Mariano Brochure for Ventura Land Trust

MARIANO RANCHO

GIVE TODAY, PRESERVE FOREVER

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entura Land Trust is on the cusp of a historic expansion.

As land stewards, we envision permanent open space that balances the protection of wildlife and the environment with public recreation.

With the acquisition of Mariano Rancho, we come full circle to the reason Ventura Land Trust, then Ventura Hillsides Conservancy, was established in 2003: to preserve and protect the hills that define our landscape.

Mariano Rancho Preserve will, for the first time ever, offer free public access to its ridges and canyons, and ensure the land’s natural beauty will be preserved in perpetuity for Ventura County residents and visitors to enjoy.

I invite you to join this momentous opportunity to purchase the land. Please give today and preserve Mariano Rancho forever.

Sincerely,

Derek Poultney Executive Director

EXPLORE PROTECT INSPIRE

EXPLORE

Across the preserve, trails will welcome hikers, runners, and mountain bikers to the beauty of the land. Mariano Rancho will be open to the public free of charge, every day from dawn to dusk.

PROTECT

Mariano Rancho is part of a countydesignated wildlife corridor that connects the Ventura River watershed to the Santa Clara River watershed. Ventura Land Trust will restore native habitats to improve water quality and water retention in the area, and partner with fire protection agencies to ensure successful implementation of a fire management plan that balances protection of adjacent neighborhoods and wildlife habitat.

INSPIRE

Free community excursions, school field trips, and volunteer events will cultivate a love of nature, expand knowledge of our local environment, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

VENTURA’S BACKYARD

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beautiful backdrop to Ventura, the rolling hills of the 1,645-acre Mariano Rancho are visible from almost any location in Ventura and Oxnard.

The property extends from the iconic Two Trees landmark to Ventura’s Westside, shaping the aesthetic experience along Highway 101.

Visitors to Mariano Rancho will explore a network of hiking and biking trails, as well as vista points that offer expansive views of Ventura, the Pacific Ocean, and the Channel Islands. Trails will connect Two Trees to Grant Park.

Mariano Rancho features many other prominent landmarks, including the Ventura “V,” Hall Mountain, Sheep Flat, Prince Barranca, and Sanjon Barranca. The preserve will become a place for Venturans and visitors to gather and recreate in a uniquely scenic setting.

Photo by Rich Reid

MARIANO RANCHO

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ariano Rancho is the namesake of Mariano Erburu, a native of Spain’s Basque region. In 1874 at the age of 17, Erburu left his family’s small farm and settled in Ventura as a sheepherder.

After a period running a mercantile, Erburu sold his business in 1900 and returned to sheepherding on land in the Ventura hillsides.

By 1914, Erburu had transitioned from sheep to cattle and added 60 acres in bean cultivation to his operation. At one time, the Erburu family owned more than 10,000 acres in the area.

Erburu’s 1909 Craftsman bungalow still stands in Hall Canyon, where Erburu and his wife, Juana, resided with their children Michael and Mercedes. The Mariano Rancho Preserve honors the enterprising spirit and legacy of the Erburu family.

CHOOSE YOUR LEGACY

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entura Land Trust is raising $4.4 million to purchase the Mariano Rancho property and transform it into the Mariano Rancho Preserve.

With your contribution, you can name a landmark, trail, kiosk, or bench in honor of your legacy or in tribute to a loved one. Gifts can be made outright or pledged over a period of several years.

Two Trees Vista Point $1,000,000 Hall Mountain $500,000 Hall Canyon Preserve Entrance $500,000 Sheep Flat $300,000 Hobson Heights Vista Point $300,000 Destination Hilltop (4 available) $250,000 Ventura “V� $200,000 Ocean Overlook (4 available) $100,000 Trail (7 available) $75,000 Informational Kiosk $50,000 Bench $25,000

BASQUE SETTLER BUILDS SUCCESS The mission of Ventura Land Trust is to permanently protect the land, water, wildlife, and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations.

Board of Trustees Don Wood, President Karen Bednorz Steve Doll John Hankins Dennis Kulzer Susan Lefevre Sunjay Moorthy Jane Montague Sylvia Munoz-Schnopp Mark Watkins Ed Wehan Scott Weiss

Ventura Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization, tax ID #01-0769456.

For more information, contact Development Director Leslie Velez (805) 643-8044 or leslie@venturalandtrust.org

www.venturalandtrust.org