Former Walt Ranch renamed to honor vital wildlife corridor; public opening targeted for spring 2027
The Land Trust of Napa County today announced the official renaming of Walt Ranch to the Osos Ridge Preserve. The new name celebrates the 2,300-acre property’s critical role as a contiguous wildlife corridor and its consistent use by black bears. Acquired three years ago, the preserve is slated to open to the public in the spring of 2027.
“Renaming this magnificent landscape to Osos Ridge Preserve marks a defining chapter in our mission to protect Napa County’s natural heritage,” said Melanie Parker, CEO of the Land Trust of Napa County. “By permanently conserving this land, we are not only securing a critical lifeline for the region’s wildlife but also honoring our promise to open these 2,300 acres to the community. We look forward to welcoming the public in 2027 so everyone can experience and connect with this extraordinary, biologically diverse wilderness.”
“After a decade of contention over this land’s future, I’m glad the outcome is publicly accessible open space, which is exactly what our district exists to help deliver,” said Chris Cahill, General Manager of the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District, which will eventually manage the property in partnership with the Land Trust. “We’re supporting the Land Trust with our trail design and public access experience so that the Osos Ridge Preserve opens the way it should: carefully considered, carefully built, and worthy of the plants and animals that call it home.”
Located in the rugged hills of eastern Napa County, the Osos Ridge Preserve establishes a permanent sanctuary along the Atlas Peak ridgeline. This landscape forms an unbroken habitat link stretching from Foss Valley to Howell Mountain. The territory serves as a primary migratory bridge for iconic wildlife, including mountain lions, bobcats and black-tailed deer. Notably, black bears (osos in Spanish) roam the area in abundance, anchoring the largest bear population in the San Francisco Bay Area.
“This property is unique because it serves as a critical path for bears seeking refuge during wildfires — and returning when it’s safe,” said Meghan Walla-Murphy, founder of the North Bay Bear Collaborative, whose organization has partnered with the Land Trust for seven years to study and protect local wildlife. “Because just like us, wildlife needs an escape route in a crisis. Osos Ridge Preserve ensures they have that and can make their way back to the home they’ve shared with humans for generations.”
The Land Trust purchased the property in 2023 for $24 million, funded through grants from the State Coastal Conservancy, the Wildlife Conservation Board and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. The former owners, vintners Craig and Kathryn Hall, donated $6 million to facilitate the sale. The acquisition permanently resolved a yearslong dispute over a commercial vineyard proposal that threatened local old-growth trees, delicate wildlife habitats and critical watersheds. At the time of purchase, the Land Trust pledged to rename the wilderness and secure public access.
The preserve features rare oak woodlands, intact grasslands and fragile vernal pools. These unique microclimates harbor endangered wildflowers found exclusively in Napa County, including the Redwood Lily, Napa Bluecurls, Jepson’s Leptosiphon, and Narrow-anthered brodiaea. Due to this high concentration of sensitive species, the land earned the highest possible biodiversity ranking from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Areas of Conservation Emphasis.
Geologically part of the 3-million-year-old Sonoma Volcanics formation, the preserve encompasses primary watersheds for the Napa River and Putah Creek/Lake Berryessa. It directly protects Capell Creek and Milliken Creek, the latter of which serves as a vital municipal water source for the City of Napa. Additionally, archaeological evidence confirms the landscape contains seasonal camps used by the region’s original Indigenous inhabitants, including the Miwok, Patwin and Wappo peoples.
Immediate land stewardship was accelerated by a $1 million launch gift from the William Inez Mabie Family Foundation. This funding actively drives current ecological restoration projects while supporting early public engagement initiatives, including volunteer restoration days, guided hikes and the installation of educational signage.
“The name Osos Ridge is a brilliant way to honor to our wild neighbors and blended cultural heritage,” said Amber Manfree, chair of the Napa County Board of Supervisors. “With Osos Ridge, the Land Trust of Napa County has secured a regional treasure. Osos Ridge has exceptional habitat value and it will be a great place for people to experience the wildness of Napa’s eastern hills.”
