Mead Ranch

The property features an extensive system of vernal pools, considered the most species-diverse in Napa County, supporting a variety of plant and animal life.

Historical Background

Mead Ranch has been in the Mead family for five generations. The late poet and rancher Jane Mead managed the property for 15 years, balancing vineyard operations with her literary pursuits. Her deep connection to the land influenced her poetry and commitment to conservation.

In 2024, fulfilling Jane Mead’s wishes, the ranch was donated to the Land Trust of Napa County, ensuring its permanent protection and contributing to a continuous corridor of conserved lands along the eastern ridge of Napa Valley.

Conservation and Stewardship Efforts

The preservation of Mead Ranch plays a vital role in the creation of a continuous corridor of protected lands stretching along the eastern ridge of Napa Valley—from Robert Louis Stevenson State Park all the way to American Canyon. This uninterrupted stretch of habitat is critical for facilitating wildlife movement, maintaining ecological connectivity, and supporting regional biodiversity.

Mead Ranch is home to some of the most species-diverse vernal pools in Napa County, providing essential habitat for a wide variety of native plants and animals. The Land Trust actively stewards the property to ensure the long-term health of these unique ecosystems and the broader landscape.

Our conservation efforts at Mead Ranch include:

• Research and Monitoring: Conduct scientific studies to track ecosystem health and evaluate the success of our restoration initiatives, ensuring that our work is grounded in sound ecological data.
• Habitat Restoration: Implement targeted restoration projects—such as vernal pool enhancement —to maintain and improve the preserve’s ecological resilience and biodiversity.
• Invasive Species Management: Monitoring and managing invasive plants to protect and promote the growth of native species, supporting the overall integrity of the preserve’s natural communities.
• Forest Health and Fuels Reduction: Selective forest thinning and fuels reduction aimed at improving forest health, decreasing wildfire risk, encouraging native tree regeneration, and enhancing habitat for wildlife.

Together, these efforts reflect our deep, ongoing commitment to ecological stewardship at Mead Ranch—preserving its rare and vibrant natural systems for generations to come.

Public Access and Engagement

Access to the Mead Ranch Preserve is by permission only and through guided hikes organized by the Land Trust. This approach ensures the protection of sensitive habitats and rare plants while allowing visitors to experience the preserve’s natural beauty and ecological importance. These excursions provide educational insights into the property’s unique habitats and conservation importance.