The Center for Regenerative Agriculture at

Jalama Canyon Ranch

A living laboratory devoted to the rapid and broad adoption of regenerative agriculture locally, regionally and globally.

Jalama Canyon Ranch is 1,000 acres just eight miles from Point Conception, CA.

The land sits at the crest of the Santa Ynez watershed and shares a boundary with the Coastal watershed and the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve. It’s surrounded by some of the largest contiguous ranches in Santa Barbara County and represents the ecological sites that are indicative of California and mediterranean regions around the world.

Like the majority of California's grasslands and oak woodlands, Jalama Canyon Ranch is suffering from land degradation and species loss. But, this is where we see the greatest opportunity for impact.

The ranch serves as a living laboratory of regenerative agriculture principles showcasing a diversity of climate-appropriate cropping systems, livestock management systems, and viable enterprises.

Our Vision

To implement the full array of principles, practices, and techniques of regenerative agriculture for positive ecological outcomes.

Desired Outcomes at Jalama Canyon Ranch:

Rehabilitated Vineyards and Orchards
Oak Woodland Restoration
Reconnected Riparian Corridors
Revitalized Pastureland
Integration of Tree Crops and Animals
Redesigned Animal Fencing, Paths, and Road
Increased Water Holding Capacity

Ecological Sites

An Ecological Site is a distinctive type of land with specific soil and physical characteristics that differs from other land in its ability to produce specific types of vegetation. Our management plans for Jalama Canyon Ranch we’re designed through the lens of each of the six sites present at the ranch. Each site has unique community dynamics and intervention points to create beneficial outcomes.

Grasslands

Like much of California's rangelands, continuous grazing has resulted in annual grass dominated landscapes, with a decrease in biodiversity, soil health, and resilience to fire and drought. By managing livestock in a holistic, adaptive system that considers the relevant rest and recovery period of desirable species, we aim to produce desired outcomes for land, animal, and steward entities.

Orchards & Vineyards

Vineyards are the second largest commodity crop in Santa Barbara County, with over 15,000 acres harvested annually and an economic value > $106m. We want to demonstrate that a regeneratively managed vineyard that satisfies the requirement of various certification and verification programs can produce a superior grape while improving the health and water-holding capacity of the soil, increasing biodiversity, sequestering carbon, and employing equitable labor practices.

Oak Woodlands

Nearly 30% of California's oak habitat has decreased over the last century due to agriculture and urbanization, making it a critical conservation priority. Our work is to improve oak regeneration, canopy health, and reestablishment by integrating silvopasture and understory management practices and identifying approaches that increase fire and drought resilience.

Coastal Sage Scrub

Coastal Sage Scrub stands are interspersed within the grasslands and oak woodlands at the ranch. Our work is to study the outcomes of pulsed grazing and animal impact on fire risk, biodiversity, erosion, and oak stand re-establishment. Various enterprises are in development to support our ongoing work of demonstrating this plant community's highest potential.

Riparian Corridors

North Creek and South Creek originate at Jalama Canyon Ranch and form the headwaters of La Hoya Creek, which flows into the Salsipuedes Creek. This unique setting allows us to study the impacts of regenerative agriculture in a closed watershed. Through stream bank and flood plain revegetation, in-stream restoration, sediment capture through check dams, and grazing exclusion, our work is to increase water infiltration, improve riparian habitat and reduce erosion and downstream sediment loads.

Basecamp

Named in honor of the late Lyndsey McMorrow, Camp Lyndsey is the heart of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture. It will host diverse stakeholders to expand our collective understanding of applied regenerative principles and spread this knowledge through scientific research, education & training programs, creative storytelling, and art.