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Troussel Donation Key to Pickup Purchase

The big job of managing habitat in the Escondido Creek watershed was made easier this month with the purchase of a new pickup truck made possible, in part, by a large donation from the Troussel Family Foundation.

The Escondido Creek Conservancy’s land team put the Dodge Ram 1500 right to work hauling a crew and tools to the Conservancy’s Sardina Preserve, where 1,800 newly-planted trees are taking root. Equipped with a long bed and tow package, the 4-wheel-drive pickup is well-suited for working on the rugged terrain the Conservancy manages.

Donations to the Conservancy’s Heavy Equipment Fund, including a $15,000 gift from the Troussel Family Foundation, covered the purchase.

“The Troussel family recognizes the tireless efforts of The Escondido Creek Conservancy to educate the public and preserve local natural spaces for people and animals to enjoy for generations to come,” said Colleen Troussel.

Together with an older pickup, the new one is an important addition to the fleet.

“Since the land team has a full-time staff of three, it is helpful to now have two 4-wheel-drive trucks to get restoration work done on more than one preserve at a time,” said Ann Van Leer, the Conservancy’s Executive Director.

A separate gift from the Troussel Family Foundation is paying for a watering trailer – an especially important piece of equipment in newly-planted areas.