The City of San Juan Capistrano on Saturday held a ceremony to dedicate 2C Ranch, an open space trail rest stop/staging area that was part of the 2C Ranch-Trabuco Creek Habitat Restoration Project.
Formerly leased by equestrian and cattle operator Cap Crowl, 2C Ranch is part of a 109-acre open space acquisition made by the city in 2008. When the city purchased the site, nestled at the end of Old San Juan Road, it was in disrepair and not easily accessible by visitors. San Juan Capistrano Open Space Foundation volunteers improved the site by installing amenities like split-rail fencing, picnic tables, a watering trough and hitching post. Funding for habitat restoration of the area was fueled by a $1.5 million OCTA grant secured by the city in 2010.
The dedication attracted about 50 people and included speeches by Mayor John Taylor and Councilman Sam Allevato, who recalled riding through 2C Ranch, the last working cattle ranch in the city, more than 30 years ago.
“You can ride your horse all the way from Dana Point to Rancho Capistrano on this trail,” he said.
The acquisition of the 2C Ranch was part of an ongoing effort to preserve the coastal hills and ridgelines that define the visual character of the community. Since incorporation in 1961, the city has successfully acquired and preserved almost 2,000 acres of open space land.
Press release from the City of San Juan Capistrano:
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