Restoring Land

Quarry Reclamation Keeps Animals Safe

Vulcan facilities often partner with conservation groups throughout the country to preserve and protect land before, during and after mining.

Vulcan’s River Rock facility in Fresno, California, joined forces with the San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust to restore land along the river that had been part of the company’s mining operation.

“Of all the mining companies that I have seen work along the river, Vulcan has been the most responsive in terms of trying to do good work in reclaiming their land after they’re finished mining,” said Sharon Weaver, the group’s Executive Director. “They really go above and beyond in terms of turning this land, which a lot of the times are these large pits that have water in them, into really good wildlife habitats.”

Well before mining is complete, Vulcan engages in a long and involved process designed to transform former mining sites into responsible development use or back to their natural states to support indiginous vegetation and wildlife.  

“We’ve sloped the banks, tapered them down,” said River Rock Plant Manager Bob Dryden. “We have planted native species trees and bushes, returned the foliage back to native plants. Those plants are supported with irrigation and other means.”

The San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation includes a 20-acre site that Vulcan donated in 2001 that is now home to The River Center, which serves as an activity center for visitors to connect with the culture and natural history of the river.

The San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust and Vulcan look forward toward building on the partnership and continuing supporting the group’s efforts and vision for years to come.

 “They really go above and beyond in terms of turning this land which a lot of the times are these large pits that have water in them into really good wildlife habitats,” Weaver said. 

For more information, please visit riverparkway.org