Conserved for
Acres:
95
Directions from US-101N
- Use Exit 132 for CA-1 N / Lompoc / Vandenberg AFB
- Continue on CA-1 N for approximately 18 miles toward Lompoc
- Turn right on CA-246 East
- Turn left on Mission Gate Road
- Turn left on Purisima Road
- Turn right on Rucker Road
- Park at the intersection of Harris Grade and Rucker Road
This Land Trust preserve is sandwiched within the state-managed Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve to the north, south, and to the east. The preserve has popular walking trails connecting it to the Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve. Burton Mesa Chaparral is a unique form of maritime chaparral only found in the sandy soils north of Lompoc where over 300 native plant species flourish. The Land Trust monitors the property annually, working with the owners and Fish & Wildlife to protect and enhance the ecological resources of this special habitat. Find out more about the Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve here.
In 2011 the Land Trust completed the conservation agreement protecting 95 acres of unique Burton Mesa Chaparral, coastal scrub, and oak savannah habitat land near Vandenberg Village. This easement was granted by Martin Farrell Homes and The Towbes Group to mitigate impacts associated with a nearby housing development.
Visiting Burton Ranch Chaparral Preserve
- Trail difficulty: easy; the loop trail is on the Ecological Reserve and is not owned or managed by the Land Trust.
- Open sunrise to sunset
- Accessibility: Hiking, Trail Running, Leashed Dogs, Views
