Conservation in Concert
Shasta Land Trust Hosts River Rhythms…
Thanks to finding the perfect location (the Daniell Beaver Banks Preserve), the Shasta Land Trust will be hosting its inaugural River Rhythms: Sunset Symphony on September 5. On this special 2.5-hour evening, guests will be immersed in the natural beauty of this protected area as they listen to a curated performance by the Northstate Jazz Orchestra.
“This is our first year doing an event like this,” says Shasta Land Trust Communications and Outreach Manager Natalya Tharaldsen. “Our goal was to welcome a crowd that is new to the work we do and to this space that we find so special, especially being along the Sacramento River.”
Earning the title of Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation in 2022, the seven-acre Daniell Beaver Banks Preserve maintains native plants, a pollinator garden, oak trees and open riparian area allowing various wildlife species to live in peace. Over the past few years, a plethora of birds, insects, deer and even foxes have been spotted.
The Shasta Land Trust has been around for nearly 30 years, but this is the first time they’ve ever done an event like this, Tharaldsen reiterates. “When we moved into this space a little over five years ago, we had always hoped to bring together the harmony of nature and music.”
“For so many people, music is a form of therapy. It’s a chance to escape their busy lives for a moment and enjoy a place of calm. This is our chance to connect people to nature as they listen to the sounds of our local musicians,” says Tharaldsen.
As the population grew across Northern California and communities expanded, Shasta Land Trust Founder Kathleen Gilman saw a need to protect the open spaces and oak woodlands that make Shasta County (and beyond) unique. With the help of community support and resolute volunteers, the Shasta Land Trust completed its first property agreement in 2002 with Fenwood Ranch. The 2,242-acre property — with its productive grazing lands, creeks, oak woodlands and Sacramento River frontage — is now permanently protected.
Since the Shasta Land Trust’s start, the organization has collaborated with landowners to keep developing rights on more than 61,000 acres of open space, farmland and wildlife habitat, ensuring that the area’s natural resources and beauty are well looked after for future generations.
“A conservation easement is a voluntary agreement that allows landowners to keep owning and using their land while permanently protecting the things that make it special,” Tharaldsen says. “Families can continue ranching, farming and enjoying their property while ensuring it won’t be divided up or developed in ways that would change its natural beauty, wildlife habitat, or agricultural value. Our job is to work alongside landowners to help protect those values for generations to come.”
“We’re always looking for new ways to connect people with conservation, and hosting unique events is one way we can reach new audiences,” she says. “What I’m most excited about is seeing people experience live music surrounded by nature. When people spend time outdoors and connect with the natural world, they begin to understand why conservation matters.”
As the sun sets, guests can enjoy a delicious catered dinner, live music, wine and a silent auction on the banks of the Sacramento River with the Shasta Land Trust.
“The dinner is one of my favorite events because our supporters get to see what they’ve helped make possible over the past year,” she says. “It’s a chance to celebrate our conservation successes, thank the people who made them possible, and share what’s ahead. Whether you’ve supported the Shasta Land Trust for years or are just curious about what we do, everyone is welcome. We love meeting new people and hope you’ll join us.” •
