Bear Valley Ranch

Preserving Native Wildflowers

Located in the folds of the coastal range that separates the Sacramento Valley from the Pacific Coast, Bear Valley is home to one of the state's most spectacular wildflower displays. Every spring rare species such as the star tulip, adobe lily and serpentine butterweed are among the native wildflowers that carpet the grasslands.

Historically, wild animal grazing played an essential role on California's open grasslands by promoting botanical diversity. Studies show that with proper management, cattle grazing actually can encourage plant diversity by keeping non-native plants in check and adding nutrients to the land.

In the early 1990s, Bear Valley was at risk of subdivision. American Land Conservancy permanently protected Bear Valley Ranch through a conservation easement that precludes development on the property, while permitting traditional cattle ranching. This conservation easement was made possible by the generous support of the California Wildlife Conservation Board and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. The easement is monitored by California Rangeland Trust.

While ALC no longer maintains a wildflower hotline, you can find information on the latest California wildflower bloom status here by photographer Carol Leigh.

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