Trust Of Napa County Land Conservation

Hiking under moon's glow

At dusk last Friday evening, 10 eager hikers gazed to the east in anticipation of a special nighttime hike.

We watched an unusually early appearance of the marine fog layer rolling in over Napa’s southeastern hills, the menacing low clouds conspiring to spoil our planned adventure under the bright light of the full moon.

Volunteer hike leaders from the Napa Land Trust checked to make sure each of us was properly attired for a cool, windy and possibly damp walk. With everyone accounted for, we convoyed from our meeting place at Silverado Middle School up into the remote hills of the sprawling Tuteur Ranch.

We were each warmly greeted by our host, John Tuteur, who was appropriately bundled in a warm coat and knit hat. As the chilly wind flung wisps of fog mist past our ears, Tuteur assured us we would warm up quickly on our 4-mile round trip hike that would feature an 800-foot elevation gain. 

The light of day was completely gone when we began our hike, and the skies above had become fully overcast. As the moon rose in the east, its powerful brightness was diffused throughout the cloud layer, creating a dim glow in all directions. Our eyes soon adjusted to the low light levels, and for most of the evening we didn’t even need our flashlights.

Tueter provided us with some of the history of his 1,300-acre ranch and the surrounding areas as we walked. His family is only the fourth owner of the property in the history of California. They have taken great measures to keep it as natural as possible, with the responsible grazing of cattle being the only commercial use.

He told us that the road we took to reach his property, Napa’s edition of Green Valley Road, actually connects to the other Green Valley Road in Solano County near Fairfield. This was once the main passage between the counties, back before the wetlands near Jamieson Canyon were drained to allow for construction of a road on the valley floor.

Nowadays, Green Valley Road is no longer a public thoroughfare, as it passes through several private properties and numerous locked gates along the way.

Tuteur also explained how the Napa Land Trust is able to protect so much of Napa’s wild lands and keep them free of development.

The most efficient tool at their disposal is the Conservation Easement. Through these agreements, a landowner agrees to relinquish the rights to build or develop on some or all of their private land.

Job Opening – Director of Development and Outreach | Land Trust of ...

Wantrup Wildlife Sanctuary

This Preserve has 730 acres of oak savannah, oak woodlands and migratory bird habitat located in Pope Valley. The property was conveyed to the Land Trust by Professor Siegfried von Ciriacy-Wantrup in 1982 and has the best example of oak savannah habitat in the Land Trust’s permanently held lands. In areas where cattle were removed, valley and blue oaks are interspersed with native grasses, wildflowers and shrubs.

Overview & Mission

Founded in 1976, the Land Trust of Napa County (LTNC) has preserved over 52,000 acres of agricultural and natural land in Napa County through fee title and conservation easements. Our mission is to protect open space and agricultural land, forever.

We seek a successful, energetic Director of Development and Outreach (DDO) to collaborate with the Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers to develop and implement a 5-year strategic fundraising plan to build a sustainable financial future.

The DDO will oversee, plan and execute all fundraising and development activities including prospect stewardship, individual giving ($1K and above), events, membership and annual fund, foundation giving, grants, planned giving, and our hotel partner program.

The DDO reports to the Chief Executive Officer; will work closely with the Board of Trustees; be a member of the Board’s Development Committee; and oversee part-time staff, consultants, and volunteers.

LTNC has an engaged leadership, a loyal membership, a strong donor base and is full of potential. The image is strong but the awareness is limited. Come be a part of protecting the Valley and the County for future generations.

Primary Responsibilities

Conservation trusts

Land trusts' exchange

Conservancy, The Land Trust Movement in America

Land-saving action, a written symposium by 29 experts on private land conservation in the 1980s

Los Angeles lawyer