Banning Ranch is located along the Santa Ana River where it meets the ocean.

Banning Ranch is a 401-acre area of wetlands and coastal bluffs in West Newport Beach where the Santa Ana River meets the Pacific Ocean.  It is the last large parcel of unprotected coastal open space remaining in Southern California, and is the central element of the proposed Orange Coast River Park, which, when realized, will achieve a significant linkage of open spaces and wetlands.  Banning Ranch supports a mix of coastal wetland, riparian woodland, coastal bluff sagescrub, shortgrass grassland, and vernal pool communities that are without parallel anywhere in Orange County.

At least six wildlife species listed as threatened or endangered have been documented on Banning Ranch: San Diego Fairy Shrimp, Light-footed Clapper Rail, American Peregrine Falcon, Least Bell’s Vireo, California Gnatcatcher and Belding’s Savannah Sparrow. In an era where nearly all remaining privately owned open space in Orange County is being developed, Banning Ranch is truly a gem and deserving of being called “Nature’s last stand.”

Wildlife Conservation Board
Approves Final Acquisition Funding

The Trust for Public Land’s application for funding from the Wildlife Conservation Board was approved on Thursday, May 26^th. With this grant award of up to $15.5M, all of the acquisition funding for the preservation of Banning Ranch has been secured.

VIEW THE JOINT PRESS RELEASE

BRC Announces Final Funding

In an electronic newsletter to its thousands of supporters and donors, the Banning Ranch Conservancy announces the unanimous award of up to $15.5M by the Wildlife Conservation Board for the preservation of 384 acres of Banning Ranch. This brings the acquisition closer to close of escrow, which is anticipated to occur over the summer.

VIEW THE E-ANNOUNCEMENT

Support the Conservancy’s
Fish Fry Booth

Help BRC by donating gift cards to Instacart, Smart & Final, Ralph’s, Stater Bros., Vons, CostCo, or Boxed that allow our team to purchase specific sodas for sale at the June Fish Fry. Email them to us. Additionally, donate Coke, Diet Coke, A&W, Sprite, or Fanta Orange to BRC (receipts are required, contact us for delivery options). Alternatively use the Amazon Wish List to place an order and have it delivered to BRC.

LEARN WAYS TO HELP!

Wildlife Conservation Board Fully Funds Acquisition

View the joint press release issued by The Trust for Public Land and the Banning Ranch Conservancy announcing the Banning Ranch acquisition is fully funded. View the Press Release >>

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