California Projects

Bobcat Ranch

Our Goals
To conserve and restore blue oak woodlands and native grasslands, supporting declining bird species while demonstrating sustainable ranching practices that benefit wildlife, people, and the land.
What We’re Doing
Audubon California is managing Bobcat Ranch as a model for conservation ranching, demonstrating how sustainable grazing can support thriving bird populations, healthy soils, and resilient ecosystems.

Bobcat Ranch is a 6,800-acre working cattle ranch dedicated to conserving blue oak woodlands, supporting grassland birds, and demonstrating the Audubon Conservation Ranching (ACR) program.

Audubon California acquired Bobcat Ranch in 2007 as part of its ongoing commitment to conserving and restoring California’s blue oak woodlands and rangelands.

We're working to establish Bobcat Ranch as a flagship demonstration site for the ACR program—a market-connected conservation approach that incentivizes sustainable grassland stewardship through a certification label on beef products.

In 2020, Bobcat Ranch became the first property in California to earn ACR certification. Through our ACR work, we’re partnering with ranchers to restore grasslands, protect blue oak woodlands, and promote biodiversity. Learn more about ACR here. 

Land Acknowledgement

For thousands of years, the land that we call Bobcat Ranch has been the home of Patwin people. Today, there are three federally recognized Patwin tribes: Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community, Kletsel Dehe Band of Wintun Indians, and Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. The Patwin people have remained committed to the stewardship of this land over many centuries. It has been cherished and protected, as elders have instructed the young through generations. We are honored and grateful to be here today on their traditional lands.

Habitat Management and Biodiversity at Bobcat Ranch

As a key part of the ACR-certification process, Audubon developed a Habitat Management Plan (HMP) with the help of Point Blue Conservation Science as part of their Rangeland Monitoring Network. Our HMP outlines critical elements of operational management and conservation practices identified to achieve positive outcomes for ten priority focal bird species, soil health, and overall biological diversity. 

The ranch is home to a variety of bird species, including Lark Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Golden Eagle, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Oak Titmouse, Burrowing Owl, Nuttall’s Woodpecker and Yellow-billed Magpie. Mammal species include Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Black-tailed Deer, American Badger, and Black Bear. Bobcat Ranch hosts a rich blend of habitats, including Blue Oak Woodland, native perennial grassland, annual grassland, seasonal wetland, and chaparral.
 
Bobcat Ranch is an important conservation anchor, adjoining the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, a 330,780-acre matrix of private and public lands, including the 27,000-acre Blue Ridge Bureau of Land Management lands, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Putah Creek Wildlife Area, University of California’s Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve and Cahill Reserve.

Downloadable Resources
Fact Sheet
Quick Facts on Bobcat Ranch
Habitat Management Plan
Check out the Bobcat Ranch Conservation Plan
Directions to Bobcat Ranch
Access to Bobcat Ranch by permission only. Contact: matt.allshouse@audubon.org.
Liability Waiver
Printable PDF - digital form available above
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