OUR HISTORY

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The Fond Land Preservation Foundation was established in 2004 from the generous gift of Rosemary Ann Found through her estate planning.  In April 2005, the Fond Land Preservation Foundation purchased a significant number of parcels of land, totaling 495 acres within the Verdugo Mountains in the City of Los Angeles, located between the communities of Shadow Hills and La Tuna Canyon. 

 

The Foundation has made a number of significant strategic acquisitions after the initial 495-acre purchase.  

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• The first subsequent purchase was made in 2010 when the Foundation purchased five parcels totaling approximately 40 acres in Lake View Terrace with provided an access point from Foothill Blvd. 

• The second purchase was made in 2011 for approximately 20 acres at the end of Teazle Canyon, which joined previously unconnected  Foundation acreage.  These purchases were possible due to  the over  $500,000 donation made by Judith Owen as part of her estate plan and an anonymous  $20,000 donation from a local Shadow Hills Family

• The Foundation’s third strategic purchase was made in 2013 for approximately 40 acres from Ahead with Horses.  This property connects La Tuna Canyon Road via Del Arroyo Drive to the  Fond Foundation property which can be accessed from various points off of Sunland Boulevard.

• The last strategic purchase was made in 2019 with the acquisition of less than an acre off of Rotta, which was surrounded by other Fond parcels and eliminated an easement through a portion of the Foundation property.

 

The Foundation continues to evaluate potential acquisitions in the Verdugo Mountains and other areas in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.  The Foundation performs a cost analysis of each potential acquisition, taking into account such factors as the cost of the acreage, its spatial relationship to existing Foundation property, the cost of brush clearance, and other obligations.

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The Foundation currently owns nearly 600 acres.  These acquisitions make the Fond Land Preservation Foundation the largest privately-held and publicly accessible open space owner within Los Angeles County.  Due to the size and scope of this open space, it will serve to act as a significant area for the study of natural resources, animal migration, and plant diversity within this unique and remarkable area located within the City of Los Angeles.  Please see the maps on this website.