Driving Toward Conservation: How Electric Vehicles are Powering Fieldwork at Sequoia Riverlands Trust

When it comes to conservation, the most impactful changes often start with everyday choices. That’s why Sequoia Riverlands Trust is taking bold steps to ensure that even routine operations align with the vision of a climate-resilient Central Valley. This spring, the organization rolled up in two BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric cargo vans—zero-emission vehicles that are now powering fieldwork across the Southern Sierra and San Joaquin Desert.

The vans are more than just an upgrade—they represent a deeper commitment to integrating sustainability at every level. Whether it’s transporting native plants for habitat restoration, traveling to remote preserves, or hauling equipment for community events, these new vehicles make it possible to do the work of conservation without compromising the planet.

This acquisition was made possible in part through the Sierra San Joaquin Jobs First Catalyst Grant Program, a regional initiative focused on ecological restoration, water resilience, and workforce development. Backed by the Central Valley Community Foundation, the program helps unify efforts across sectors—bringing together governmental agencies, nonprofits, and landowners to implement shared strategies for a more sustainable and economically vibrant region.

For an organization that stewards over 40,000 acres of protected land and engages thousands of students, volunteers, and partners each year, transportation is no small consideration. The move to electric vehicles ensures that every mile driven reflects the same conservation values that define Sequoia Riverlands Trust’s land protection and restoration efforts.

The BrightDrop Zevo 600s are built for exactly this kind of work—offering long range, exceptional cargo space, and reliability for rugged field conditions. But they also signal something bigger: that climate leadership can show up in unexpected places. That conservation isn’t just about open space, but about rethinking operations, investing in clean infrastructure, and modeling change for the communities served.

As California marches toward its ambitious 30x30 goals—conserving 30% of lands and waters by 2030—organizations like Sequoia Riverlands Trust are leading the charge not just through policy and preservation, but through action on the ground. Initiatives like the Jobs First Catalyst Program help amplify this work, providing the support needed to build partnerships, create green jobs, and implement restoration projects at scale.

The road ahead for conservation in the Central Valley will require innovation, collaboration, and an unrelenting commitment to sustainability. That road now includes fewer emissions, thanks to two quiet, electric vans that prove even the small shifts can move big ideas forward.

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