Permanent Preserve
The Foote Botanical Preserve, located just east of the City of Napa in the Howell Mountain Range, is a botanical treasure encompassing 767 acres of diverse habitats and rare plant species.
As the founding preserve of the Land Trust, it stands as a testament to the commitment of June and Si Foote, who dedicated this land to the permanent protection of native flora.
Ecological Significance
The Foote Botanical Preserve boasts a remarkable variety of ecosystems and plant life:
- Diverse Habitats: Encompassing chaparral, grassland, redwood groves, and riparian zones, the Preserve supports a wide range of plant communities.
- Flora: Home to over 370 plant species, including rare and endemic plants such as the Napa ceanothus (Ceanothus purpureus), which finds its largest remaining population on Mt. George.
- Unique Redwood Stand: The Preserve contains a small redwood forest, notable for being the easternmost naturally occurring stand of coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) in California.
Historical Background
In 1976, June and Si Foote, along with five friends, purchased the property on Mt. George with the vision of preserving its unique botanical and scenic values. Their dedication led to the establishment of the Land Trust, with the Foote Botanical Preserve becoming its inaugural protected property.
In their dedication of the property to the Land Trust, June and Si wrote:
“Our gift of this property to the Land Trust is made with our intentions that the entire property be utilized by the Land Trust for open space and botanical protection purposes.”
Access and Recreation
Access to the Foote Botanical Preserve is limited to protect its sensitive habitats. The Preserve is accessible to the public through guided hikes and volunteer workdays organized by the Land Trust. These events offer opportunities to explore the preserve’s natural beauty and contribute to its stewardship.
- Guided Hikes: The Land Trust offers guided hikes and volunteer workdays, providing opportunities for the public to experience the Preserve’s natural beauty.
- Educational Opportunities: Participants in guided events can learn about the Preserve’s unique ecosystems, conservation efforts, and the history of the Land Trust.
Conservation and Stewardship Efforts
The Land Trust actively manages the Preserve to protect and preserve its ecological integrity. Efforts include habitat restoration, invasive species management, and ongoing monitoring of plant and animal populations. As stewards of the Foote Botanical Preserve, the Land Trust is committed to continuing:
- Research and Monitoring: Conducting ongoing studies to monitor the health of ecosystems and the success of restoration efforts.
- Habitat Restoration: Implementing projects to maintain and enhance the ecological health of the preserve.
- Invasive Species Management: Controlling invasive species to protect native plant communities.
