San Francisco Bay Area

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• Bishop Pine Preserve

  In 1973, TNC, along with local landowners, protected a portion of California's rarest type of pine forest that was threatened by logging. This 300-acre ridge, abutting Point Reyes National Seashore and overlooking Tomales Bay, will now remain in its natural state. 

• Green Gulch Farm

  In the 1970s, many working ranches throughout the Bay Area were being sold to developers. At Green Gulch Farm, TNC partnered with a local family to protect their coastal ranch. Today, the land includes important habitat, hiking trails, an organic farm and a Zen center, all within Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

• Kent Island

  In 1964, a massive marina was being planned in Bolinas Lagoon in Marin County. In coordination with partners, TNC purchased Kent Island, the would-be epicenter of the marina, bringing an end to the development. Today, the lagoon is part of a National Marine Sanctuary and is a UNESCO Wetland of International Importance. 

• Marin Headlands

  In the 1960s, 70s and 80s, TNC partnered with public agencies, local activists and landowners in Marin County to protect ecologically-rich private properties from urban development. Today, these areas are part of the Bay Area’s renowned urban parklands.

• Marincello

  In 1964, a new city called Marincello was slated for development in the heart of the Marin headlands. In 1972, following a six-year land-use battle and grassroots effort to protect the area, TNC purchased the property and ultimately transferred it to become what is now the Marin Headlands, visited annually by more than 13 million people and a jewel of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

• Point Reyes National Seashore

  In 2025, TNC helped mediate a landmark agreement between the National Park Service, the Point Reyes Seashore ranchers, and three environmental groups to settle a decades-long land-use conflict over the future of dairying, cattle ranching and wildlife management at the Seashore. The settlement is based on the voluntary decisions of 11 multi-generational family lessees to retire their 12 ranching operations on the National Seashore in exchange for compensation from TNC. This allows some beef ranching to continue while prioritizing ecological protection, wildlife conservation and continued recreational access.  

  TNC joined the mediation at the request of all litigation parties, seeing this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance the conservation of the unique habitats and species found in California’s vanishing coastal landscapes.

• Ring Mountain Preserve

  In 1983, TNC purchased Ring Mountain, aided by a strong grassroots effort to save this site from development and continues to hold a strong conservation easement there. The preserve is a popular hiking area renowned for its rare plants (including its rarest species: the Tiburon mariposa lily, found nowhere else on earth), spectacular spring wildflower displays, 360-degree views of the bay and unique serpentine geology.

• St. Hilary's Preserve

  In 1964, development threatened the native grasslands surrounding Old St. Hilary's Church near Tiburon. TNC helped Tiburon Belvedere Landmark Society save these grasslands, which are now part of the Marin County Open Space District and a refuge for some of California's rarest native plants.

• Slide Ranch

  In 1971, TNC purchased a remote stretch of coast to safeguard it from residential development, then transferred the land to the National Park Service to help build the Marin Headlands. Slide Ranch is an education center promoting organic agriculture and environmental awareness to Bay Area school children and other visitors.

• Spirit Rock Ranch

  In 1986, Spirit Rock Ranch and its oak woodlands and grasslands were given to TNC and, at the donor's request, were then sold to fund international programs. Today, the ranch is a conservation-oriented Buddhist retreat center.

• Tubbs Island

  In 1978, TNC purchased Tubbs Island, a former duck club, to help expand a growing network of protected wetlands. Today, Tubbs Island is part of the vast San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, providing winter habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds, and hiking and bird-watching opportunities for people.