Ventura Land Trust (VLT) has announced the launch of a community-driven campaign to rename its newest preserve, currently known as Mariano Rancho Preserve. The 1,645-acre property, located in the hillsides behind the City of Ventura, holds significant importance to the organization, as it was the acquisition of this land in early 2020 that inspired the founding of VLT.
Since acquiring Mariano Rancho, VLT has focused on raising funds to pay off the acquisition loan and preparing the preserve for its public opening in 2025. A major milestone was achieved in 2022 when Assemblymember Steve Bennett secured $7.2 million in state funding to support these efforts.
In anticipation of its public debut, the preserve is undergoing extensive evaluation and improvement. Biological studies are being conducted across the property to guide decisions on public access and ecological restoration, including the placement of trails, trailheads, restoration projects, and parking facilities.
“As a science-based organization, we are committed to making informed decisions that will ensure the long-term sustainability of the preserve,” said VLT Executive Director Melissa Baffa. “We plan to manage this land in perpetuity, and the choices we make now must be scientifically sound to protect the preserve and the land trust’s mission for generations to come.”
With the future in mind, the naming of the preserve has become a focal point of the organization’s efforts.
“We believe the preserve’s name should reflect cultural and historical relevance, inclusivity, and be worthy of its place in perpetuity,” Baffa explained. “While ‘Mariano’ may indeed be the right name, we want to give our community the opportunity to contribute to this decision, as the chosen name will resonate throughout Ventura forever.”
The renaming campaign will unfold in phases. The first phase, now open, invites community members to submit up to three name suggestions per person. Nominations will be accepted through the end of October. VLT’s Board of Trustees will then review the submissions and select the top names for a final round of voting in December. The new name will be revealed in February, aligning with Ventura Land Trust’s anniversary.
To participate in the nomination process, visit the Ventura Land Trust website. Each individual may submit one nomination form with up to three name suggestions. Forms with incorrect contact information or exceeding the one-form-per-person limit will be excluded from consideration. The final decision rests with the Ventura Land Trust Board of Trustees.
For more information, visit: www.venturalandtrust.org/marianoranchopreserve/renaminge.
