Estero Americano Coast Preserve (Estero Americano, Spanish for "American Estuary") is a nature preserve on the Sonoma coast overlooking the Estero Americano estuary, the Pacific Ocean, Bodega Bay, and Bodega Head. Its landscape is dominated by coastal prairie, with tidal marshes, eelgrass beds, and mudflats that support species such as Central California Coast steelhead, tidewater goby, and California red-legged frog.[1] In spring the bluffs are lined with wildflowers and offer distant views toward Point Reyes. The 547 acres (221ha) preserve is owned and managed by The Wildlands Conservancy as part of its system of preserves.
The preserve includes coastal prairie, rolling grasslands, and blufftop terraces with views of the Pacific Ocean. It protects habitat near the mouth of the Estero Americano estuary, an area with seasonal wetlands, tidal marshes, and native plant communities. The estuary is part of the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, one of the most biologically productive marine regions on the West Coast. From the bluffs the site offers panoramic views of Bodega Bay and Bodega Head.
Flora and fauna
Habitats include tidal marshes, eelgrass beds, mudflats, and open waters that support federally listed species such as Central California Coast steelhead, tidewater goby, and California red-legged frog.[1] Coastal prairie blooms in spring with iris, blackberry, and wildflowers. Resident wildlife includes badgers, bobcats, deer, and a variety of birds of prey and waterfowl. The preserve lies along the Pacific Flyway, providing forage and rest for migratory birds.[2][3]
History
Former ranch buildings
The property, historically known as Bottarini Ranch or Estero Ranch, was purchased in 2015 by The Wildlands Conservancy for $3.8 million, with funding support from the California State Coastal Conservancy, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, Sonoma Land Trust, and individual donors.[3][2]
Public access was delayed for several years while surveys, permitting, and planning were completed. In November 2024 the California Coastal Commission approved a coastal development permit for a system of public trails and visitor facilities.[4] The project was highlighted in the Commission’s 2024 strategic plan update as a statewide example of expanding public access.[5] The preserve opened to the public in 2025, initially on weekends and with plans for daily access by the end of the year.[6]
Conservation
The preserve contributes to a wildlife corridor linking protected areas along the Sonoma and Marin coasts.[3]
Under permit conditions, The Wildlands Conservancy is required to restore ~3.6 acres of coastal prairie, remove invasive Spanish broom, and conduct native revegetation with local seeds, with monitoring through 2028.[7] Grazing is retained as a rangeland management tool.[4]
In 2025 the preserve was the site of mitigation for a Highway 1 bridge replacement project, which included wetland creation and enhancement, riparian revegetation, grazing management, and long-term monitoring.[8]
Recreation
The preserve has about five miles of hiking trails, signage, picnic areas, a kayak pull-out, and restrooms. Public access is via the county’s Shorttail Gulch Trail easement, which also provides access to the beach and forms part of the California Coastal Trail.[4] In September 2025 the California State Coastal Conservancy awarded The Wildlands Conservancy up to $240,200 for access improvements, including the trail system, restroom, signage, kayak facilities, and renovation of a ranch house for caretaker housing.[9] The Wildlands Conservancy also notes that the bluffs provide seasonal opportunities to view migrating whales.[1]
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