Group tries to raise $4 million to preserve Carquinez-area open space

MARTINEZ — The stewards of ranches, trails and historical sites throughout the East Bay have announced an effort to raise $4 million to save a large open space property in the Martinez hills from development.

The group, known as the John Muir Land Trust, oversees 13 of Contra Costa’s most beautiful and well-traversed hiking trails, including the Acalanes Ridge and the Fernandez Ranch. They’re trying to raise $4 million by the end of 2019, and have already secured a $1 million pledge from the East Bay Regional Park District, the group said in a news release.