The Nature Conservancy

The Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve is an enduring nature preserve protecting intact and resilient natural and cultural resources—last-of-their-kind coastal ecosystems, natural communities and species, and significant cultural resources—at a dynamic, ecological crossroads between land and sea and northern and southern coastal California at Point Conception. Learn more on our About page.

The Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve has some of the most unique, biodiverse, and intact ecosystems in coastal California, however, there are still opportunities and mandates to restore critical ecosystems and ecosystem function to the area. Learn more about our stewardship and restoration of the preserve here.

The preserve serves as a global platform for applied conservation research and education to inspire the next generation of conservation leadership. Check out our Environmental Education Program, Research, Data, and the Point Conception Institute.

The preserve is a living laboratory of exceptional natural and cultural legacy for conservation research; technologies deployed to accelerate learning, improve management and disseminate findings globally; engagement of the leaders of tomorrow and inspiration of widespread public commitment to conservation. See the many ways we are innovating through the Point Conception Institute.

Coast live oaks are unique among California’s oak trees in their ability to thrive near the ocean. They are drought-resistant and adapted to fire, and they support acorn woodpecker, western scrub jay, western gray squirrel and dusky-footed wood rat.

The coastal hillsides are blanketed by extensive coastal sage scrub and chaparral shrub communities. These are biodiversity hot spots that support badgers, bobcats, mule deer, mountain lions, pack rats, lizards, snakes and a variety of avian species.

Precipitation that falls on the preserve eventually flows to the ocean. In addition to Jalama Creek, the preserve contains major perennial streams, coastal wetlands, and smaller unnamed seasonal short-run streams, locally known as “arroyos.”

Point Conception sits at a marine intersection, where ocean currents from the north and south overlap, bringing a diverse mix of plant and animal life. The ecosystem is supported by the offshore upwellings that bring nutrients from deep in the ocean.

The 328 acres of wetlands include seeps, springs, seasonal wetlands, wetland swales, in-stream wetlands, perennial marshes and artificial ponds. These extensive habitats support abundant freshwater biodiversity.

The grasslands are used by a large, diverse group of plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects. Cattle grazing and prescribed burning play an essential role in making sure these grasslands continue to provide plant and animal habitat.