Solano Land Trust was founded in 1986 as the Solano County Farmlands and Open Space Foundation as a result of open space advocates, land developers and a municipal government working together to benefit the whole community. This unusual genesis created the structure for a board of directors that reflects all sides of land-use issues united in the mission to preserve the agricultural legacy and natural landscapes of Solano County and enhance people’s relationship to the land.
Since our founding, we have protected over 25,000 acres of land in Solano County. At the core of these lands are five open space parks which offer access to recreational and educational opportunities along trails and in nature centers.
In 1986, we made our very first acquisition: Rush Ranch Open Space. Situated along the Suisun Marsh — a designated National Estuarine Research Reserve — covers over 2,000 acres and is the site of a historic working ranch. Monthly educational programs highlight the park’s history and indigenous cultural heritage. Partnerships organizations at Rush Ranch like Access Adventure and offer accessible opportunities to be in nature for people of all abilities.
Jepson Prairie Preserve, for example, ownership of which was transferred to Solano Land Trust in 1997 by The Nature Conservancy, traverses nearly 1,500 acres in Dixon. In the Spring, there are weekly docent-led hikes where visitors learn about endangered species in one of California’s finest remaining claypan vernal pool ecosystems. This educational opportunity for the public is unparalleled.
Amongst our properties there are incredible stories of land conservation, too. Lynch Canyon Open Space spans 1,039 acres, serving as an important natural buffer between Fairfield and Vallejo. In the 1980s, Tri-County Development Corporation proposed developing the property into a landfill. Voters rejected this proposal. In 1996, Solano Land Trust completed acquisition of the property. Instead of a landfill, visitors can enjoy miles of hiking trails with scenic views. At Lynch Canyon, Solano Land Trust has maintains sensitive habitats for endangered species like the California red-legged frog and Callippe silverspot butterfly.
Our story is also one of community partnership. In 2012, Solano Land Trust launched its largest grassroots fundraising effort to date, saving 1,500 acres of rolling oak woodlands with big views of Green Valley and Suisun Valley from proposed housing developments. To commemorate the property’s cultural significance, our partners at the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation bestowed the name Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park onto the land. In Patwin, the name means Southern Rock Home of the Patwin People.
What’s next? 2026 brings unique challenges. Open spaces in Solano County are under threat now more than ever from rampant large-scale industrial and residential development. With your support we can serve on the front lines of this conservation effort!
