Rancho del Lagarto Cornudo, La Purisima Hills

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Tucked in the Purisima Hills, this 556-acre expanse of rangeland is home to rolling oak woodlands, coastal scrub, and native grasslands that support a wide range of plant and animal life. The land provides vital habitat for the endangered California tiger salamander and serves as an important wildlife corridor, helping to reduce habitat fragmentation in the region.

Owned and carefully managed by longtime conservation partners Steve Junak and Keri Kirkland, the property reflects their deep commitment to preserving California’s natural heritage. As a working ranch, it features seasonal grazing that promotes soil health and supports native plant regeneration. Named for the horned lizards that roam its hillsides, Rancho del Lagarto Cornudo is a powerful example of how conservation and sustainable land use can thrive together.

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Help shape our county’s future.

Iconic views, locally grown food, fresh water, clean air, recreation access, thriving wildlife habitat—it’s all here in Santa Barbara County and when you give to the Land Trust, you invest in the protection of the places you love.

Recent winter storms caused extensive damage at Arroyo Hondo Preserve, impacting trails, roads, and infrastructure. For safety reasons, the preserve is currently closed while the land continues to shift and recovery efforts begin. Our stewardship team is actively assessing conditions and planning the careful work ahead. We’re sharing updates and photos as recovery progresses and inviting the community to support this effort.