The Land Conservancy has owned and managed Santa Rita Ranch since 2020. This 1,715 acre ranch is located in the heart of the southern Santa Lucia Range in San Luis Obispo County. 

Santa Rita Ranch is home to a 234 acre-foot lake, the fourth largest privately owned reservoir in the county. The property hosts a diversity of habitats, from valley oak and bay laurel forests to serpentine grasslands. A variety of rare and endemic plants can be found on the property, including Bishop manzanita, club-haired mariposa lily, and Palmer’s spineflower.

The ranch also provides a critical wildlife corridor for a diverse population of fauna. American black bears, gray foxes, bobcats, and American badgers have been observed on wildlife cameras at the ranch. Check out Learning Among the Oaks’ Wildlife Camera Project to view wildlife photos from Santa Rita Ranch. 

The ranch currently has limited community access through Land Conservancy guided member hikes, Central Coast Trail Rides, and various research projects. Become a member today with a donation of any amount!