ABC7.com
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (KABC) — A new restoration project in Orange County is bringing endangered wildlife a new home.
Along the Santa Ana River, where it empties into the Pacific Ocean, is an area once known as Banning Ranch.
But soon, the 387.6 acres of undeveloped land will be turned into a public park, thanks to the Trust for Public Land. It’ll be known as the Frank and Joan Randall Preserve, between Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.
“This particular property has more than 18 sensitive, threatened or endangered species. And that makes it a rare habitat for plants, animals, reptiles, birds, etc,” said Melanie Schlotterbeck, stewardship consultant of the Coastal Corridor Alliance.
Just two and a half years ago, the land was an active oil field that had been in operation since the 1940s.
The future park will have an upland and a wetland area, There are only 3% of wetlands that are still intact statewide, Schlotterbeck added.
This preserve has a special connection not only to the ocean, but to the 3,000 years of indigenous history deeply rooted into this land.
OCCF, through the Warne Fund for Endangered Species, is proud to have contributed $135,000 in grants to support the Trust for Public Land, enabling them to devote essential staff resources to acquiring this stunning preserve. The Coastal Corridor Alliance and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority will maintain the preserve, ensuring its beauty and accessibility for generations to come!
