Permanent Preserve
The 1,380-acre Sutro Ranch Preserve is located at the end of Atlas Peak Road. This expansive landscape features four miles of undeveloped ridgeline, including Atlas Peak, standing at 2,663 feet, a prominent landmark visible from many points in Napa County.
Ecological Significance
Sutro Ranch boasts a rich tapestry of ecosystems, encompassing distinct forest, shrub, grassland, and riparian plant communities. The preserve’s varied topography, elevation changes, diverse soil types, and geological features contribute to its high biodiversity ranking. Notably, the property’s size and proximity to adjacent conservation lands enhance its role as a vital wildlife corridor, facilitating habitat connectivity from Foss Valley to Howell Mountain.
Historical Background
The Land Trust received Sutro Ranch as a generous gift from the estate of Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Sutro. John and Betty Sutro purchased the ranch in 1950, cherishing it as a weekend and summer retreat until Betty’s passing in 2012. At the time of its donation, this was the largest land gift in the Land Trust’s history, reflecting the Sutro family’s enduring commitment to land conservation.
Conservation and Stewardship Efforts
Our stewardship of Sutro Ranch focuses on preserving its ecological integrity and enhancing its resilience to environmental challenges. Recent initiatives include:
- Fuel Reduction and Fire Protection: Maintaining fuel reduction areas through vegetation thinning and sheep grazing, and improving firebreaks and access roads in collaboration with local fire protection groups to bolster wildfire defense.
- Habitat Restoration: Implementing measures to control invasive species, such as Himalayan blackberry, and promoting the health of native plant communities.
- Western Monarch Habitat Improvement Project: Working to propagate essential native plants, remove invasive species, and collaborate with key conservation partners to create more habitat needed for the declining Western Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) species survival.
Learn more about our stewardship efforts, like our Western Monarch habitat improvement project on our blog.
Public Access and Engagement
Access to Sutro Ranch Preserve is available by permission only and through guided Land Trust hikes and volunteer events. We encourage community members to participate in these opportunities to experience the preserve’s natural beauty and contribute to its stewardship.
