California Coast & Ocean

The Conservancy approved five grants, totaling $1,135,000, for restoration, access improvement, and interpretive programs along rivers and creeks in the Russian River region of Sonoma County. The funds, approved by the Conservancy in December 2005 and February 2006, will help an effort to transform a stretch of Santa Rosa Creek from a concrete channel into the healthy stream it once was; expand stewardship programs at a park near Jenner; build trails, picnic areas, and other visitor facilities at two parks along the Russian River; and restore habitat along that river's largest tributary, Laguna de Santa Rosa.

Ranch Land near Mount Diablo to Be Protected

The Conservancy will help the nonprofit Save Mount Diablo to buy 208 acres of the 233-acre Mangini Ranch, in the foothills of Mount Diablo. The ranch has a variety of woodlands, open grasslands, canyons, and an 1,100-foot ridge with views across San Pablo and Suisun Bays. Home to such rare plants and animals as desert olive scrub and the Alameda whipsnake, the property adjoins the Lime Ridge Open Space and is about half a mile from Mount Diablo State Park.

New trails will extend the Lime Ridge Ridgeline Trail and the California State Riding and Hiking Trail farther south, and Save Mount Diablo will offer guided hikes until a long-term management plan is developed. The group plans eventually to transfer the land to either California State Parks or the City of Concord.

The Mangini family, which has owned the ranch since the 1880s, agreed last year to sell the land to Save Mount Diablo, which has already raised most of its $555,000 share of the $1,455,000 purchase price; the Conservancy will provide $900,000. The family will retain 25 acres, and a neighbor will continue grazing cattle on the property, except in sensitive areas.

Santa Cruz Right-of-Way for Rail and Trail

More Than 30 miles of railroad right-of-way along the Santa Cruz coast is being set aside for possible development as a passenger rail and trail corridor. The county's Regional Transportation Commission intends to buy the Santa Cruz County Branch Rail Line with the help of a $10 million loan approved by the Conservancy in December 2005, to be reimbursed when promised state funds become available.

From Nike to Nature

The 102-acre White Point Nature Preserve, opened to the public in 2003, sits along seabluffs in the Los Angeles community of San Pedro. Before World War II, a mineral springs resort serving Japanese Americans was on the shore below. After California residents of Japanese descent were imprisoned in relocation camps, the military took control of the land. It was later released to the City and opened to the public as a park and reserve. In February the Conservancy approved $100,000 to be used with $205,000 in City funding for creating an interpretive center and environmental classroom in a building that had been used for Nike missile assembly and testing. The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, which manages the preserve for the City, will renovate and convert the building. Exhibits will depict the land's use by the Gabrielino Indians, immigrant Japanese abalone fishermen and farmers, and the military. Native plants will be brought back and trail improvements will include a wheelchair-accessible pathway.