Massive 2,284-Acre Land Deal Preserves Sargent Ranch in Bay Area

The Peninsula Open Space Trust acquires the largest land parcel in its 49-year history for $23 million.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 2:39pm

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The Peninsula Open Space Trust has purchased 2,284 acres of the Sargent Ranch near the southern border of Santa Clara County, marking the largest land deal in the nonprofit's history. The $23 million acquisition is part of the trust's overarching goal to permanently conserve the entire 6,500-acre ranch, which was once slated for commercial development as a quarry. The property provides critical wildlife corridors and protects local watersheds.

Why it matters

The Sargent Ranch acquisition is a significant conservation victory, preserving one of the largest undeveloped private properties in the South Bay. The land holds immense ecological and cultural value, serving as a vital habitat for numerous species and containing sacred sites for the Amah Mutsun tribal band.

The details

The Peninsula Open Space Trust has now acquired 6,114 acres of the Sargent Ranch, with the remaining 480 acres expected to be conserved by late 2026. The property features rolling hills, native grasslands, oak trees, and steep ravines, providing corridors for wildlife like mountain lions, badgers, bald eagles, and more. The land was originally claimed by Mission San Juan Bautista in the early 1800s and later purchased by James P. Sargent. Previous development plans for a sand and gravel mine, as well as casinos and golf courses, were met with strong opposition from the Amah Mutsun tribe.

  • The Peninsula Open Space Trust purchased 2,284 acres of Sargent Ranch in February 2026.
  • The trust has now acquired 6,114 acres of the 6,500-acre ranch, with the remaining 480 acres expected to be conserved by late 2026.

The players

Peninsula Open Space Trust

A 49-year-old nonprofit organization that has now acquired the largest land parcel in its history, permanently conserving the Sargent Ranch.

Amah Mutsun Tribal Band

An indigenous tribe that has long used the Sargent Ranch land for ceremonial dances, healings, hunting, fishing, and collecting plants, and has worked to protect the sacred site from development.

Gordon Clark

The president of the Peninsula Open Space Trust, who called the Sargent Ranch acquisition a "once-in-a-generation moment" for conservation in the Bay Area.

Ed Ketchum

The chairman of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Council, who expressed gratitude for the protection of the Juristac land, which holds deep cultural significance for the tribe.

Sargent Ranch Partners LLC

A group of investors who previously proposed a sand and gravel mine on the Sargent Ranch property, a plan that was ultimately abandoned.

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What they’re saying

“POST and our partners are on our way to achieving a long-sought milestone. The remaining 480 acres are under contract and we expect to conserve them in late 2026.”

— Gordon Clark, President, Peninsula Open Space Trust (Peninsula Open Space Trust)

“We are grateful to all who have worked alongside our Tribe to make this dream a reality. The history of our people is written across the landscape and lives today in our stories... The protection of Juristac honors our ancestors and brings hope for a brighter tomorrow when we can return to our sacred grounds and restore our traditions.”

— Ed Ketchum, Chairman, Amah Mutsun Tribal Council (Peninsula Open Space Trust)

What’s next

The Peninsula Open Space Trust is expected to finalize the acquisition of the remaining 480 acres of the Sargent Ranch by late 2026, completing its goal of permanently conserving the entire 6,500-acre property.

The takeaway

This landmark land deal represents a major conservation victory for the Bay Area, permanently protecting one of the region's largest undeveloped private properties and preserving critical wildlife habitat and sacred indigenous lands. The collaboration between the Peninsula Open Space Trust and the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band demonstrates the power of community-driven conservation efforts.