In the fifth round of its Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation program, the California Strategic Growth Council approved a $1,550,000 grant from California Climate Investments to the Land Trust of Santa Barbara County (Land Trust) to purchase an easement that will permanently protect the 999‑acre Jalama Cañon Ranch. This year, with support from the California Department of Conservation and in partnership with the White Buffalo Land Trust (White Buffalo), the Land Trust focused on laying the groundwork for the agricultural easement so it can protect these agricultural and natural lands from conversion to more greenhouse gas‑intensive uses.
Jalama will model regenerative agriculture at scale in a financially viable way; serve as a center for education, training, and scientific research; and demonstrate pathways for the rapid and broad adoption of regenerative agriculture locally, regionally and globally. White Buffalo will offer technical training and apprenticeship programs for current and aspiring farmers and ranchers. Their curriculum will focus on creating outcomes related to greenhouse gas‑reducing soil health practices, carbon sequestration, and fire and drought resilience and include hands‑on experience in Holistic Planned Grazing, agroforestry, and on‑site nutrient cycling.
Located near other protected lands, including the adjacent 24,000‑acre Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve, Jalama features grazing lands and a vineyard, 500 acres of significant natural resources, and varied habitats and wildlife corridors. With elevation ranging from 400 to 1,600 feet above sea level, the ranch contains distinct vegetation zones that will contribute to habitat resiliency.
“Working collaboratively with landowners, nonprofits, and government agencies we can sustain agriculture, promote economic viability and achieve conservation,” said Meredith Hendricks, Executive Director for the Land Trust. “We are grateful for the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation program funding and to our partners at the Department of Conservation for their role in making this innovative project a reality.”