John Muir Land Trust announces plans to acquire Wagner Ranch Nature Area in Orinda

By Katy St Clair Bay City News The John Muir Land Trust reported plans to acquire the Wagner Ranch Nature Area in Orinda in the hopes of turning it into a public spot and educational center the trust explained this week Related Articles California s Death Valley is now one of the world s the greater part beautiful places Vallejo s finance director leaves for Hayward park district Photos The th annual Autumn Lights Festival at Lake Merritt Muir house shutdown sparks fears of widespread park closures Wish You Were Here A -day National Parks tour with breathtaking views The -acre parcel is next to Wagner Ranch Elementary School and the trust declared the land could become an outdoor classroom for children The acquisition is not yet final and a due diligence period of several weeks comes next the trust explained in a news release Tuesday A full assessment of the property must first be undertaken The trust intends to foster a learning context at the site similar to what they have done at the Pacheco Marsh in Martinez where the area and students can enjoy learning about migrating birds spawning fish and the salt marshes that blanket the Bay Delta It includes trails and bridges as well as kayak tours by water At the Wagner Ranch property the trust would raise funds mostly through private donations the trust reported to extensively restore and maintain the expanse with an eye to protecting the habitat-rich landscape According to the trust the site has been closed to the masses since due to vegetation debris and unstable trees as well as structures that are safety hazards Work will include removing the structures building fences and paths fire mitigation and pruning On Monday the Orinda Union School District board which owns the property approved transferring the title over to the John Muir Land Trust State Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan D-Orinda arranged a grant for the district of million to cover the fair field value of the property as compensation the JMLT reported Wagner Ranch Nature Area is a beloved natural area and everyone is excited by the future prospects commented Linus Eukel executive director of JMLT in a announcement circulated by the trust Parents are eager to see children once again making a deep connection with the natural world through hands-on exercises and outdoor exploration