Our Cherished Franklin Canyon Purchased by Muir Land Heritage
August 8, 2008

The Muir Land Trust finalized it's negotiations to purchase 423
acres of Franklin Canyon.  This pastoral area, speckled with over
300 California Live Oak trees, was threatened to be developed into
500 private homes and a hotel complex back in 2001.  Some of our
members formed a group called the Friends of Franklin Canyon.
As a result of much volunteer work, signatures were gathered to
place the fate of this cherished area into the hands of the voters.
The citizens of Hercules overwhelmingly chose to preserve the
landscape in its natural state as we see it today.

Since that time the John Muir Land Trust was able to collect
enough funds to purchase the properties from the owners.  In
2005 the Muir Trust purchased the Fernandez Ranch.  The
Franklin Canyon acquisition, which is adjacent to the Fernandez
Ranch, will make 1000 acres of open space.

For additional information please see the article which appeared
in the San Francisco Chronicle.  Please join us in celebrating this
preservation of a unique part of our city on August 16th at the 
Fresh Aire Affair from 5 to 9 at the John Muir Mansion in Martinez.
For more information Click here.

 
 Member of the Friends of the Franklin Canyon express the value of this area at a
 City Council meeting.

 
 Friends of Hercules march proudly in Fourth of July Parade.