JOHN MUIR LAND TRUST
JMLT mission statement is as humble as their organization. We protect and care for open space, ranches, farms, parkland and shoreline in the East Bay. Started in 1989, they have a very different model than that of the other large land trust in our area (Save Mount Diablo) and we are blessed to have two organizations working to protect our open spaces.
John Muir does not get involved in advocacy as defined by the activity of opposing development or asking for a seat at the table regarding city or county planning decisions. They also do not just purchase lands to hold for eventual incorporation by EBRPD or State Park as is SMD’s model.
JMLT acts to step in and purchase properties or work with agency partners to manage and create access to protected lands by developing a comprehensive plan for trail heads, trails, and public access. This requires them to raise more money per property preserved but they reward donors and the public by rapidly improving and then opening these lands to the public. If you are interested in public access and trails you need to meet and learn about JMLT.
John Muir Land Trust has mainly focused their acquisition efforts in the Martinez and Hwy 4 corridor as they attempt to create public and wildlife corridors in an area that had been large private ranches and parcels. Piece by piece they have added to public lands and built trails as they get closer and closer to achieving their goal of miles of connected public open spaces.
JMLT is always willing to reach out to the Trail Dogs or Volunteers of California or Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay or to private groups who want to help build new trails. JMLT has an unbelievable way of leveraging their limited staff to accomplish more than the size of the organization might suggest.
John Muir Land Trust also holds conservation easements on important properties within Contra Costa County. This service helps to provide protections to properties that need long term protection. It also helps developers who need to fulfill mitigation requirements for their projects.
JMLT recently agreed to hold an important conservation easement on the Magee Preserve project in Danville, thereby helping to protect a critical property near Mount Diablo.
Consider Donating to JMLT
I encourage you to learn more about John Muir Land Trust and to consider an annual donation to this important local organization. You get a big bang for the buck with JMLT as they provide unique protection services in our local area.