The Peninsula Open Space Trust purchased three farms totaling 668 acres along the Pajaro River for $7.8 million to preserve farmland, restore wildlife habitats, and protect against development pressure in the area south of Gilroy near the Santa Clara-San Benito county line.
In a significant move to protect wildlife and preserve farmland, the Peninsula Open Space Trust, a prominent environmental organization based in Palo Alto, announced on Monday, October 6, 2025, the acquisition of three farms totaling 668 acres for a sum of $7.8 million.
The properties, situated approximately three miles south of Gilroy along the Pajaro River, near the Santa Clara-San Benito county line, represent a crucial step in combating the growing development pressures prevalent in this region of the Bay Area. This recent purchase underscores the Trust's ongoing commitment to safeguarding open spaces and fostering a harmonious balance between agricultural practices and the preservation of natural habitats. The Trust plans to meticulously restore areas along the Pajaro River, creating havens for a variety of birds, fish, and other wildlife. Simultaneously, the Trust aims to continue leasing a substantial portion of the acquired acreage for agricultural use, thereby ensuring the continuity of farming activities. The organization aims to preserve the connection of wildlife corridors between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Diablo Range by preventing the conversion of the land to development.\The three contiguous properties that the Trust has acquired include the 185-acre Bloomfield South Farm in Santa Clara County, purchased for $2.4 million; the 318-acre Ojeda Ranch in San Benito County, acquired for $4.7 million; and the 165-acre Gonzales Ranch, which spans the border of both counties, purchased for $665,000. The acquisition of these farms is a testament to the Trust's dedication to preserving the unique character of Silicon Valley's southern edges. The initial two properties were purchased directly from farming families, while the third, Gonzales Ranch, was acquired from the Nature Conservancy, a fellow conservation organization. The Gonzales Ranch had previously been purchased from farmers in 2012, and the Nature Conservancy undertook the restoration of a 130-foot buffer zone along the river to support wildlife, while subsequently leasing the remaining land to a rancher for cattle grazing. The diverse agricultural practices on these farms include the cultivation of tomatoes and hay on the Ojeda Ranch and the production of celery, beets, snap peas, cilantro, and dill on the Bloomfield South Farm. The aim is to balance the needs of agriculture with the need to preserve wildlife and open spaces. The conservation group plans to work over the next several years to develop restoration plans for the properties.\The Pajaro River area is known for its rich biodiversity and serves as a critical habitat for numerous animal species, including coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and the occasional steelhead trout. The presence of these diverse wildlife populations is a key factor in the Trust's commitment to preservation. Moreover, the area experiences frequent flooding during wet winters, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the natural landscape to mitigate the impacts of flooding. By preserving the acquired lands as open space, the Trust actively contributes to flood control efforts, protecting downstream communities in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties from potential damage. The Peninsula Open Space Trust, since its inception in 1977, has a proven track record of preserving open spaces. The organization has successfully conserved an impressive 93,000 acres, which is more than three times the size of San Francisco, primarily in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. The Trust's work highlights the critical role of environmental organizations in protecting vital ecosystems and working lands in the face of urbanization and development pressures. Their efforts are largely supported by the contributions of Silicon Valley donors and other private benefactors, demonstrating a collaborative approach to conservation. The Trust acknowledges the value of undeveloped open spaces, fostering both agriculture and wildlife habitat for future generations
Farmland Preservation Wildlife Conservation Pajaro River Open Space Agriculture
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