Welcome To The Banning Ranch Conservancy
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.”
Join Us for Our “Learn What’s
Next” Virtual Presentation
Banning Ranch Conservancy is preparing for the next step now that we are on the verge of protecting the Banning Ranch property. Be the first to learn what our plans are. Details are in the event flyer. Both Board President Terry M. Welsh, M.D. and Executive Director Melanie Schlotterbeck will be presenting.
Register for this virtual event Wednesday, December 7th at 7 PM and submit your questions in advance too!
Register Now!
You Are the Reason We’ve Been Successful
BRC give thanks to individuals, community associations, and tribal representatives for helping protect Banning Ranch. In this e-newsletter, we feature a new art exhibit on the Santa Ana River Watershed, an opportunity to serve on the State Coastal Conservancy’s Explore the Coast Advisory Board, and using Donor Advised Funds to support BRC.
View the E-Newsletter
WHAT YOUR SUPPORT ALLOWS US TO DO
NEWS / MEDIA
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 >>
UPCOMING EVENTS
Learn What’s Next
Register today for the Wednesday, December 7th (from 7:00-8:30 PM) Learn What’s Next Virtual Event with Board President Terry M. Welsh, M.D. and Executive Director Melanie Schlotterbeck.
