Mission & History

Our Mission

The work we do goes beyond conserving land; it’s also about ensuring people’s relationship to the land remains strong. We are committed to building a conservation and stewardship ethic in our community by supporting values based on common ground and engaging the future leaders and land stewards who will come after us to take care of this land.

Our History

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.

With your support, Solano Land Trust has permanently protected over 25,000 acres of natural areas and agricultural lands. 

Our Properties

Jepson Prairie Preserve, King-Swett Ranches, Lynch Canyon, Rush Ranch and Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park - represent the rich and varied landscape that makes Solano County unique. From rare vernal pools to tidal marsh wetlands to rolling oak woodlands, our properties serve an important role research, education, habitat restoration, and recreation in the local community, the Greater Bay Area and all of California.

Working in close partnership with landowners, local, state and federal agencies, cattle and sheep grazers, nonprofits, our dedicated volunteers, and supporters like you, we will continue to protect and preserve Solano County’s farmland, ranchland, and open space well into the future. 

We are proud to steward the ecological and cultural values for you and future generations. We have the honor and privilege of being your land trust, of providing public access to some of the most beautiful natural parks in Solano County.

Our Accreditation

One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 1986, Solano Land Trust has been doing just that for the people of Solano County. Now Solano Land Trust announces it has renewed its land trust accreditation – proving once again that it is committed to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in its conservation work.

“As a public benefit organization that promises to protect land and share it with the community forever, this recognition is invaluable,” said Nicole Braddock, Solano Land Trust’s Executive Director. “It means that our volunteers, donors and supporters can trust that our collective work benefits people today and will continue to do so for years to come.”

Thanks to the generous support of individuals, businesses, government agencies and many partners, Solano Land Trust has protected more than 27,750 acres in Solano County and hosted more than 300,000 people at its natural parks.

Solano Land Trust invites the community to join its upcoming free and low costs events, like spring wildflower walks at Jepson Prairie Preserve, the Rush Ranch Open House on the 3rd Saturday in April, and the Lynch Canyon Kite Festival on the 1st Saturday in May. “As an accredited land trust,” Braddock notes, “We can show our funders and partners that they are investing in a solid organization.  This can help us be more competitive and successful in bringing grant funds into Solano County to benefit our community.”

Solano Land Trust provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that Solano Land Trust’s lands will be protected forever.