Some evenings stay with you. This is one of them.

As the sun sets over Kaweah Oaks Preserve and the valley oaks cast long shadows across the land, the community gathers for one of the most meaningful evenings of the year. Evening Under the Oaks is a celebration of the land, the people who protect it, and the stories that remind us why it matters.

This is conservation at its most beautiful, and your presence is what makes it possible.

What to Expect

An elegant evening under towering oaks at one of the Central Valley's most beloved nature preserves. From the moment you arrive, the preserve sets the tone. Wild, beautiful, and worth every effort to protect.

The evening includes:

Craft beer from 1852 Brew Co, featuring an exclusive elderberry sour brewed from elderberries grown and harvested right here at Kaweah Oaks Preserve
Wine and seasonal refreshments
Live music under the oaks
Live auction and raffle
Presentation of the Alan George Conservation Award to this year's honoree, Mark Larsen
A special message from Moses Lopez, wildlife photographer and longtime preserve visitor whose relationship with SRT's preserves changed the course of his life

The Stories Behind the Evening

Mark Larsen, Alan George Conservation Award Recipient

Mark Larsen has spent more than two decades working at the place where water, agriculture, and conservation meet and doing it with the kind of quiet, steady commitment that changes things without asking for credit. As General Manager of the Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District and a former 18-year member of the SRT Board of Directors, Mark helped shepherd a landmark groundwater recharge basin at Kaweah Oaks Preserve that has since become a model for multi-benefit conservation projects across the region. His first reaction to receiving this award was simply: "Why me?" That humility is exactly why.

Moses Lopez, Wildlife Photographer & Naturalist

Moses Lopez found Kaweah Oaks Preserve by accident as a college student searching Google Maps for somewhere to explore. He's been coming back ever since first to birdwatch, then to learn plants, then to photograph the wildlife that calls these oak woodlands home. His story is a reminder of what protected land makes possible: a place for everyone to belong.

Why This Evening Matters

Evening Under the Oaks is SRT's signature fundraising event and every dollar raised directly supports the conservation, education, and stewardship work protecting more than 53,000 acres across California's Central Valley and southern Sierra Nevada.

Last year, this community showed up in a way that broke every record. This year, the goal is to go further together.

Your ticket is more than admission. It is a vote for the kind of valley you want to live in and leave behind.

Tickets

EARLY BIRD
(August 1 – August 31)
Individual: $105
Table of 8: $800

REGULAR
(September 1 – 24)
Individual: $125
Table of 8: $950

Registration closes Thursday, September 24 or when sold out.

Become an Enduring Lands Collective Member

Can't make it to the event but want to support the work? Join The Enduring Lands Collective: SRT's community of monthly contributors whose consistent support makes long-term conservation possible. Starting at just $10 a month, your recurring gift is a promise to the land that someone will always show up for it.

LEARN MORE

Sponsorship Opportunities

Evening Under the Oaks is made possible in part by the generous support of corporate sponsors who believe in conservation, community, and the future of the Central Valley. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Jason McNally at jason@sequoiariverlands.org to learn more.

FAQs

Is this event outdoors?
Yes. Evening Under the Oaks takes place entirely outdoors at Kaweah Oaks Preserve. The fall evenings are typically warm and beautiful, but we recommend checking the weather and dressing accordingly.

What should I wear?
Think elegant and comfortable. The terrain is natural, so we recommend close-toed shoes and avoiding stilettos or heels. Think garden party meets conservation gala.

Is there parking available?
Yes. Free parking is available onsite at Kaweah Oaks Preserve.

What is the Alan George Conservation Award?
The Alan George Conservation Award is presented annually by Sequoia Riverlands Trust to an individual in honor of their dedication to preserving the Central Valley heartland's remarkable natural heritage and enhancing the quality of life for future generations. This year's recipient is Mark Larsen.

Can I make a donation without purchasing a ticket?
Absolutely. Donations can be made online here or by joining The Enduring Lands Collective as a monthly contributor.

I have more questions. Who do I contact?
Reach out to Investments & Partnerships Manager Samira Khan at samira@sequoiariverlands.org.

Evening Under The Oaks