News of Ranchos and Open Space

Leading off, there was a great article ("Conservation on a staggering scale at Tejon") in yesterday's SF Chronicle about Tejon Ranch, near Grapevine (Southern California), and the inking of a deal to save more than 240,000 acres (that's eight times the size of San Francisco!) and preserve it as open space in perpetuity. This is largest single acquisition of public land in California history, and a great environmental, ecological, and conservation achievement. Read all about it here.

Lynch Canyon image by Tim Baskerville

On a somewhat less "staggering scale" - this weekend marks the anniversary of Lynch Canyon's usage as a public Open Space. Owned by the Solano Land Trust and operated with partner, the Solano County Parks Department, this 1,000 acre site is home to an amazing variety of wildlife, including grazing cattle (the site's historical usage). Read more about the weekend's festivities here.

Photo of Rush Ranch Nature Center by Tim Baskerville

And, next weekend (Saturday, May 17) The Nocturnes offer a special one-night Night Photography Workshop at another Solano Land Trust property - the 2,070 acre Rush Ranch Open Space, out by Grizzly Island on the Suisun Marsh. This is a benefit for the Rush Ranch Educational Council - read more about Rush Ranch and the Solano Land Trust here - and The Nocturnes Full Moon NPy Workshop here. There are still a few spots open for the 'shop!

Now, back away from the computer - and, just get out there . . .

"Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies above,
Don't fence me in."