West Coyote Hills Nature Preserve Acquisition

planned

The project involves converting an old oil field in West Coyote Hills near Fullerton, California, into a protected nature preserve. The area covers over 500 acres of open space with native plant communities and threatened species. The city of Fullerton purchased 24 acres adjacent to an existing nature preserve for $18 million, with plans to acquire the remaining 483 acres valued at $140 million. Conservation efforts are supported by philanthropic, state, and federal grants, although federal funding is uncertain. Chevron, the landowner, has signaled willingness to sell the remaining land, with negotiations ongoing and a reduced price offer of $95 million. The project aims to preserve green infrastructure, protect endangered species habitat, and provide ecological benefits such as wildfire buffers.