On Nov. 8, the Kings River Land Trust brought community members together at Kings River Winery in Sanger for its second annual BBQ Bash, an evening of barbecue dinner, live bluegrass by Uncle Ephus, local wine and a silent auction. The fundraiser’s proceeds will go toward protecting farmland and wildlife habitat along the Kings River, a corridor that supports agricultural production, wildlife and recreational access for Fresno County residents.

The event combined familiar local elements—food, music and wine—to support long-term conservation goals that affect everyday life across the region. Protecting agricultural land along the Kings River helps sustain the local food economy and preserves working landscapes that employ farmworkers and support businesses throughout Fresno County. It also protects habitat for native species and preserves riparian corridors that contribute to flood mitigation, groundwater recharge and air quality.

Land conservation in the valley has implications for public health. Access to open space and natural areas is linked in public health research to improved physical and mental well-being, providing space for exercise, stress relief and community gatherings. Conserved farmland and riparian buffers also reduce runoff and pollution, contributing to healthier waterways and safer drinking water supplies for upstream and downstream communities. For low-income residents and communities of color—who disproportionately face environmental hazards and limited access to green space—conservation of local natural areas can be a step toward greater health equity.

The silent auction and community-based fundraising model reflect grassroots support for stewardship of the Kings River’s natural and working landscapes. nonprofit-led land protection efforts like those of the Kings River Land Trust typically work with landowners, public agencies and community partners to place easements or secure parcels, aiming to keep land in agricultural production and available for wildlife habitat rather than subject to development. In a region facing housing and development pressures, these efforts seek a balance between growth and preservation that sustains livelihoods and ecosystem services that benefit the broader community.

Events such as the BBQ Bash also have economic ripple effects for local vendors, musicians and the hospitality sector, drawing attention to Sanger-area producers and cultural assets. By centering locally produced wine and live regional music, the fundraiser fosters connections between conservation and the cultural and economic life of Fresno County.

As the Kings River Land Trust continues its work, community fundraising events remain a visible expression of local priorities around land stewardship, healthy environments and equitable access to the benefits of nature. For residents concerned about food security, environmental health or the future of working farms, these conservation efforts will shape the landscape and public health of the county for years to come.