Wagner Ranch Nature Area
Bringing Wagner Ranch Back to Life
For generations, children have explored creeks, caught salamanders, and discovered the natural world beneath ancient oaks at Wagner Ranch Nature Area—a treasured 16-acre outdoor classroom in the heart of Orinda.
We acquired this beloved community space in December 2025 to protect it forever. Now comes the work: repairing storm damage, removing hazards, and making it safe to reopen the gates.
Our $5 million campaign will restore Wagner Ranch as a vibrant neighborhood park and outdoor classroom for future generations. We're partnering with Restoration Design Group to develop detailed plans—and inviting the community to help shape Wagner Ranch's next chapter.
A Living Classroom
In the late 1960s, Orinda made an unusual choice: preserve the forested hillside next to Wagner Ranch Elementary as a living outdoor classroom. Volunteers, teachers, and students built trails, planted native gardens, and created outdoor learning spaces.
For decades, thousands of children discovered creeks, tracked wildlife, and watched the seasons change under ancient oaks. Wagner Ranch became a rite of passage for local students.
Why the Gates Are Closed
Today, the gates are locked. Severe storms in 2022–2023 toppled trees and washed out trails, exposing hazards that forced the shutdown. Engineering surveys reveal the full scope: removing hazardous trees, repairing decaying structures, improving accessibility, and meeting modern wildfire safety standards.
John Muir Land Trust is leading a community effort to bring Wagner Ranch back to life. We're raising $5 million for cleanup, planning and design, and buildout to reopen the site as a safe, vibrant park and outdoor classroom.
Wagner Ranch Campaign Roadmap
Wagner Ranch Nature Area will be restored in phases, each bringing us closer to a fully accessible outdoor education area.
Phase 1: Secure the Property - Completed
Ownership successfully transferred from Orinda Union School District to John Muir Land Trust in December 2025. Wagner Ranch is now protected forever.
Phase 2: Launch the Campaign - In progress
This is where you come in. Your early support provides momentum and demonstrates community backing to other potential donors.
Phase 3: Community Design - Spring 2026
Professional surveys, three public meetings, and collaborative design process ensuring Wagner Ranch reflects community needs.
Phase 4: Engineering and Permits - Fall 2026
Translate design into detailed construction documents and secure all necessary permits and approvals.
Phase 5: Build - when funded
The moment we've been waiting for—boots on the ground, transforming plans into reality.
Phase 6: Grand Opening - after build
Wagner Ranch reopens! Families return, children explore, educational programs resume—a shared accomplishment.
Community Meetings
Join us to share your ideas and help shape the future of Wagner Ranch Nature Area. Your input matters!
Online Webinar
Wednesday, February 12 at 12 pm
Discover what's ahead for Wagner Ranch Nature Area. Learn about plans to create a safe, accessible, ecologically rich outdoor classroom with upgraded amenities and new features.
Register for WebinarCommunity Planning Meetings
Wagner Ranch Elementary School Gymnasium
350 Camino Pablo, Orinda, CA 94563
Meeting 1: Tuesday, March 24 at 7 pm
JMLT and Restoration Design Group (RDG) will provide an overview, share a site assessment, and lead an interactive session to hear your interests, concerns, and experiences.
Meeting 2: Tuesday, April 28 at 7 pm
JMLT and RDG will present initial concept plans and get your feedback.
Registration link coming soon
Why This Matters
For Kids and Community
Time outdoors matters, especially for kids. Wagner Ranch will be a place where students learn by doing, exploring the land as a living classroom. Once restored, it will serve thousands of children each year, giving them space to build curiosity, confidence, and a lasting connection to nature.
Wagner Ranch will also be a neighborhood park, open to everyone. Families will be able to walk from home to enjoy the trails, watch wildlife, and spend time under the oaks.
Caring for this land benefits the whole community. Thoughtful stewardship protects wildlife habitat and water quality, reduces wildfire risk, and creates cooler, greener places for people to gather. When you give to Wagner Ranch, you help restore a place that serves both people and the land, now and for generations to come.
What You're Helping to Create
Help Restore This Community Treasure
With your support, Wagner Ranch Nature Area will once again be a place where curious young minds discover the restorative power of nature and learn about our deep connection to the natural world.
News about Wagner Ranch Nature Area
John Muir Land Trust announces plans to acquire Wagner Ranch Nature Area in Orinda, CA
October 21, 2025
Press Release