Quick Facts:
- 321 acres of oak woodlands on Big Hill in the Bear River watershed
- Protected since April 2007 with funds from the State of California, Placer County and California Wildlife Foundation.
Conservation Connectivity
Placer Land Trust works with willing landowners and conservation partners to protect land that connects wildlife habitat, public recreation opportunities, and scenic open space. The area between the Bear River and Raccoon Creek contains some of the last roadless areas in western Placer County.
Oak Woodlands
The area between Raccoon Creek and the Bear River represents the largest contiguous area of oak woodlands remaining in Placer County. Approximately 331 species of wildlife inhabit Placer County’s oak woodlands including mountain lions, bobcats, several species of hawk, rodents, snakes, owls, and songbirds.
Wildlife Corridors
Large areas of intact wilderness provide critical habitat for larger animal species. The oak woodlands between Bear River and Raccoon Creek form an important north-south corridor complimenting the east-west corridors formed by the rivers and the adjoining riparian habitat. Taylor Ranch Preserve along with Liberty Ranch Big Hill Preserve and Outman Big Hill Preserve (to the north) and Kotomyan Big Hill Preserve (to the west) comprise an 882-acre block of contiguous protected wilderness.
Livestock Grazing
This preserve is grazed by livestock, which assists in reduction of fuel loads. For the protection of livestock and wildlife, no pets are allowed on the preserve.
Recreational Trails
Taylor is the starting point for a 4-mile loop trail beginning by Raccoon Creek, winding up through the oak woodlands, and leading to a vista point on Kotomyan affording incredible views of the Sacramento Valley and the Sierra Nevada.
Placer Land Trust is working with Placer County and area landowners to construct a public recreational trail connecting Hidden Falls Regional Park along Raccoon Creek and up to the Bear River through this property. Want to get dirty? Volunteer for our trails team!
Cultural Heritage
The Nisenan people were Native Americans who made their homes and livelihood in the oak woodlands and riparian areas in western Placer County. This property was used by Nisenan peoples and evidence of their culture are still visible on the Preserve.
Taylor Ranch Preserve is currently not open to the public. For a list of our properties that have public trails visit our Trails page.
You can also check out our calendar for upcoming public access opportunities on Taylor Ranch Preserve.
