RANCHO CAÑADA LARGA
Rancho Cañada Larga
Rancho Cañada Larga is a 6,500-acre historic rangeland in Western Ventura County, virtually untouched since the 1800s. This expansive landscape—one of the last large, near-coastal open spaces in Southern California—supports vital habitats for mountain lions, California Condors, and other wildlife.
With over 800 acres within a key wildlife corridor, this ranch plays a critical role in regional biodiversity and climate resilience. Protecting Rancho Cañada Larga ensures its beauty and ecological value are preserved for future generations.
A Unique Opportunity for Conservation
Trust for Public Land, Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, and Patagonia’s Holdfast Collective are coming together to save one of the largest unprotected landscapes remaining in Southern California—the historic Rancho Cañada Larga. Protecting this 6,500-acre ranch is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to preserve a large, ecologically rich landscape from development, and we are excited for you to join us.
A Key Piece in Southern California’s Conservation Puzzle
Protecting Rancho Cañada Larga is about more than one landscape—it’s about securing the future of a region. Located within the Transverse Ranges, this ranch forms a critical part of a larger ecological network, with over 800 acres in the Sierra Madre-Castaic Linkage, a vital wildlife corridor connecting major mountain ranges.
The Transverse Ranges span 5.4 million acres and support nearly 500 threatened species. These lands stabilize ecosystems, mitigate wildfires, and ensure clean air and water for millions. With 19 million people living within an hour’s drive, conserving these lands is essential not just for the environment, but for public health, equity, and climate resilience.
An Anchor for
Conservation & Restoration
Rancho Cañada Larga is one of the largest remaining near-coastal tracts of land, offering a rare opportunity to secure vital wildlife habitat and advance climate resilience. Its expansive landscape serves as a natural refuge, with north- and northeast-facing slopes providing sanctuary from the hotter, drier conditions on the south-facing slopes. This makes the ranch a key piece in climate adaptation strategies.
The ranch’s size enhances efforts to create a critical wildlife corridor, connecting Ventura to the Topatopa, Tehachapi, and Southern Sierra ranges. This connectivity is vital for sustaining large mammals like mule deer, cougar, and the California Condor.
With over 25 years of restoration experience, Ojai Valley Land Conservancy is committed to long-term stewardship, ensuring the restoration of this ranch enhances wildlife habitat and regional ecological health.
Building a Vision for Restoration & Recreation
Protecting Rancho Cañada Larga is just the first step. As long-term stewards, OVLC will implement a comprehensive restoration strategy to transform the landscape into a thriving, resilient ecosystem. The ranch provides critical habitat for over 20 special-status species, including the California red-legged frog and steelhead trout.
Our initial focus will be restoring riparian areas and wetlands—vital habitats that support native species, improve water quality, reduce runoff pollution, and recharge groundwater supplies. Managed grazing will also control invasive species and foster native plant recovery, allowing wildlife to return and ecosystems to thrive.
While restoration will be the priority, we’ll integrate recreational opportunities for hiking, biking, and nature-based activities. This will connect the community to the land and enhance the well-being of residents.
With 25+ years of restoration experience, OVLC is ready to ensure this landscape remains a vital resource for wildlife and people alike, now and for future generations.
Connecting Communities to Nature & Expanding Access to California’s Great Outdoors
Protecting and restoring Rancho Cañada Larga expands outdoor access, strengthens community resilience, and preserves vital landscapes for future generations. The ranch is a lifeline for Ventura’s Westside, where 100,000 residents—many from low-income households—live within 3.5 miles of the land. This conservation effort ensures that everyone has access to the benefits of nature.
Just minutes from Ventura and Ojai, and less than an hour from Santa Barbara, the ranch offers green space for hiking, biking, birdwatching, and family recreation. Research shows that access to nature improves physical and mental health, builds social connections, and supports local economies through sustainable recreation.
The ranch is already home to a three-mile segment of the Sulphur Mountain Trail, with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Ojai Valley. Its network of dirt roads can be transformed into trails that link to the Ojai Valley/Ventura River Trail, connecting communities from Ventura to Ojai.
By protecting Rancho Cañada Larga, we can create new outdoor experiences that enhance the health, well-being, and connections of thousands of residents.
Community Partnerships
Protecting Rancho Cañada Larga is a collaborative effort led by Trust for Public Land, Patagonia’s Holdfast Collective, and the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. We’re working with partners like the Barbareño-Ventureño Band of Mission Indians, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other stakeholders to protect this vital landscape for all Californians.
Together, we can ensure that Rancho Cañada Larga remains protected and continues to benefit future generations.
Holdfast Collective is a nonprofit dedicated to addressing climate change and the biodiversity crisis. Focused on preserving critical lands and facilitating ecosystem restoration, Holdfast is Patagonia’s nonprofit shareholder, distributing over $100 million globally since 2022 to support grassroots environmental organizations.
Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit focused on connecting people to the outdoors. Since 1972, they’ve protected over 4 million acres, created more than 5,400 parks, and developed 3,100 miles of trails. They’ve helped generate over $94 billion in voter-approved funding for parks and conservation.
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy is a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring the Ojai Valley’s natural landscapes. With nearly 40 years of conservation leadership, OVLC has protected over 2,600 acres and manages 27+ miles of trails, connecting people to the land.
A Movement You Can Be Part Of
This effort is led by Trust for Public Land, Patagonia’s Holdfast Collective, and the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, but we need your support. Community involvement has always been vital to California’s conservation success. By joining this movement, you’ll stand with thousands who believe in a future where nature is protected and accessible to all.
Our goal is to raise $6.275 million in start-up and endowment funds from private donations to ensure the long-term stewardship of Rancho Cañada Larga.
Now is our chance to shape the future. Will you help us protect Rancho Cañada Larga before it’s too late?