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.”

BRC Update:  We’re almost there!!!!

A big thank you to the 40 new members who joined since we launched our Membership Drive in August!  Your quick response is greatly appreciated, as is your support of our cause!

We’re closing in on our membership goal for this phase of the campaign, which is 60 new members. We’re just 20 members short!  If you haven’t joined, you can put us over the top!!

PLEASE JOIN US TODAY

Your support and the passage of Prop 68, the state’s $4 Billion Parks Bill, have put us within striking distance of acquiring Banning Ranch. We’re almost there!!!  We need a vital and growing membership to convince the decision makers in Sacramento that we have the public support to take this next crucial step.

The first 50 new members get a complimentary Banning Ranch t-shirt!  You can still get yours. 

Join now!

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…

The Battle Over Banning Ranch Isn’t Done.
“What’s the developer’s next move?”