Resilient Pajaro Estuary Program (Land Trust of Santa Cruz County)

The Resilient Pajaro Estuary Program, led by the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, focuses on the acquisition and restoration of wetlands across multiple waterfront agricultural properties at the mouth of the Pajaro River. 

The program includes the fully acquired 247-acre Beach Ranch and planned acquisition of conservation easements on the 63-acre Malatesta Ranch and 111-acre West Beach Ranch. Together, these properties encompass 2.8 miles of shoreline and 70 acres of coastal wetlands. Restoration efforts aim to enhance estuary function, provide accommodation space for floodwaters, protect inland farmland, roads, residences, and park infrastructure, and establish a nature-based buffer to reduce climate-related risks such as storm surge, sea level rise, and saltwater intrusion.