GAVIOTA COAST CONSERVANCY

Protecting Southern California's

Last Wild Coastline

 

Preserving land, water, wildlife, and heritage

along the Gaviota Coast for future generations.

MAKE A GIFT

EXPLORE THE PRESERVE

Photo courtesy of Reeve Woolpert

Our Mission

Gaviota Coast Conservancy is dedicated to permanently protecting the rural character and environmental integrity of the Gaviota Coast for present and future generations.

RANCHO TAJIGUAS PRESERVE: CONSERVATION IN ACTION

in 2024, the Gaviota Coast Conservancy took quick and nimble action to secure Rancho Tajiguas — a 3,272 acre historic coastal ranch facing imminent development.

The timely acquisition of this ecologically and historically important property was made possible through bridge financing of $35 million — a bold step that secured the land when it was most vulnerable.

Our next chapter is to retire that debt, establish a permanent conservation easement, and ensure this rare coastal landscape is protected forever.

We need your support to:

  • Retire the acquisition debt that made protection possible
  • Establish a perpetual conservation easement across the 3,272-acre preserve
  • Build a stewardship endowment to sustain the land, wildlife, and community programs forever

Together we can transform a rescued ranch into a lasting sanctuary — a place where nature, culture, and community thrive side by side.

DISCOVER RANCHO TAJIGUAS PRESERVE
SUPPORT PERMANENT CONSERVATION

 

Our Work

OUR WORK IS GUIDED BY THREE INTERCONNECTED PILLARS

Rural Character

Preserve the rural character of the Gaviota Coast through permanent conservation and encourage regenerative agriculture practices that build soil, manage water wisely, avoid toxic chemicals and support biological resources.

Ecological Integrity

Restore and enhance the ecological integrity of the Gaviota Coast, its whole and undivided natural character. Support policies and practices that promote, restore, and revitalize biological diversity.

Public Access

Encourage respectful public use and access. Recreation and rejuvenation benefit both individuals and the community. People who experience their environment become more active stewards of the land.

What Your Support Makes Possible

  • Establish Rancho Tajiguas as a center for conservation and education
  • Permanently protect iconic coastal landscapes through acquisition and easements
  • Restore steelhead habitat in the Gaviota and Tajiguas Creek watersheds
  • Expand regenerative agriculture through grants to local ranchers
  • Collaborate with neighbors at Hollister Ranch on restoration and access
  • Ensure long-term protection and public access at Baron Ranch
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Photo courtesy Sally Berry.
Photo courtesy Sally Berry.

Recent Projects Include:

  • Rancho Tajiguas Acquired – 3,272 acres permanently protected
  • Gaviota Tarplant Conservation Easement – Nearing completion to safeguard endangered species
  • Baron Ranch Bee Habitat Project – Launched to protect native and endangered pollinators
Photo courtesy Sally Berry.
Photo courtesy Sally Berry.

A Regional Vision: In Partnership with the Dangermond Preserve

The Gaviota Coast Conservancy is proud to partner with The Nature Conservancy and the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve, drawing on their expertise in land stewardship, ecological research, and education. Together, we are realizing the full promise of Rancho Tajiguas and the larger Gaviota landscape.

This is where conservation happens. It’s on the ground, with groups like GCC, that is the work that truly matters.

Jack Dangermond

Founder, ESRI
Sunbather. Photo courtesy David Auston.
Sunbather. Photo courtesy David Auston.

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Support the Coast That Supports Us All

Your donation helps protect vital habitats, preserve cultural heritage, and inspire the next generation of land stewards.

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heron copy

The Coast is never saved, the Coast is always being saved.

Peter Douglas

former Executive Director, California Coastal Commission
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