The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County has been doing some great work protecting our local natural resources, and to date has protected close to 12,000 acres. They’ve recently acquired Star Creek Ranch, a 1,200 acre property in the heart of the Pajaro Hills. The Ranch provides crucial habitat for wildlife and fish including mountain lion, bobcat, endangered California Red-legged Frog, and steelhead. It also acts as an important link to other large habitats and with Pescadero Creek running right through it, drains an 8,000 acre watershed that flows into the Pajaro River.
I recently had the opportunity to tour the Ranch (which is considered extremely important as a climate change refuge in Santa Cruz county), and spend an afternoon photographing this gorgeous property. I was treated to lush spring grasses, gusty winds, wildflowers, oaks galore, and a sweet sunset. In the coming year(s) I hope to help the Land Trust document the seasonal changes and critical biodiversity found on the Ranch.
Wild Vetch and the Pajaro Hills can be found in the Conservation Gallery.