Ladies Valley Landback: Returning Native Lands to Native Hands

American River Conservancy is raising funds to accompany a substantial land transfer to the local Native American community.

Two local land trusts invite the public to participate in this community experience. American River Conservancy (ARC), which has protected lands in the upper American River and upper Cosumnes River watersheds since 1989, will give both real estate and “seed money” to the Native American land trust, Cosumnes Culture and Waterways (CCAWW). To support the effort, ARC will host a fundraiser to accompany the return of the 320-acre property currently known as Ladies Valley to the care of CCAWW in perpetuity. With this gift of land and funds to the indigenous people of the region, ARC is participating in the international “landback” movement. By returning ancestral lands to the descendants of tribes who were historically displaced and unjustly treated, it is felt that this is a fair and equitable way to support the revival of culture for native communities all over the world.

Anyone can join in support of this peaceful and collaborative landback process.

The Ladies Valley Landback fundraiser aims to raise at least $25,000 to jump-start a living, cultural heritage site in a place originally known as Coso Village

The fundraising event will be hosted on Saturday, October 22, at Wakamatsu Farm in Placerville. Whether or not you join the live event, you can donate online to this fundraiser at the event link: https://app.donorview.com/X416J.

Family Nature Bowl

Back by popular demand, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Nature Bowl 2022: Family Challenge is underway and ready for Californians to enjoy.

and inhabited by the Miwok people for centuries. On this land, local tribes will bring their families to build a village of traditional bark houses so they may once again gather, dance, and propagate plants for food, medicine, and craft continued on page 24

Along with ARC’s gift of Placerville land, the gift of funds will support the initial stewardship of the property’s landscape. Communities will benefit from a place to learn traditional knowledge from the living descendants of original people. With the completion of this land and funding transfer, the site will belong to the local indigenous community in perpetuity.

The North Central Region of CDFW initiated this statewide, family-friendly competition during the COVID-19 pandemic as a delightful and educational way for families to explore nature close to home – in their backyards, neighborhoods and local wild areas – while having some outside fun and working together to complete some nature-related activities.

Last year, families from across the state participated in the challenge. This year, we hope your family does too.

The 2022 challenge includes two scavenger hunts: one provided by CDFW and the other to be created by your family. There is also an extra credit element of cataloging your found items – just like a scientist.

How to Reduce Your Homeownership Costs

by Sheri Arntsen-Miller

From taxes and insurance to maintenance and repairs, homeownership comes with a variety of costs.

But don’t worry. These expenses don’t have to break the bank. With a strategy (and maybe a few key home updates), you can reduce your costs in the long run. You may even make your home safer and less prone to damage.

Want to cut the costs of homeownership? Try these five approaches:

· Homeowners Insurance: Want to reduce your insurance premiums? You could bundle your home and auto policies, upgrade older systems in your home, or add

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