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.”

Many thanks to our July 4th parade marchers and volunteers!!! You did us proud!

Also, thanks to the enthusiastic crowds for the cheers and support. The 2019 Huntington Beach 4th of July parade was televised on KABC, Channel 7. If you watched, you know that about 35 minutes into the parade, a 6.4 earthquake occurred near the town of Ridgecrest in the Searles Valley. About ten minutes later, Channel 7 cut away for earthquake news, but not before the BRC marchers came into view.

Despite all the confusion, the BRC team never wavered. Led by our banner carriers and a World War II Replica Jeep, they can be seen marching into view just moments before the television coverage ended.

Since the 6.4 earthquake, Ridgecrest and the surrounding areas have been hit with hundreds of aftershocks and a 7.1 earthquake, reported as the largest in over two decades. To those who suffered injuries or damage to their homes, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Be safe in the coming days!

UN Report: Nature’s Dangerous Decline ‘Unprecedented’

Species Extinction Rates ‘Accelerating.’ One million species threatened with extinction.

An Historic Win for California’s Coast and Ocean

The passage of Proposition 68 shows that voters can and will unite to preserve our future and natural resources

$1.25 million settlement reached in Newport’s Banning Ranch development dispute
The conservancy that successfully sued to block the Banning Ranch coastal development in Newport Beach will receive $1.25 million in legal fees from the developer…