Newport Banning Land Trust will partner in the transformation of this industrial oil field providing environmental and educational opportunities for residents to make the property a true community and regional asset for all to enjoy.

The Land Trust will serve as stewards for the Newport Banning Ranch preserve, ensuring that the natural beauty of the property is shared by future generations. A voluntary advisory committee made up of environmentalists, educators, scientists and other experts on land restoration will help guide the Land Trust in its efforts.

Under the stewardship of the Land Trust:

• Preservation of the approximately 316 acres of created, enhanced and restored open space
• More than 7 miles of hiking and biking trails for the community. Trails will connect directly with the Santa Ana River Trail, a 28 mile hiking and biking path that stretches from Riverside through much of Orange County
• The link to the River Trail opens up miles of coastline and the California Coastal Trail to residents in Costa Mesa who have been fenced off for generations from the Pacific Ocean and local beaches
• Important new areas that have been restored for coastal sage scrub, willow riparian areas and marshlands, habitat crucial for the survival of species such as the California Gnatcatcher and Least Bell’s Vireo
• Vernal pools will be protected and wildlife areas enhanced for a variety of native animals

The Newport Banning Land Trust is dedicated to educating our students and residents on the importance of land preservation and the restoration to native plants and species.

• The Land Trust will provide outdoor educational labs that will serve as incubators for high school and elementary school students to learn about native plants and wildlife species
• Partnering with the Institute for Conservation Research and Education, Newport Banning Land Trust is providing high school seniors the opportunity for hands-on field research experience. The research includes topics pertaining to water quality, GIS mapping and native versus intrusive species identification
• The Land Trust School Program partners with local schools, social service providers, community youth organizations and similar programs to expand environmental awareness curriculums

Visit the Newport Banning Land Trust
website to learn more.