Updated: $675K Raised for Millard Canyon Purchase

Less than a week and a half after the , the conservancy announced it met its goal in the nick of time on Friday, with $200 to spare.

"We've received a terrific amount of support for our efforts in Millard, financial and otherwsie," AFC executive director John Howell said in a statement Friday. "There are a lot of people who hold this canyon close to their heart. We're very grateful to all who made this possible and we're excited for what will come next."

In February the Conservancy announced it had reached an agreement with the land owner that would allow the Conservancy to purchase the property if its raised the necessary funds by the end of the year.

See a photo gallery of the Millard Canyon land to be purchased here.

The 13-acre area in Millard Canyon above Hahamongna Watershed Park was described in a biological survey done by the conservancy as a prime wildlife corridor and a good habitat for amphibians and other species, and the tree canopy is home to at least 80 bird species, the AFC said in a release Friday.

"The conservancy now plans to restore the land and work with local schools and community groups on educational and conservation-related projects," the AFC said in the release.

The parcel is west of the La Vina housing development and to the east of homes in The Meadows, another residential neighborhood.

Leaving the parcel undeveloped preserves a connection between open space north of JPL and the foothills north of Altadena.

"The California Department of Fish and Game had ranked the canyon as the top priority for preservation in the Altadena foothills for its 'importance to water supply, wildlife and native plants, scenic and recreation values, and for its value as a historic site,'" the AFC shared.

The came from:

• State agencies: California Wildlife Conservation Boardand the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
• 230 individuals and families (including the landowners)
• Community groups:

Altadena Heritage
Arroyo Seco Foundation
Diggers Garden Club
Eaton Canyon Nature Center Associates
Pasadena Audubon Society
Pasadena Beautiful Foundation
Pasadena Community Foundation
Pasadena Garden Club
Pasadena Group of the Sierra Club
San Gabriel Mountains Chapter of the California Native Plant Society

"Stay tuned for an announcement of the Millard Celebration!" the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy said in the email to its supporters.