Franklin Ridge
Wildlife Corridors: For Survival + Safe Passage
Wildlife Corridors: For Survival + Safe PassageIn an era of global climate change, intact natural corridors are critical for wildlife survival. John Muir Land Trust (JMLT) has successfully expanded the Franklin Ridge Wildlife and Trail Corridor, securing key properties that now complete this vital ecological pathway.
Located southwest of Martinez in northern Contra Costa County, Franklin Ridge now offers five uninterrupted miles of protected ridgeline, serving as a lifeline for over 20 local species. This achievement represents decades of strategic conservation work.
Protecting Bay Area Biodiversity
The newly expanded Franklin Ridge protects:
- Critical habitat for the federally threatened Alameda whip-snake and the endangered California red-legged frog
- Migration routes for mountain lions and American badgers
- Hunting grounds for golden eagles and white-tailed kites
- Migratory bridges for birds flying to northern California
- Gathering sites for butterflies before crossing the Carquinez Strait
- Biological hotspots in sheltered valleys featuring diverse wildflowers like Baby blue eyes and Monkey flower
These valleys creates a unique ecosystem that stands out amidst the Diablo Range mainland.\
The federally threatened Alameda whipsnake
The endangered California red-legged frog
TWO KEY PROPERTIES NOW PROTECTED
Barnett Ranch
This 134-acre property at the western end of Franklin Ridge features sweeping north-facing grasslands with breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay, the Marin Headlands, and northern wine country valleys.
The protection of Barnett Ranch has created an unbroken connection between Fernandez Ranch and the East Bay Regional Park District's Crocket Hills—a continuous protected landscape that benefits both wildlife and the community.
Kenneth Gerlack Preserve
The addition of the beautiful 100-acre Kenneth Gerlack Preserve completed the corridor partially established with the acquisition of Almond Ranch. With well-defined ravines, hilltops, plateaus, open grasslands, and native oak woodlands, this property filled a critical gap and completed a segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail that had been planned for decades.
CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS
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Offers essential refuge and corridor for native wildlife |
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Creates a nexus for three major wildlife preserves |
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Protects endangered and threatened species |
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Supports the state’s 30x30 goals |
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Connects trails that span 18,000 acres, including the Bay Area Ridge Trail |
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Provides close-to-home nature and recreation |
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Expands protected lands adjoining John Muir National Historic Site |
Contributing to California's 30x30 Vision
The protection of Franklin Ridge represents a significant achievement for Governor Newsom's 30x30 California Initiative, which aims to conserve 30 percent of California's land and coastal waters by 2030.
This conservation success fosters healthier ecosystems, promotes clean air and water, addresses fire mitigation needs, and ensures thriving conditions for plants, wildlife, and people for generations to come.
A Model for Future Conservation
The successful protection of these undeveloped ranches demonstrates how quick action and community support can preserve critical lands before they're lost to development. With California's 30x30 Initiative making unprecedented public funds available, this project shows how local commitment can leverage broader conservation resources.
The expanded Franklin Ridge now stands as a testament to what's possible when communities act decisively to protect our natural heritage.
News about Franklin Ridge
