Wantrup Preserve

Ecological Significance

The Wantrup Preserve is home to an extraordinary range of native habitats, including one of Napa County’s most intact and biologically rich valley oak savannahs—a rare and threatened ecosystem found only in California. Much of this habitat has been lost statewide due to agricultural expansion and development, making its protection at Wantrup critically important to regional biodiversity.

In addition to oak savannah, the preserve supports diverse oak woodland communities and seasonal vernal pools, which host rare and sensitive species such as Ranunculus lobbii (Lobb’s water-loving buttercup) and the tricolored blackbird, a species of special concern.

The Land Trust continues long-term ecological restoration work at Wantrup, including a valley oak regeneration project initiated by botanist Joe Callizo,. These efforts aim to sustain and enhance habitat health, support wildlife, and maintain the preserve’s role as a vital ecological refuge in Napa County.

Historical Background

The Wantrup Wildlife Preserve, located in Pope Valley in eastern Napa County, spans 730 acres of ecologically diverse land, including oak woodlands, savannas, and vernal pools. This remarkable property was generously donated to the Land Trust of Napa County in 1982 by Professor S.V.C. Wantrup, a visionary conservationist and advocate for land protection in California.

Since its establishment, Wantrup has become not only a sanctuary for native flora and fauna but also a hub for scientific research. For over two decades, the preserve has welcomed more than fifty researchers from around the world, contributing valuable studies on oak woodlands, adapted plants, bird populations, and invertebrate species.

The preserve’s combination of natural richness, scientific access, and long-standing stewardship honors Professor Wantrup’s original vision—a protected landscape where ecological integrity and research thrive hand in hand.

Conservation and Stewardship Efforts

The Land Trust is committed to protecting and restoring this ecologically significant preserve. Our stewardship team actively implements science-driven land management strategies designed to promote biodiversity, protect rare species, and build ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.

Key conservation efforts include:

• Invasive Species Control: Manage and reduce populations of invasive exotic plants and animals that disrupt native ecosystems. These efforts are essential to maintaining the preserve’s ecological integrity and supporting the health of native species.
• Habitat Restoration: Implement targeted restoration projects to maintain and improve the preserve’s ecological resilience and biodiversity.
• Protection of Special Status Species: The Preserve provides critical habitat for rare, threatened, and endangered species. We take focused action to monitor and protect these species and the habitats they depend on, helping to preserve biodiversity and prevent further decline.
• Wildlife Research: Ongoing research deepens our understanding of local wildlife populations and their interactions with the landscape. This data is crucial for guiding effective management decisions and measuring the success of restoration efforts.
• Forest Health and Fuels Reduction: Selective fuels reduction aimed at improving forest health, decreasing wildfire risk, encouraging native tree regeneration, and enhancing habitat for wildlife.

Since 2017, the Land Trust has also employed targeted grazing—using carefully managed herds of sheep and goats—to reduce dense buildups of non-native plant thatch. This method improves habitat conditions for native plants and animals, enhances soil health, and plays a key role in reducing wildfire risk by lowering ground-level fuel loads.

Together, these conservation strategies help maintain the preserve’s role as a biodiversity stronghold, a wildfire-resilient landscape, and a vital link in Napa Valley’s connected habitat network.

Public Access and Engagement

Access to Wantrup Preserve is by permission only and through guided Land Trust hikes. We encourage those interested in experiencing the preserve’s natural beauty to participate in our guided events. Visit our Hikes and Events page to learn more and sign up.

Please note, commercial use is prohibited on all Land Trust properties to ensure the preservation of their natural state.