Together, we protect the places that make the East Bay special
Vision
The vitality of our open spaces is essential to the health of our earth, air, water, native plants, animals, and all of us. Our vision is to ensure that the beauty and diversity of our natural areas continue to enrich and sustain all generations. John Muir Land Trust acquires, protects, and stewards these lands, and we foster environmental awareness so that everyone understands the need to preserve our natural heritage.
Mission
John Muir Land Trust protects and cares for open space, ranches, farms, parkland and shoreline in the East Bay.
Board of Directors
Stephanie Becker, Chair
Daniel R. Carl, Vice Chair
Karen Sakata, Secretary
Jerald M. Weintraub, Treasurer
Arthur Bart-Williams, Immediate Past Chair
Linus Eukel, Executive Director
Jack Cortis
Stephen Harvey
Katie Hill
Anna Lisa Kronman
Tim Lipman
Ted C. Radosevich
Connect with us to receive the latest news and updates via email! Scan the QR code or visit jmlt.org
Friends,
Thanks to all of you! At the beginning of every year it is with deep appreciation that we express our gratitude for your membership in the John Muir Land Trust community of supporters — a passionate group protecting the wild places that make the East Bay so special. Your contributions make so much possible.
I’m struck with how much of our work this past year involved youngsters. Of all species. Be they juvenile salmon on a challenging migration near Point Buckler Island. Or school kids squealing with delight alongside a tidal channel at Pacheco Marsh. Or freshly hatched newts in a pond at Fernandez Ranch. Perhaps it’s a grandchild assembling a holiday wreath at Family Harvest Farm. Or the look of surprise at seeing the world around your neighborhood for the first time on a family climb up Painted Rock hill. Or one of the many reasons why we are so excited that Wagner Ranch Nature Area is a step closer to reopening its forested pathways to young minds brimming with lots and lots of questions.
Members of our community share a love for nature and the outdoors. But, it is the knowledge that we are making a difference in young lives and leaving something precious for future generations that truly binds us and makes our work together so satisfying.
It’s my sincere hope that these pages will convey just a bit of the gratitude we feel for your contributions, and will renew your appreciation for the big results that many small actions can achieve. Even better, I hope you get outside, and if you have the opportunity, to take a young person out to experience the wide-eyed wonder of the natural world around us.
With deep gratitude,
Linus Eukel Executive Director February 2026
Together,
Protecting Land
Now and for the future
Acalanes Ridge - Easily accessed by an extensive trail system, the summit offers sweeping views of Mount Diablo and central Contra Costa.
Bay Delta - A tiny percentage of our tidal marshes remain in their natural state. JMLT is restoring and caring for habitat at three locations: Pacheco Marsh, Hoover Ranch, and Point Buckler Island. Healthy marshlands are vital for clean water and the nurturing and protecting of marine wildlife.
Buffer Lands - These lands prevent development and activities that threaten larger landscape integrity.
Contra Costa Goldfields - This 30-acre preserve is home to one of the last known populations of Contra Costa goldfields in their namesake county. We’re using it to repopulate other places.
Family Harvest Farm - This 3.5-acre urban regenerative organic farm employs young adults with experience in the foster care system. It supplies healthy food for local residents and teaches school groups how food is grown.
Fernandez Ranch - A breathtakingly untouched 1,185-acre contrast to populated cities nearby, here hikers see stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and rolling hills in all directions.
Franklin Ridge - Intact natural corridors are essential if wild species are to adapt to climate change. JMLT is adding key parcels to the important 10,000-acre Franklin Ridge Wildlife and Trail Corridor.
John Muir National Historic Site - JMLT acquired and donated West Hills Farm to the site. This is where the famed naturalist often walked with his two daughters. The earlier acquisition of Mount Wanda added a parcel named for his eldest.
Moraga Hills - Carr Ranch provides many things: clean drinking water, essential wildlife habitat for threatened species, and beautiful open space. Harvey Ranch is a new gateway to a 15,000-acre wilderness wonderland.
Neighborhood Parks & Gardens - JMLT was founded to protect the Stonehurst property as a neighborhood park and wildlife haven. Hamlin Nature Park gives people access to the natural beauty of the East Bay just steps from their front doors. Wagner Ranch Nature Area is being restored as a 16-acre outdoor classroom where students learn about nature.
Painted Rock - This 84-acre hill located between Lafayette and Moraga is a well-known community landmark. It anchors a 505-acre public open space — a remarkable recreational resource next door to thousands of families.
Point Buckler Island
Helping Salmon Make the Journey
Our ambitious Bay Delta Campaign began the year 2025 with a watershed moment. In January JMLT acquired this 50-acre island in Suisun Marsh where an unauthorized levee has blocked tidal flows for a decade. The resulting loss of marshland habitat has harmed a vital passageway for fish migrating from upstream rivers to the Pacific Ocean. Species include native salmon that need this important habitat along their migratory journey. Next? The hard work of clean-up, breaching the levee, and extensive environmental engineering to repair the damage. We’re restoring the tidal marsh back to health!
Pacheco Marsh
A Natural Wonderland for Youngsters
Thanks to your support over many years, the gates swung open on May 3rd and hundreds of enthusiastic visitors attended the long-awaited public opening of Pacheco Marsh. This is a small miracle: a former industrial wasteland has been restored to a thriving marsh with flowing tidal channels, abundant wildlife, and sweeping views across wind-blown grasses to the sparkling waters of Suisun Bay. The real miracle? The wide-eyed look on the faces of kids as they explore miles of trails and perhaps spy a great blue heron hunting in the shallows. This wonderland is a gift for curious minds. Made possible by your generosity.
Painted Rock
Safer Access to the Main Trailhead
Everybody loves Painted Rock! That sentiment was visible on all faces when a new crosswalk to the main trailhead was unveiled in October and hundreds celebrated this beloved local hill. Yes, we’re talking about an outcrop of rocks that are brightly painted with messages that mysteriously coincide with local high school events. But we’re also talking about a hilltop with beautiful panoramic views that anchor a future 505-acre park. Thousands of you made its protection possible a few years ago, and everyone at the celebration took a moment to cheer what’s possible when neighbors come together to preserve a cherished place.
The crosswalk was generously supported by the Town of Moraga, Contra Costa County, and Moraga Community Foundation.
Wagner Ranch
Kids Love Nature! Kids Need Nature!
Many of us enjoyed childhoods playing in the woods or in vacant lots. These experiences fostered a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. It’s not as simple these days, and that makes Wagner Ranch Nature Area special. Closed for several years, these forested 16 acres will again serve as an outdoor classroom and a nature refuge for all. It will be a safe place where East Bay kids can examine the colors in a wildflower or discover a world of bugs underneath a carpet of leaves. What’s next? Asking the community to help develop a new plan for the site, and then getting to work. We have trees to trim, fences to put up, and new trails to build.
Thank You!
State Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan arranged a grant to Orinda Union School District of $1.5 million from California state funds to make this acquisition possible.
Volunteers Get it Done
They put up with heat and dust. They pull stubborn invasives and drag them away. They remove rusty barbed wire and old fence posts. They shovel dirt and cut back encroaching brush. They repair aging windmills and signage. They pick up trash and keep a watchful eye on things. They do countless tasks — big and small — that keep trails clear, ecosystems healthy, and places safe for wild residents and human visitors.
Interested in Volunteering?
2025 Accomplishments. Lots and lots of...
Invasives extracted Trails improved Old fencing removed New fencing installed
Mountain lions tracked Conditions monitored Goldfields counted Events staffed
Food for families harvested Wildflowers spotted Smiles all around
Community is Everything
JMLT properties are open every day, and each one has something special for visitors. Whether you take a solitary walk along a quiet trail, or attend a guided hike, or join neighbors at one of our frequent events on the land, we thank you for getting outside with us. Check our calendar. We hope to see you in person this year! jmlt.org/calendar
Harvest Festival
The smiles on painted faces tell the story. The Havest Festival at Family Harvest Farm has become an annual highlight in our calendar. This urban regenerative farm in Pittsburg employs young adults with experience in foster care and it grows healthy food for local schools and families. It’s a wonderful place to learn about food production. If you haven’t been yet, mark your calendar now. We’ll save a seedling for you. A Free Community Event!
More details for Harvest Festival 2026 coming soon.
Protecting Vulnerable Species
So many examples. A mountain lion who roams Franklin Ridge. A hardy little population of golden wildflowers. A soaring raptor overhead. Hundreds of geese settling in for a rest on their long flight south. A young salmon finding its way from upstream spawning grounds to the vast Pacific Ocean. An endangered frog waiting by a sheltered pond hoping to snatch a tasty insect.
You are protecting the diverse habitats needed by the wild creatures who depend on the region’s shrinking wild places. From ridgeline to shoreline your support makes sure these places will stay as they are … forever! Next time you inspect some interesting tracks along a trail, know that your support is helping all East Bay residents.
Protecting the LANDS WE LOVE
Mount Wanda: Walk in John Muir’s shoes and see views of the Carquinez Strait, Mount Diablo, and lovely surrounding hills in every direction. Not everything has changed!
Our
team and
board
Out and about
Enjoying time with our donors, friends and families, getting outside, enjoying events, hiking, and getting to know our community. The best part of the job!
CALENDAR
We hope to see you in 2026!
Painted Rock Mini BioBlitz Hike: February 28 • 9am – 12pm
Fernandez Ranch Volunteer Day: March 7 • 9am – 12pm
Harvey Ranch Volunteer Day: March14 • 9am – 12pm
Franklin Ridge Wildflower Hike: March 21 • 9am – 12pm
Wagner Ranch Community Design Meeting 1: March 24 • 7pm
Wagner Ranch Community Design Meeting 2: April 28 • 7pm
Forever East Bay: Twilight Under the Trees: May 2
Leadership Circle and Legacy Society Appreciation Gathering: May 28
Leadership Circle and Legacy Society Appreciation Gathering: September 10
Harvest Festival at Family Harvest Farm: October 10 • 11am - 3pm
And...Many More Hikes, Events & Volunteer Opportunities!
Check our website frequently for new hikes, volunteer days, and events that will be added to our calendar throughout 2026.
Scan the QR code or visit jmlt.org/calendar
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
John Muir
Many thanks to the photographers who contributed to this report: Adam Weidenbach, Ana Homonnay, Jeff & Wendy Photography, Jodi Foucher & Evan B Dudley
