As summer winds down and the weather starts cooling, it’s time to get out and enjoy nature. Calling all Kindergarten through 8th grade students!  You, your family, and your friends are invited to explore the beautiful lands of western Riverside County to earn an exclusive patch.

The Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority’s (RCA) 146 Project is a great way to learn about the region’s 146 plant and animal species protected by the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), and to encourage the exploration of conserved lands in western Riverside County.

In 2021, the Riverside County Transportation Commission became the managing agency for the RCA. Measure A, the voter-approved sales tax for transportation improvements in Riverside County, has contributed more than $150 million towards land acquisitions for the MSHCP in support of regional transportation projects. Through MSHCP, the RCA’s goal is to assemble 500,000 acres of reserve land in western Riverside County. RCTC strives to educate our communities about how transportation and conservation are linked. The 146 Project will help foster future generations to continue advancing our environmental, economic, and mobility goals.

Through the 146 Project, students can learn more about RCA’s conservation efforts and the 146 native plant and animal species, including 34 species that are either endangered or threatened in western Riverside County. This isn’t just a fun activity–it’s an educational journey.

Students can participate in the 146 Project and earn their exclusive patch by visiting 146Project.org. There, students can complete a series of fun activities corresponding to their grade level, including visiting one of eight land reserves, learning about the RCA and its efforts to protect 146 native species, taking a short quiz, and completing an art activity or writing assignment. Once completed activities are submitted online, students will receive their patch in the mail.

So, get in gear and embark on an exciting journey to explore the wonders of wildlife in western Riverside County.

The Point: Members will help shape growing region and achieve habitat conservation goals

Want to make a difference in conserving habitat, streamlining transportation projects, and fostering economic development in western Riverside County? The Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority, also known as the RCA, is seeking volunteers to apply for membership of its Stakeholders Committee. Applications are available now.

RCTC began serving as the managing agency for the RCA on January 1 and supports the RCA Board of Directors’ commitment to engage the public in achieving the goals of the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan.  Through the MSHCP, the RCA is working to preserve 500,000 acres of habitat in western Riverside County to protect 146 animal and plant species. This effort helps communities and species thrive, accelerates construction of needed infrastructure like transportation projects and housing, and bolsters the economy.

RCA Chair Natasha Johnson is reinstituting the Stakeholders Committee this year. Membership applications are due October 25.

Johnson will appoint members to the committee for ratification by the RCA Board of Directors. The Committee will meet as requested by the Chair or Board — at least twice per year. Johnson encouraged qualified potential members to apply.

Committee members will give input to the RCA Board by reviewing implementation plans for the MSHCP. It is intended to bring together people with varying perspectives who share a common interest in the MSHCP’s success and who can help the RCA make continuous improvement. Members also will help increase awareness of the conservation plan and its benefits to western Riverside County.

The Stakeholders Committee, which will be appointed annually, will include up to 16 members, with membership from the following:

• Groups representing property owners affected by the MSHCP
• Groups representing environmental interests implicated by the MSHCP
• Groups representing the building industry within the area affected by the MSHCP

To apply, go to www.wrc-rca.org/stakeholders. Prospective members can submit the completed form online or can print a copy and submit by email to dknudsen@rctc.org or by U.S. mail to:

Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority
Attn: David Knudsen
4080 Lemon Street, 3rd Floor
Riverside, CA 92501

For questions, please contact David Knudsen via email or by calling (951) 787-7141.