This former cattle ranch, rich with oak savannas and woodlands, sycamore woodlands, chaparral, and grasslands, will serve as an invaluable resource for research, education, and conservation.

As a conservation organization dedicated to protecting the Diablo Range‘s wild lands, we celebrate this step forward in preserving the region’s biodiversity and natural beauty.

Highlighting the significance of this newly protected reserve, UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive shared, “I was fortunate to have had an early preview of the property and to have seen first-hand the beauty of the landscape and the vast research and educational opportunities it offers.”

The reserve’s diverse habitats make it a prime location for advancing conservation science and education.

The new reserve will offer unique opportunities for ecological research, including studies on the impacts of climate change on diverse plant communities.

“The Strathearn Ranch Natural Reserve provides exciting new opportunities for research critical to the state,” said Don Croll, faculty director of the UC Santa Cruz Natural Reserve System.

Its volcanic geology and location near the San Andreas Fault also make it a valuable site for studying earth sciences. The property’s century-long history as a working ranch opens additional avenues for research on grazing impacts and land restoration.

Save Mount Diablo’s map of parks and open space in San Benito County.

Education will be a cornerstone of the reserve’s mission. The reserve will serve as a living laboratory and outdoor classroom for students across multiple disciplines.

Undergraduate and graduate students will have the chance to study ecology, geology, environmental science, and more through immersive, hands-on field courses.

Gage Dayton, director of the UC Santa Cruz Natural Reserves, explained, “Through introductory courses, we can bring students studying literature, astronomy, evolutionary biology—whatever—to a part of California they don’t get to see every day.

“By observing nature and walking through the scientific method, students gain critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.”

Strathearn Ranch will also foster important collaborations with local communities, including the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, whose ancestral lands include the area.

These partnerships will offer opportunities for shared stewardship and traditional ecological knowledge to guide conservation practices.

“We’ll be able to use the reserve for research, conservation, training our future leaders, working with tribal and community partners, and giving our students and community the experience of being in nature in a hands-on way,” Dayton emphasized.

The San Benito River. Photo by Scott Hein

At Save Mount Diablo, we understand the critical importance of conserving vast landscapes like Strathearn Ranch to protect sensitive species and ecosystems.

This reserve represents a significant step forward in safeguarding the natural heritage of San Benito County and beyond in the Diablo Range.

We commend the generosity and vision of the anonymous donor, whose legacy will leave an enduring impact on both education and conservation.

As UC Santa Cruz finalizes the transfer of this extraordinary property, we look forward to seeing the reserve thrive as a center for learning, discovery, and environmental stewardship.

The post UC Santa Cruz Announces New Strathearn Ranch Natural Reserve in the Heart of the Diablo Range appeared first on Save Mount Diablo.

Whether you’re an avid hiker, a budding environmentalist, or simply someone seeking solace in the great outdoors, our diverse selection has something for everyone!

Save Mount Diablo Staff Book Recommendations

1. “Life Lived Wild: Adventures at the Edge of the Map” by Rick Ridgeway

This Patagonia book is Rick Ridgeway’s autobiography.

Ridgeway has had many adventures in his life, including the first American ascent of K2 and the first crossing on foot of a corner of Tibet so remote no outsider had ever seen it.

In telling his stories, Rick also describes his shift from someone fascinated by wild places to someone dedicated to saving them.

He also describes his important collaborations and adventures with Yvon Chouinard, Doug Tompkins, and others.

Recommended by Executive Director Ted Clement.

2. “The Invention of Nature” by Andrea Wulf

This nonfiction book by Andrea Wulf is about the Prussian naturalist, explorer, and geographer Alexander von Humboldt.

It is a biography about Humboldt whose ideas changed the way we see the natural world.

He was one the world’s leading mountaineers in the late 1700s/early 1800s—and he also provided some of the earliest warnings of harmful human-induced climate change.

Recommended by Executive Director Ted Clement.

3. “Love Letter to the Earth” by Thich Nhat Hanh

This book, by Thich Nhat Hanh, the world-renowned Zen monk who passed away in 2022, argues for a more mindful, spiritual approach to environmental protection and activism—an approach that recognizes people and planet as one and the same.

Though many people point to the enormous complexity in addressing issues ranging from the climate crisis to the loss of millions of species, Thich Nhat Hanh identifies one key issue as having the potential to create a tipping point.

He believes that we need to move beyond the concept of the “environment,” as it leads people to experience themselves and Earth as two separate entities and to see the planet only in terms of what it can do for them.

He points to the lack of meaning and connection in peoples’ lives as being the cause of the harm and addiction to consumerism and other destructive behaviors. He deems it vital that we recognize and respond to the stress we are putting on the Earth if civilization is to survive.

Rejecting the conventional economic approach, Thich Nhat Hanh shows that mindfulness and a spiritual awakening are needed to protect nature and ourselves.

Recommended by Executive Director Ted Clement.

4. “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Professor and Native American botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer weaves together indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge in this poetic exploration of the reciprocal relationship between humans and the natural world.

Prepare to be moved by the beauty and resilience of nature.

Recommended by Event Coordinator Brit Hutchinson.

5. “Poached: Inside the Dark World of Wildlife Trafficking” by Rachel Love Nuwer

Poached is an exciting and dynamic nonfiction read well-suited for fans of science journalism.

Rachel Love Nuwer travels around the world to get to the bottom of how international wildlife trafficking works, introducing the reader to the rangers fighting to protect some of the worlds most endangered species, the international wildlife markets exploiting them, and even the consumers who spend billions to get parts of these animals every year–making wildlife trafficking one of the largest illegal industries in the world.

It ends on an inspiring note, showing how these species can be saved in the face of seemingly insurmountable forces.

Recommended by Communications Associate Mary Nagle.

6. “After Capitalism (New Critical Theory)” by David Schweickart

Have you NEVER studied economics, but know enough to notice something seems wrong with economies around the world?

Would you like to know why the money value of the most essential things in life (water, air) seems to be close to zero?

Interested in a way to work, own, and value nature that can solve most of today’s problems and could actually work?

This book might be for you!

Recommended by Senior Land Use Manager Juan Pablo Galván Martínez.

7. “All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katherine K. Wilkinson

All We Can Save is an anthology of writings by women that keeps us inspired and motivated to continue doing our part for the climate movement.

Recommended by Land Stewardship Associate Haley Sutton.

8. “Eat Like a Fish: My Adventures Farming the Ocean to Fight Climate Change” by Bren Smith

This witty memoir speaks to our love for the ocean and desire to support a sustainable food system.

Recommended by Land Stewardship Associate Haley Sutton.

9. “The Overstory: A Novel” by Richard Powers

A compelling tale about several characters who are all interconnected through a unique connection to trees.

Recommended by Land Stewardship Associate Haley Sutton.

10. “Mount Diablo, A Story of Place and Inspiration” by Stephen Joseph

This book is chock full of beautiful photographs of our beloved Mount Diablo that will inspire you or your gift recipient all year long.

In addition to the optical treats, local conservation heroes provide context with their contributions throughout the book. A must for every coffee table.

Recommended by Executive Assistant Joanne McCluhan.

11. “The Flowering Plants and Ferns of Mount Diablo, California” by Mary Bowerman and Barbara Ertter

Authored by renowned naturalist and co-founder of Save Mount Diablo, Mary Bowerman, this concise yet comprehensive guide to the diverse botanical wonders of Mount Diablo is sure to inspire awe.

The Flowering Plants and Ferns of Mount Diablo, California provides detailed descriptions and vivid illustrations, making it an accessible field guide for enthusiasts and casual observers alike.

Whether you’re a botanist or nature lover, this book serves as an invaluable companion for exploring and appreciating the rich plant life of Mount Diablo.

Recommended by Event Coordinator Brit Hutchinson.

12. Anza’s California Expeditions, Vol. 1: An Outpost of Empire (Classic Reprint) by Herbert Eugene Bolton

“Anza’s California Expeditions, Vol. 1: An Outpost of Empire” takes you on Juan Bautista de Anza’s 18th-century adventures. This 5-volume series dives into Anza’s quest for a land route from Mexico to California, sharing the highs and lows of the expedition. It offers a peek into the landscapes and cultures Anza encountered, shedding light on California’s exploration and colonization. As a classic reprint, it’s all about making history easy for today’s readers, keeping Anza’s California expeditions alive and relevant.

Recommended by Land Conservation Director Seth Adams.

13. “Up and Down California in 1860-1864: The Journal of William H. Brewer” by William H Brewer

“Up and Down California in 1860-1864: The Journal of William H. Brewer” is a travel diary by the brilliant young botanist. Written during Brewer’s exploration of California from 1860 to 1864, the book details his adventures, observations, and encounters with diverse landscapes, Native American communities, and early settlers. With insights into California’s natural beauty, geography, and social climate, this fourth edition, complete with maps, offers readers a valuable historical glimpse into the state’s development during a crucial period.

Recommended by Land Conservation Director Seth Adams.

14. Beneath a Black and White Sky: A Year Among Condors at Pinnacles National Park

Beneath a Black and White Sky: A Year Among Condors at Pinnacles National Park offers a deeply personal look at the California condor recovery program and the challenges and triumphs of conserving these incredible birds.

Joseph Belli’s work underscores the critical importance of habitats found in the Diablo Range for the future of the condor population.

These recommendations are a testament to our commitment to fostering a deeper connection between people and nature. Whether you’re seeking knowledge, inspiration, or a new perspective, these books are sure to enhance your appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.

Happy reading, and may these literary journeys inspire you to explore, immerse, and connect with the incredible wonders of the natural world.

This blog post was updated on December 11, 2024.

The post Explore, Immerse, and Connect: Staff Book Recommendations for Nature Enthusiasts appeared first on Save Mount Diablo.