John Muir Land Trust (JMLT, jmlt.org) announces the Campaign To Save Johnson Ranch, a community-wide effort to protect a stunning 116-acre nature preserve in the hills between Berkeley and Orinda, CA. The ranch is the critical missing piece in a natural wildlife corridor of thousands of acres. The privately-owned property is under contract and JMLT must raise $7 million by December 31, 2027 to acquire and permanently protect it as natural open space. Saving Johnson Ranch’s ecologically rich mix of oak woodlands, grasslands, and riparian habitat from development—the unwanted alternative outcome—will protect native species, preserve the integrity of vital watersheds, and reduce the risk of dangerous wildfire. Nature lovers who visit will discover gorgeous views and stunning vistas.
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Johnson Ranch
photo credit: Adam Weidenbach
“This one is special,” says Linus Eukel, Executive Director of John Muir Land Trust. “Johnson Ranch checks all the conservation boxes. The land nurtures vital habitat and feeds clean water into our reservoirs. Protecting it mitigates the risk of wildfire in a very high severity zone. It offers spectacular new opportunities for outdoor recreation; even seasoned hikers will be taken aback by its incomparable views of the East Bay’s beautiful rolling hills and sparkling waters.”
A Top Priority. “Protecting Johnson Ranch significantly enhances connectivity between thousands of acres of public lands managed by both East Bay Regional Park District and East Bay Municipal Utility District,” says Max Korten, General Manager, East Bay Regional Park District. “Adjacent to Tilden Regional Park and at risk for private development, Johnson Ranch is a vital link for wildlife movement and ecological resilience in the East Bay.”
Tilden is one of our oldest parks, beloved by residents who enjoyed it as children and now bring their own. Protecting the ranch effectively expands the footprint of the park and spares it the spoiling effect of adjacent houses and fences.
The Threat Is Real. Despite its exceptional environmental value, Johnson Ranch is zoned for residential development, and that will happen if the property is not protected. Instead, JMLT wants to add the property to its proven track record of successes in the area. Donations from thousands of supporters funded the acquisition and protection of three special places nearby: Carr Ranch (2016), Painted Rock (2019), and Harvey Ranch (2022).
Essential Habitat. The ranch’s steep undeveloped terrain supports a remarkable range of ecosystems: 58 acres of cismontane woodland, 30 acres of valley and foothill grassland, 24 acres of coastal scrub plus riparian woodlands, springs, seeps, and seasonal wetlands. It is home to 15 special-status animal species and 13 special-status plant species.
Vital Watershed. The ranch’s perennial and seasonal streams and springs feed the Pinole Valley watershed basin. Kept in a natural state, these lands protect clean drinking water for thousands of East Bay homes. “Permanently protecting Johnson Ranch offers a unique opportunity to secure an important piece of the San Pablo Creek Watershed and ensure the continued health of the natural systems that support our region’s water supply,” says Clifford Chan, General Manager, East Bay Municipal Utility District.
Reducing the Risk of Wildfire. Johnson Ranch sits within the North Orinda Shaded Fuel Break, designated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Jeff Isaacs, Fire Chief, Moraga Orinda Fire District, speaks to its importance: “Lying within a critical wildland-urban interface area, Johnson Ranch’s steep terrain, vegetative cover, and proximity to surrounding neighborhoods make thoughtful land management especially important. Long-term conservation of the property, combined with active vegetation management and ongoing maintenance, can help reduce wildfire risk and protect neighboring developed parcels. Moraga-Orinda Fire District strongly supports its acquisition by John Muir Land Trust and the continued stewardship of the property in a manner that promotes wildfire resilience and community safety.”
Remarkable Features. Beyond its delightful springs and seldom-seen waterfalls, Johnson Ranch holds more surprises. Rich fossil beds have yielded the smallest mammalian fossil ever found in California—resembling a tiny horse. Potters covet its volcanic muds. Historic rock walls, possibly used by Basque shepherds to manage herds of sheep, so intrigued Native peoples and early immigrants that they inspired stories and myths as to their origins.
Extraordinary Views. After just a few steps onto the property, nature lovers are taken aback by the beauty: sweeping views of Mount Diablo, the East Bay Hills, and the San Pablo and Briones Reservoirs. For many this is a new perspective—looking east from high elevation across central Contra Costa, deep into the Delta, even to distant snow caps on a clear day.
“Johnson Ranch is one of the last large undeveloped properties in the East Bay Hills, set within a biologically rich zone where coastal and inland ecosystems meet,” adds Eukel. “Lose it, and we harm the regional water system and neighboring public lands, imperil vulnerable wildlife, and raise the risk of fire. Save it, and we connect trails, open delightful new views, and keep a diverse landscape of rare species and habitats intact—forever. Our supporters have stepped up every time we’ve asked. We’re optimistic we can do it again!”
About John Muir Land Trust
Founded in 1989, John Muir Land Trust (JMLT, jmlt.org) has risen from humble roots to become one of the leading forces for conservation in Northern California. With over 5,000 protected acres under stewardship and supported by a generous community of tens of thousands, JMLT permanently preserves many beautiful places in the East Bay and Bay Delta. These provide recreation, watershed protection, wildlife habitat, and scenic views. JMLT is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization and is fully accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. JMLT is funded by contributions from individuals, organizations, and public agencies. Thank you for your support!
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