John Muir Land Trust announces plans to acquire Wagner Ranch Nature Area in Orinda, CA

Contact:
Linus Eukel, Executive Director
(925) 788-7525
Email

Orinda, CA—John Muir Land Trust today announced plans to acquire Wagner Ranch Nature Area in Orinda, CA and to restore and reopen the property as a community resource and outdoor classroom for children. The acquisition is not final, and a due diligence period of several weeks comes next. Needed is a full assessment of the property before an agreement is finalized and title is transferred.

Closed to the public for years, Wagner Ranch Nature Area is an approximately 16-acre parcel adjacent to Wagner Ranch Elementary School where in the past thousands of elementary and middle school students have discovered the natural world through fun educational activities. If the acquisition is completed, JMLT will be developing a multi-year plan to raise the funds needed for extensive restoration and maintenance, and to identify program elements and partners. Well known for protecting habitat-rich landscapes, JMLT is applying its expertise in managing outdoor venues for recreation and learning, such as activities at Pacheco Marsh in Martinez.

On Monday, October 20, 2025, the Board of Trustees of Orinda Union School District (orindaschools.org), the property’s current owner, approved transferring title to JMLT of a 16-acre parcel drawn from the original 32.5 acres. State Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan of the 16th California Assembly District arranged a grant to the District of $1.5 million from California state funds designated for parks and open space. These funds enabled the District to receive fair market value as compensation for the transfer of title to JMLT. More steps are required before the transaction is completed.

Much restoration work is ahead. The site has been closed to the public since spring 2023 because falling limbs, unstable trees, and decaying structures have become safety hazards. JMLT will undertake a resource assessment to understand what is there and what is needed for a new site that will be both healthy ecologically and safe for visitors. Necessary steps include removing structures and debris, pruning and cutting trees, fire mitigation, constructing fences and infrastructure such as pathways, and conducting ongoing maintenance. After clean-up comes detailed planning, budgeting, fundraising, public comment, final design, and then implementation. Groups that specialize in creating educational programs for children will be invited to submit recommendations and proposals for a curriculum of activities and events.

“Wagner Ranch Nature Area is a beloved natural area and everyone is excited by the future prospects” said Linus Eukel, Executive Director of JMLT. “Parents are eager to see children once again making a deep connection with the natural world through hands-on activities and outdoor exploration. To achieve that hoped for outcome we must develop detailed plans and raise funds needed for major restoration and lasting stewardship. We have a long way to go, but the Lamorinda community is generous and determined. I’m optimistic we’ll get there!”

JMLT will seek possible grants from foundations and state agencies, but it is expected that the majority of funds will be donated by private individuals in the region.

“This is exactly why the land trust exists,” added Eukel. “Projects like Wagner Ranch Nature Area could not happen otherwise. Schools do not have the resources to rehabilitate and permanently protect a property like this, and see that it is well stewarded for generations to come. Many groups shy away from the responsibility and liability of owning places used by the public. But, that is precisely the mission of John Muir Land Trust.”

There is no additional information to be shared at this time. Individuals interested in updates may sign up for the JMLT newsletter at jmlt.org. JMLT expects an opportunity for public discourse on plans in the spring of 2026.

About John Muir Land Trust

John Muir Land Trust (JMLT) protects and cares for open space, ranches, farms, parkland and shoreline in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. In a generation, John Muir Land Trust has become one of the leading forces for conservation in northern California. With over 4,600 acres protected, many beautiful places in the East Bay are permanently preserved for recreation, wildlife habitat, and spectacular scenic views. JMLT believes that the vitality of our open spaces is essential to the health of our earth, air, water, native plants and animals — and all of us.