Sustainability Initiatives at Tesoro Viejo Align with Earth Day Celebration

What if Earth Day wasn’t just one day? What if it shaped the way an entire community was built? At Tesoro Viejo, sustainability isn’t a seasonal slogan. It’s a way of life.

Nestled in the scenic, sun-drenched hills of Madera, just minutes north of Fresno, this master-planned community was designed with purpose. From water conservation to land preservation, every corner reflects thoughtful planning and forward-thinking sustainability initiatives that echo Earth Day’s core values. Here’s how Tesoro Viejo turns big environmental goals into real, everyday impact.

What Earth Day Stands for and Why It Still Matters

First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day was created to raise awareness about environmental protection. It quickly became a global movement focused on conserving natural resources, fighting pollution, and advocating for greener living.

Over 50 years later, the message still matters, especially in Central California, where water conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable land use are critical.

Overview of San Joaquin River — At Tesoro Viejo it starts with the land that has been thoughtfully planned to honor the site’s history by capturing the site’s unique topography, land characteristics, and diverse landforms.

Tesoro Viejo takes these goals to heart, proving that a community can grow while respecting the land it calls home.

A Community Designed Around Nature

Tesoro Viejo means "ancient treasure,” and it lives up to its name. This vibrant, resort-like community preserves nearly 200 acres of scenic, permanently protected space. Trails, parks, wetlands, and natural corridors invite residents to connect daily with nature. Community trails act as natural buffers to protect sensitive areas and keep wildlife areas undisturbed.

In partnership with the Sierra Foothill Conservancy, Tesoro Viejo added 600+ acres to the San Joaquin Conservation Corridor — a network of over 30,000 acres of protected land to help at-risk species thrive.

Water Sustainability That Makes Every Drop Count

Water is gold in California, and Tesoro Viejo treats it that way. Instead of tapping into groundwater, our community relies on a firm, guaranteed surface water supply through the Madera Irrigation District.

Tesoro Viejo's primary water source of water is surface water, thus ensuring that the community is provided with adequate water supplies - without diminishing the groundwater aquifer.

This sustainable approach protects local aquifers and creates a reliable water source for generations. State-of-the-art water and wastewater facilities make it easy to do more with less. Reclaimed water is used for public landscapes, while drought-tolerant plants, smart irrigation, and stormwater management reduce waste and support native species.

Growing a Greener Future

Before the first home was ever built, Tesoro Viejo planted 10,000 native trees in an on-site nursery. Oaks, pines, and other California-native species now line the community’s streets, parks, and open spaces. These trees provide shade, filter air, and encourage walkability while reducing the need for artificial cooling in homes. And as the community grows, so will the nursery, replenishing the land and supporting a healthier ecosystem here.

In 2008, 10 years before construction on Tesoro Viejo began an on-site tree nursery was planted with 10,000 trees.

Tesoro Viejo Recognized for Sustainability Leadership

Tesoro Viejo’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2016, the American Planning Association honored the community with the Outstanding Planning Award for Innovation in Green Community Planning. In 2019, it received the Award of Excellence for Mixed-Use Planning and Sustainability from the San Joaquin Valley Blueprint Awards. These recognitions reflect what locals already know: Tesoro Viejo isn’t just sustainable. It’s setting the standard.

Bob and Brent McCaffrey with Tesoro Viejo receive the 2016 American Planning Association Outstanding Planning Award for Innovation in Green Community Planning.

Earth Day asks us to care for our planet. Tesoro Viejo shows us how. Through thoughtful planning, water conservation, and a deep respect for the land, this sustainable, master-planned community proves that development and environmental stewardship don’t have to be at odds.

Here, the values celebrated on Earth Day are lived out every day. Ready to see it for yourself? Contact us to take a tour and see what living in harmony with nature means.

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