Protecting the Source: How Conserved Lands Safeguard Napa’s Water
Water Shapes Napa. It flows through our valleys and hillsides, nourishes farms and vineyards, sustains wildlife, and supports the communities who call this place home. Yet water’s journey, where it begins, how it moves across the land, and what protects it along the way, is often unseen. For 50 years, the Land Trust of Napa ... Read more
Linda Cantey Rejoins Land Trust of Napa County Board
The Land Trust is pleased to announce that Linda Cantey has rejoined its Board of Trustees, bringing with her deep institutional knowledge, proven leadership, and a longstanding commitment to land conservation and community stewardship in Napa County. Linda Cantey, PMP has lived in Napa since 2009 and brings a deep history of leadership and service ... Read more
96,000 Acres and Counting: What Permanent Protection Means for Napa
Numbers can be impressive, but in conservation, numbers also tell stories. As the Land Trust celebrates its 50th anniversary, one milestone stands out: 96,000 acres of land permanently protected across Napa County. That’s more than 18% of the county safeguarded for the benefit of people, wildlife, water, and future generations. But this achievement is about ... Read more
50 Years of Protecting Napa: How It All Began, and Why It Matters Today
In 1976, Napa Valley stood at a crossroads. The region’s agricultural heritage, scenic hillsides, and waterways, so deeply woven into the identity of this place, were increasingly vulnerable to development pressures and land conversion. A small group of local residents recognized something essential: if Napa’s land was to endure, it would require intentional, permanent protection. ... Read more
Land Trust of Napa County Announces Melanie Parker as New Chief Executive Officer
The Land Trust of Napa County is proud to announce the appointment of Melanie Parker as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a national search for a leader to guide the organization into its next chapter of conservation, stewardship, and community partnership. Melanie succeeds Doug Parker, who has retired after 13 years of distinguished service ... Read more
Land Trust Protects 120 Acres of Scenic Ridgeline Habitat Above Calistoga
The Land Trust of Napa County is pleased to announce the permanent protection of 120 acres of undeveloped ridgeline property in the northern Napa Valley. The land has been in the Kent family for almost 60 years and has long been valued for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and scenic prominence. The newly protected ... Read more
New Peer-Reviewed Study Shows Targeted Grazing Boosts Native Plant Diversity in California Oak Woodlands
The Land Trust of Napa County is proud to announce the publication of new applied research in the peer-reviewed journal Ecological Solutions and Evidence. The paper, titled “Dry-season grazing enhances native diversity in invaded oak woodlands,” highlights how carefully managed grazing practices can increase native plant diversity in California’s oak woodland ecosystems. The research, co-authored ... Read more
A Day of Discovery at Mead Ranch Preserve: New Tech Students Explore the Art and Science of Nature
What a day on the land! Last week, we had the joy of welcoming the Advanced Digital Design class from New Technology High School to Mead Ranch Preserve for an immersive field experience unlike any other. In partnership with the Land Trust, the Napa County Office of Education, and their exceptional teacher, Mrs. Gottfried, students ... Read more
Pickett Fire: How Proactive Land Trust Stewardship Helped Reduce Fire Impacts
A wildfire that began on the outskirts of Calistoga on August 21, 2025, ultimately burned across three Land Trust preserves, testing years of pre-fire fuels reduction and road access improvement work completed by the Land Trust, and demonstrating the importance of our active land management program. When the Pickett Fire ignited on a privately owned ... Read more
Through the Lens: Discovering Napa’s Hidden Wildlife
They roam at dusk. They slip between shadows. And sometimes, our remote WPI cameras catch them. Our remote wildlife cameras are giving us remarkable glimpses into the lives of Napa’s wildest residents. From black bears lumbering through oak woodlands to bobcats on the prowl at dawn, each image is a testament to the success of ... Read more
