John Muir Land Trust Acquires Wagner Ranch Nature Area in Orinda; Announces Campaign to Restore Beloved 16-Acre Outdoor Classroom

MARTINEZ, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--John Muir Land Trust (JMLT, jmlt.org) has acquired Wagner Ranch Nature Area in Orinda, CA. The East Bay land trust is launching a campaign to raise $5 million, the current estimate for funds needed to restore and safely reopen the property as a community resource and an outdoor classroom for children. The estimate may change as final plans are developed with community input.

Closed for several years, Wagner Ranch Nature Area is a 16-acre parcel adjacent to Wagner Ranch Elementary School. Thousands of students in the past have discovered the natural world here. JMLT is finalizing a multi-year plan for extensive restoration and ongoing maintenance, and for engaging program partners. Well known for protecting habitat-rich landscapes, JMLT is applying its extensive expertise in managing outdoor venues for recreation and learning.

“Schools do not have the resources to rehabilitate and permanently protect a property like Wagner Ranch Nature Area," explained Linus Eukel, Executive Director of JMLT. “Land trusts do. John Muir Land Trust can assume the responsibility and liability of owning places used by the public because that is precisely our mission.”

On October 20, 2025, the Board of Trustees of Orinda Union School District (OUSD), the property’s former owner, approved transferring title to JMLT and the acquisition was completed on December 10, 2025 after a period of due diligence and creation of a new 16-acre legal parcel. Of the original 18-acre parcel, 2 acres have been retained for use by Wagner Ranch Elementary School. State Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan of the 16th California Assembly District (a16.asmdc.org) arranged a grant to the OUSD of $1.5 million from California state funds designated for parks and open space. This enabled the District to receive fair market value compensation for the property.

“Kids need nature and nature needs to be preserved,” said Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan. “Recent science makes this clear, and that is why the State of California makes funds available for worthy projects like Wagner Ranch Nature Area. There is no one better suited for taking this on than John Muir Land Trust. I am delighted to facilitate this acquisition and delighted that this land is preserved in perpetuity and that children in our area will have this outdoor classroom again. These experiences shape lifelong values. The funds could not be put to better use."

“This would not have been possible without John Muir Land Trust,” said Toris Jaeger, long-time Wagner Ranch Naturalist and Teacher. “Parents have been hoping for such progress for years. Wagner Ranch Nature Area will get children off devices and into the outdoors, where they can become wide-eyed at the marvels of the natural world!”

“People are excited, and they should be. But the real work is just beginning,” added Eukel. “Extensive restoration will start once the necessary funds have been raised by members of the community.” The site has been closed to the public since spring 2023 because falling limbs, unstable trees, and decaying structures have become safety hazards. Work needed includes removing structures and debris, pruning and cutting trees, mitigating wildfire risk, and constructing fencing and other infrastructure. Next steps are detailed planning for the site, budgeting, public comment, final design, and then implementation. A process of public engagement will produce a detailed plan that matches what the community wants and can afford. Groups that conduct educational programs for children will be invited to create a curriculum of activities and events. Ongoing maintenance will require funding.

“Parents are eager to see children once again examining plants, digging in the dirt, and making a deep connection with the natural world through hands-on activities and outdoor exploration,” said Eukel. “But there’s much more to do. The Lamorinda community is generous and determined. We’ll get there!”

It is expected that the majority of funds will be donated by private individuals. JMLT expects an opportunity for public discourse on plans in the spring of 2026. Individuals interested in updates and wishing to participate may sign up for the JMLT newsletter at jmlt.org.

About John Muir Land Trust

John Muir Land Trust (JMLT; jmlt.org) protects and cares for open space, ranches, farms, parkland, and shoreline in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. With over 4,800 acres protected, many beautiful places in the East Bay and Bay Delta region are permanently preserved for recreation, wildlife habitat, and spectacular scenic views. JMLT believes that the vitality of our open spaces is essential to the health of our earth, air, water, native plants and animals — and all of us.