Audubon Canyon Ranch |

Latest Project Updates

Executive Director John Petersen—ACR’s longest-serving employee—to retire effective March 31, 2021

In his announcement to staff and volunteers earlier this year, John highlighted collaboration with the community as the key to ACR’s success. A board directed executive search for is underway. Nils Warnock, Ph.D., currently director of conservation science, has been appointed as the interim executive director, beginning on April 1st until a new ED is hired.

Woolly mullein throws its weight around in delicate post-fire wildflower areas

On the Modini Preserve in the northern Mayacamas Mountains, new post-fire populations of invasive plants have exploded in several areas of burned knobcone pine understory.

Winners Announced! Emerging Writers Explore Culture of Conservation for M.F.K. Fisher Last House Writing Contest

Launched in late summer, the contest resulted in more than two dozen essays submitted in child, youth and adult categories from writers as far flung as La Canada, Michigan and Copenhagen. Writers were asked to explore the connection between environmental conservation, science and nature, food and drink, and the cultures surrounding them. Many wrote about COVID-19, their gardens, and the wildfires. Read the winning essays >

ACR’s nature education program seeks your stories for community scrapbook

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of our nature education program, we’re collecting stories from you—teachers, docents, parents, and former student participants. Please take a moment to share your experiences, memories, photos, and take-aways in our brief 10-minute survey.

WATCH: Community-based burning: Caring for our lands together

Discover how Sonoma County's Good Fire Alliance is developing and implementing controlled burns on private properties to increase the pace and scale of wildfire prevention efforts.

ACR community marks Marty's 100th with hundreds of birthday wishes

Wow! Way to double down for the cause, ACR community! Through June and July, we received almost 200 gifts to support ACR's Martin Griffin Preserve and over 100 birthday wishes to forward to Marty! Thank you, Marty fans! We made him the sweetest scrapbook with your sentiments. Read the messages...