely diverse concentration of ecological features, which includes wildlife. Earlier this year, part of our mission came to fruition as Placer Land Trust (PLT) negotiated a Conservation Easement on approximately 400 acres on the valley floor and western side slopes. As mentioned (previous web post below), PLT led a successful $10 million plus fundraising effort to help reach that goal--to which CVF and our wonderful supporters contributed generously.
CVF is eternally grateful for having 400 acres saved and protected in perpetuity. However, our mission has always been to save the entire 622 acres—valley floor, slopes, and ridges. Although we remain committed to our mission, unfortunately, a small portion of the northwest area was approved for development, and bulldozing has begun near the water tanks, off Park Dr.
Meanwhile, the north ridges and eastern ridge of CV (along Sierra College Blvd) are still threatened by potential development. The development agreement for the entire project area expires December 31, and there are other important changes to consider that may require additional environmental review. We will continue to monitor potential revisions in 2026.
We remain committed in our efforts to preserve all the remaining acreage: impressive slopes, scenic view ridges, and magnificent resources which include a wide range of wildlife habitat, with plenty of trees and a perennial creek.
We look forward to the day when teachers can take students into the valley to learn about Clover Valley’s beautiful ecosystem, prehistoric sites, and wildlife habitat. We anticipate the valley will become a destination for hiking, passive recreation, and educational field trips.
CVF is forever grateful for over 2.5 decades of financial, moral, and volunteer support from so many allies. Although the valley proper has been saved this year, there are ridges to preserve and a management plan to create. CVF’s mission is still alive—we’re NOT done yet!
We welcome any ideas from our supporters. Please provide your email address in order to facilitate rapid communication and send to: email@clovervalleyfoundation.org
Best wishes for a Happy and Healthy 2026!
Clover Valley Foundation’s Efforts Recognized
CVF is proud to announce that Marilyn Jasper, one of our founders, was recently awarded “Conservationist of the Year” by the Sierra Club's Mother Lode Chapter in part for her tireless efforts and pursuit of preserving Clover Valley. Marilyn's persistence and perseverance were key to the successful protection of 402 acres of the valley floor with Placer Land Trust’s recording of a Conservation Easement in perpetuity this year.
Marilyn has been a member of the Sierra Club for over 45 years and served in various leadership roles in the organization. We are proud and fortunate to have a leader with the vision and passion for the natural world to guide our mission.
CVF fellow Board members and supporters want to thank her for all the time and energy she has invested to keep our vision alive. And we’re not done yet!
-- Doug Brewer, CVF President
-- Tony Rakocija, Secretary
Clover Valley's Bright New Future!
After 25 years of hard work and persistence, Clover Valley's floor and side slopes have been saved (402 acres). A large part of our CV Foundation's mission and vision to protect this unique valley for future generations has been achieved. Rest assured tho, we are still working to save the ridgetops that remain vulnerable to development.
CVF is the local nonprofit organization that started this grass-roots environmental movement to bring attention to what could be lost and to save the last intact, ecologically diverse, high-quality, open space in the area.
A Big "Thank you" to Jeff Darlington and Placer Land Trust for leading the funding effort with Placer County BOS, City of Lincoln, PCOE, Skyview Foundation, Rocklin City Council members Jill Gayaldo, Bill Halldin and Dave Bass, along with many CVF private donors, and all our loyal supporters for helping to save this beautiful place. Check out PLT's website, "A Bright New Future" for more details.*
We look forward to working with the funding groups to create the master plan which will provide an outdoor education program for our local schools and colleges, and habitat for wildlife. This new open space/outdoor education and conservation-prioritized recreation program will be a jewel of Rocklin and western Placer County for future generations.
We're Not Done Yet: This most welcome acquisition did not include the CV ridge tops. CVF's mission and goal is to save the entire 622 acres of watershed, upland blue oak woodland, savannah ecosystems, and ridge tops which are still threatened with potential home developments. Unfortunately, the Lewis Homes Westridge Skyview project located behind Boulder Ridge Park is now under construction despite our efforts to have the City of Rocklin update its environmental analysis of that 78-home development project. The CalFire hazard rating in that area is significant ("High") and should not be underestimated. We continue to interact with City planners on new development plan submittals for these areas.
Videos
Clover Valley — Last of Its Kind
This is a short video documentary produced by Sierra College Professor Sean Booth. It describes the environmental issues and what is at stake in losing Clover Valley to another urban sprawl development project. (20 minutes)
Clover Valley Foundation — Interview with Marilyn Jasper
Listen and watch the 7-minute video interview to understand why saving Clover Valley is important and critical to the region. (7 minutes)
Help Save Clover Valley
We are actively engaged in the effort to preserve Clover Valley, a beautiful and unique natural area in Rocklin, California. Read about the valley's ecology and history on our website, find out about the EIR process, or look at some of the amazing pictures of Clover Valley. Then, think about how you can help keep this valley an asset in Placer County for future generations.
We now have the ability to accept donations through PayPal. Visit our How You Can Help page for the PayPal "Donate" button.
News Archive
See our News Archive page for news items and links to past newsletters. You'll see the progress we've made over the last decade and some of the challenges we'e faced.
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