Dear Friend,

I'm excited to share some wonderful news with my neighbors in Orinda, Lafayette, and Moraga!

I'm pleased to announce that the John Muir Land Trust and the Orinda Union School District have completed an agreement that will enable the beloved Wagner Ranch Nature Area to open once again to school children for important science, culture and nature programming. This partnership not only conserves a vital natural resource for years to come but also ensures continued community access to the property. Thanks to a $1.5 million state investment I secured, the school district can now undertake the work needed to remove debris and ready the space for outdoor classroom and natural exploration for schoolchildren.

You can read the full announcement below.

In addition to the work being performed by the OUSD, the John Muir Land Trust will begin comprehensive restoration efforts, including removing hazardous structures, addressing fire-safety concerns, and developing the infrastructure needed to welcome visitors back safely. They're also partnering with educational specialists to create engaging programming that teaches students about nature and honors the area's history, as the land was originally stewarded by the Ohlone, Miwok, Muwekma, and the Confederated Villages of Lisjan.

This achievement wouldn't have been possible without the dedicated work of so many people. I'm grateful to the Orinda Union School District, John Muir Land Trust, and all the community members, including the Friends of the Nature Area, who championed this effort. This is what we can accomplish when we work together!

I can't wait to see Wagner Ranch Nature Area flourish once again as a place where our children discover the wonders of the natural world.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Assemblymember, 16th District