The Elgorriaga Ranch
YOUR CHANCE TO HELP CONSERVE THE ELGORRIAGA RANCH
YOUR CHANCE TO HELP CONSERVE THE ELGORRIAGA RANCH
Tucked beside the Ciervo Hills of Fresno, California, the Elgorriaga Ranch spans 5,000 acres of pristine rangeland, carefully stewarded by four generations of the Elgorriaga family.
The Elgorriaga Family is stewarding a land that provides vital habitat for endangered species like the San Joaquin Kit Fox and Kangaroo Rat, while also supporting a thriving livestock operation that nourishes communities with quality beef, lamb, almonds, and pistachios.
Now, the family has enlisted the California Rangeland Trust to partner with them for conservation of the Elgorriaga Ranch.
For the past 2 years, we have been sharing their story through our documentary film, You Just Can’t See Them From the Road, a documentary portrait of modern West Coast ranchers—invisible to and misunderstood by the rapidly modernizing society they sustain. The Elgorriaga Family is one of the families featured in the film, and their story has resonated with audiences from many backgrounds, across the American West.
The Elgorriaga Ranch acts as a vital refuge for vulnerable wildlife. The family’s well-managed grazing practices make it a natural defense against wildfires. And the ranch serves as a source of local food through sustainable livestock production.
But without conservation, this landscape could disappear—paved over, fragmented, and lost to development. Protecting rangelands isn’t just about preserving open space; it’s about safeguarding the wildlife, local economies, and traditions that depend on them.
The family’s land stewardship dates back to the early 20th century, when Esteban Elgorriaga journeyed from Spain’s Basque Region to the United States. Full of ambition and in search of opportunity, he found himself in Central California with the desire to own something and build a business. He was taking a shot at the American Dream.
By buying a piece of land and beginning a sheep herding operation, Esteban was determined to carve out a life for himself and his family. Like so many others around this time of the Great Depression, his business struggled. But he never gave in. He prevailed time and time again. Ranchers are no strangers to adversity, and no matter the era, they persist, and they protect the land and own their responsibility to uphold its legacy.
From Esteban Elgorriaga’s journey in the early 20th century to today, the family’s unwavering dedication has kept this land free from overdevelopment, ensuring its legacy for future generations. Today, the Elgorriaga Family remains devoted to carrying forward their legacy of thoughtful land stewardship. Esteban’s son, Ben, along with his wife Stella, manage their sheep and cattle operation with the same care and dedication.
Their hard work has set a powerful example for their own children and grandchildren, who are now also helping to carry forward the legacy and stewardship of the Elgorriaga Ranch. By ensuring the Elgorriaga Ranch remains intact, we uphold a legacy of resilience, sustainability, and a future where these vast, unspoiled lands continue to thrive for generations to come.
With the Elgorriaga Family partnering with the California Rangeland Trust to conserve their Ranch, a vital piece of California’s rangelands will be safeguarded for future generations.
The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded initial funding for this effort, but additional support is needed to conserve the Elgorriaga Ranch. Now, we turn to dedicated donors like you to help bring this conservation vision to life.
California Rangeland Trust is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 31-1631453) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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