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Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve

The diversity of soil types and topography at the 552-acre Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve give rise to a variety of plant communities: ponderosa pine, redwood, closed-cone pine cypress, montane hardwood conifer, mixed chaparral, and annual grassland. The wildlife community includes amphibians, birds, bats, black-tailed deer, mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, and gray fox.

For more information, call the Bay Delta Region Fairfield office at (707) 428-2002.

Recreational Opportunities

Wildlife Viewing Hiking Trails

Activities: wildlife viewing, hiking

NOTE: Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations pertaining to the use of Department lands.

Refer to the Public Uses on State and Federal Lands section of the Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use Regulations (PDF) booklet for both statewide and property-specific regulations.

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You may not operate a drone on CDFW Lands without a Special Use Permit.

Area History

Prior to State ownership, the property was repeatedly subjected to development pressure. One past land owner planted a vineyard and small orchard, then another attempted to grow Christmas trees. The sandstone outcroppings were reportedly once used as a silent movie location.

The property was expanded in the late 1950s and 1960s through purchase of adjacent properties, creating a 525-acre block which was owned by Teachers Management and Investment Corporation. During their ownership, a number of development proposals were put forward, with one developer obtaining approval for a 300-acre vineyard. This was never implemented though.

The property was purchased by The Nature Conservancy in 1989, who sold the majority of the land to the Wildlife Conservation Board. It was designated as an ecological reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 1993.

Location

Bay Delta Region (Region 3)

Santa Cruz County

Directions: Hwy 1, exit Bonny Doon Road E. Right on Martin Road and park near the fire station.

CDFW Lands Viewer