Estuary Program Accomplishments

PROTECT: The Maino Ranch Conservation Easement
Nestled along the western edge of the Chorro Valley on California’s Central Coast lies the Maino Ranch, 1,860 acres of grazing land rich with natural wetlands, grasslands, regional foliage and wildlife. The desire to protect their land for future generations led the Maino family to form a conservation agreement with the Estuary Program. The agreement assures that their historic cattle ranch is protected from development and destruction of natural habitats—forever. The Maino Ranch has been a local leader in the use of sustainable ranching measures such as rotational cattle grazing and limiting cattle access to creeks and other sensitive habitats. This ‘resource-friendly’ approach to ranching has been good for business as well as water quality. The conservation agreement guarantees that this approach will continue in perpetuity. Together, the Estuary Program and the Maino family have ensured that this working landscape will always be native grasses, stately oaks, and clear flowing creeks that benefit the community and the estuary. Think of it as saving the land to save the bay.

EDUCATE: Estuary Nature Center
Established by the Estuary Program, the Nature Center is a place to experience the beauty of the estuary and learn about the need to protect its sensitive habitats and wildlife. In fact, the most important thing people learn at the Center is that the Estuary Program needs their help to protect the estuary. Everyday people can help by reducing water pollution, volunteering their time and sharing their knowledge with others.

UNDERSTAND: Volunteer Monitoring Program
For over ten years, the Volunteer Monitoring Program has partnered with local residents to monitor the health of the estuary. Citizens monitor water quality in the bay and creeks, track indicator species, survey shorebird populations and more to help increase understanding of the estuary and guide efforts to protect it. The Volunteer Monitoring Program (VMP) is currently funded through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. The VMP serves the dual mission of collecting critical data about the health of the watershed and bay, while educating and empowering hundreds of watershed citizens to play a part in understanding and protecting the estuary and watershed.

RESTORE: Chorro Creek Ecological Reserve and Floodplain Restoration Program
It isn’t easy to turn back time, but that is just what the Estuary Program had in mind when they piloted the purchase and creation of the Chorro Creek Ecological Reserve. An expanse of open land below the distinguished Hollister Peak, the 580-acre property once hosted miles of freshwater wetlands that functioned as flood protection, absorbing seasonal storm surges from lower Chorro Creek. Over time, man-made changes eliminated this spongy wetland area and plans were developed for a sprawling golf course and resort. Today the Estuary Program is creating an ambitious restoration plan to bring back the Chorro Creek floodplains. The land will once again host rich wetlands and habitat for wildlife. Even more importantly, the restored floodplains will trap sediment that would otherwise race downstream and fill the estuary. The Chorro Creek Ecological Reserve is an example of Estuary Program work accomplished through strong partnerships and an understanding of the ties between healthy creeks and a healthy estuary.