We need to raise $1.455 million to protect the Ginochio Schwendel Ranch.

Save Mount Diablo has optioned the 98-acre Ginochio Schwendel Ranch on Marsh Creek Road between Clayton and Brentwood.

The $30,000 option payment holds the property for 12 months while Save Mount Diablo raises the money for acquisition and other project expenses.

It’s the first property Save Mount Diablo is purchasing directly from Contra Costa County’s Ginochio cattle ranching family, which owns nearly 7,000 acres on and around Mount Diablo.

The property includes extremely rare dacite volcanic habitat along Marsh Creek’s Dark Canyon section.

The Ginochio Schwendel Ranch is the fifth acquisition project Save Mount Diablo participated in during 2023.