News of the Arroyo
Title: | Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy Expands Protected Open Space In Rubio Canyon |
Subtitle: | Pristine Altadena / Pasadena foothills canyon is now protected for public access and hiking |
Date: | 2009-09-09 |
Summary: | September 9, 2009 � The mouth of Rubio Canyon will be protected permanently as open space as the result of a purchase by the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy. |
Author: | News Release |
Publication: | Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy |
Content: | Amidst the devastation of the Station Fire, there is good news. The newly expanded Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy (formerly Altadena Foothills Conservancy) (AFC) has just finalized acquisition of a pristine, historic 20 acre land parcel of natural open space in Rubio Canyon, on the eastern side of Altadena, CA. Thankfully, this now protected open space escaped damage from the Station Fire. The parcel contains important trails, and is the main hiking access point for Rubio Canyon, one of the most beautiful areas of the local foothills and home to the historic Mt Lowe Railway and Great Incline. This is the second significant act of preservation of open space in the Pasadena area this year (the other being the purchase of Annandale Canyon). AFC has raised a large portion of the funds from its own board of directors and dedicated people like Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, but AFC is seeking donations from the public to finance the acquisition and prepare to maintain the parcel in coming years. AFC is also pursuing additional opportunities to preserve open space in our local foothills, and depends on funding from like-minded people who recognize the value of saving privately-owned open space from development. “We are deeply grateful to the land owner, Sameer Etman,” said Nancy Steele, president of AFC. “He shares AFC’s vision for preserving these special places.” Preservation of the parcel is significant for several reasons. The land is directly adjacent to Angeles National Forest, so preservation extends the protected areas and allows access. Many hikers use this parcel regularly to enjoy the mountains and Rubio Canyon waterfalls. The location is also home to the historic Mount Lowe Railway, which provided an amazing mountain experience from 1893 until 1938, and had the distinction of being the only scenic mountain, overhead electric trolley railroad ever built in the United States. The railway climbed Lake Avenue and crossed into Rubio Canyon. At Rubio Pavilion passengers transferred to a cable car funicular which climbed the Great Incline to the top of Echo Mountain. “I’ve always felt it’s not right for this pristine canyon to be in private ownership, and while I was lucky enough to be the custodian for a while I’m very pleased that AFC will be able to preserve it permanently,” said Sameer Etman, the property owner. “This important land acquisition comes as the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy moves forward with a new name and an expanded vision for open space stewardship, restoration and environmental education throughout the San Gabriel foothills,” adds Nancy Steele, “especially vital as we work to bring critical forest restoration awareness to the residents within our regional reach.” To support this important work, please visit http:// www.arroyosfoothills.org. About the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy (Formerly Altadena Foothills Conservancy): AFC is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation, based in Altadena, CA. The mission of the AFC is to preserve natural open spaces before they are gone, thereby enriching our communities through conserving and enhancing scenic landscapes, native plants and wildlife, streams and water, and trails and historic sites, while we still can. AFC focuses our work in the San Gabriel foothills and arroyos extending from the environs of Eaton Canyon to the western Verdugo Mountains. We work with property owners, governments, land trusts, and other stakeholders to acquire, restore, protect, and maintain these natural areas. Media Contact: Lawren Markle / 626-388-7570 / Lawren@altadenafoothills.org |
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