Land Trust of Santa Cruz County

Wetland Restoration at Beach Ranch Benefits Nature, Wildlife, and People

Pajaro River rising adjacent to Beach Ranch during winter storms. Credit: Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.

Conservation of 247 acres by the Pajaro River preserves habitat, safeguards farmland, and builds climate resilience.

Highway 17 Wildlife Crossing's Huge Success Makes for a Good Show

The panel of presenters included folks from the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, Pathways for Wildlife, and the Santa Cruz Puma Project. Credit: Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.

The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County puts its big win at Laurel Curve on the big screen.

New weelili onyenmak Property Helps Protect Endangered Santa Cruz Long-toed Salamander

We'd say that the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander is thrilled to have more protected habitat! Credit: Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.

With this property acquisition, the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County safeguards critical habitat for this endangered, federally and state-listed species.

Great Fall Hikes in and around Santa Cruz

Exploring Antonelli Pond is fun for all ages on Santa Cruz’s Westside. Credit: Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.

The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County has preserved some sweet spots to enjoy the best season.

Why Byrne-Milliron’s Closed for Sustainable Timber Harvest

"Second growth" redwoods standing close at Byrne-Milliron Forest. Credit: Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.

Property will be closed to public access through May 1, 2025 to selectively harvest trees and maintain forest health.

Mountain Biking Santa Cruz County’s San Vicente Redwoods

Checking out the Habitats of San Vicente Redwoods interp panel. Photo by Bridget Lyons.

Newish MTB-accessible trails wind through carefully protected wildlife habitat and thoughtful interpretive exhibits in the footprint of the CZU fire.

Wildlife Crossing to Safety

Land Trust of Santa Cruz County's Bryan Largay points north from the Rocks Ranch property towards Highway 101 hidden beneath the trees down below. Photo by Mike Kahn.

The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County helps mountain lions, badgers and other critters who risk death on highways that bisect their habitats.

Land Trust of Santa Cruz County Protects Habitat for Rare and Endangered Santa Cruz Long-toed Salamander

Our friend the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander. Credit: Robin Gwen Agarwal (CC BY-NC 2.0 DEED)

The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County acquired 14 acres of core habitat critical to the recovery of the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander.

Land Trust of Santa Cruz County

Conserving Land Since 1978 The group that got its start protecting Antonelli Pond is making its mark on some of the region’s highest-profile conservation projects—including a mountain lion crossing on Highway 17, opening Watsonville Slough Farm, and public access at San Vicente Redwoods.

A Conversation with Santa Cruz Conservationist Bryan Largay

Bryan Largay at Watsonville Slough Farm, one of the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County's agricultural properties. Credit: Emily Repech

Bryan Largay, Land Trust of Santa Cruz County’s conservation director, has overseen land stewardship for the organization since 2012. He talks about his work, serving the environmental community, and future issues.

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