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Young Ranch Ecological Preserve

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Goal

Support the long-term conservation and management of a unique 2,100-acre property that provides critical habitat for multiple federally listed species.

Since 2007, WRA has partnered with the owners of Young Ranch, located on Coyote Ridge in Santa Clara County, to protect one of the region’s most ecologically significant landscapes. The property’s high-quality serpentine grasslands host five federally listed species, including one of the most robust remaining populations of the Bay checkerspot butterfly, found only in this part of California. WRA’s work has focused on advancing the property owner’s conservation goals while supporting land management practices that sustain healthy, resilient habitats.

The unique serpentine soils at Young Ranch support the proper assemblage of plants that comprise BCB habitat. They also support several rare plant species that are present at Young Ranch.

The Bay checkerspot butterfly is endemic to the San Francisco Bay region and is a federally threatened species that is now limited to a few populations in Santa Clara County.

Although Young Ranch is located close to the edge of development in San Jose, it is large and wild enough to support large herds of free-ranging Tule Elk.

Approach

WRA has conducted extensive biological studies and ongoing management support to guide conservation efforts at Young Ranch.

WRA completed comprehensive biological inventories, vegetation mapping, rare plant and wildlife surveys, invasive species mapping, tree surveys, and wetland and stream delineations.

Our team has monitored Bay checkerspot butterfly populations on the property for 14 consecutive years, contributing valuable data to the broader scientific community working to preserve this endangered species. Additional sensitive species documented on the site include Santa Clara Valley dudleya, fragrant fritillary, Metcalf Canyon jewelflower, most beautiful jewelflower, California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, and burrowing owl.

WRA biologists conducting annual BCB survey.

Young Ranch is host to a number of endangered plants species including the Santa Clara Valley dudleya.

Young Ranch is host to a number of endangered plants species including the Metcalf Canyon jewelflower.

Crew members support land management by conducting weed management activities to enhance sensitive wildlife habitat.

WRA developed a GIS-based grazing model tailored to site conditions, rainfall levels, and USDA grazing data. This model supports sustainable grazing practices that benefit both ranching operations and native habitats. WRA also supported range management by overseeing subconsultant-led weed management activities over several years to enhance sensitive wildlife habitat.

Impact

WRA’s long-term involvement has helped shape a resource management plan and grazing strategy that prioritize conservation while supporting working lands.

The team’s efforts have identified key habitat areas for preservation and laid the groundwork for integrating Young Ranch into the Reserve System of the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan. By combining rigorous biological monitoring with adaptive land management, WRA continues to help protect endangered species and sustain the ecological and cultural value of this remarkable property.