What $3.5 Mil Bought the Open Space District

The lush, green southern border of Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve will soon expand into 270 acres of October Farm, thanks to a deal that will transfer the property from Peninsula Open Space Trust to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.

The $3.5 million purchase of October Farm will add rolling grassland, heavily vegetated canyons and riparian corridors to the protected Lobitos Creek, a mostly untouched watershed that may one day host healthy populations of steelhead trout, according to a statement issued by MSROSD Thursday. The District will enhance creek side habitat to bolster steelhead numbers.

Post acquired October Farm in July 2011. The property rises to 845 feet and encompasses both sides of Lobitas Creek Road.

“It’s a beautiful property with stunning views in all directions,” said General Manager Steve Abbors. “It’s something special. It forms a critical piece of the coastside conservation corridor and provides the District another opportunity to support agriculture on the coast.”

The property also includes the lower portion of Irish Ridge, which divides the watersheds of Tunitas and Lobitos creeks. The region offers excellent habitat for burrowing owls, badgers, mountain lions and California red-legged frogs, among other species.

"This property is an excellent addition to the network of open space that POST and MROSD have worked together to save in the Lobitos Ridge area," said POST President Walter T. Moore. "October Farm is one of several key links in a chain of protected lands that runs from Skyline Ridge to the sea delivering multiple benefits to people and wildlife."

October Farm was for many years grazed for beef cattle production, and has several spring-fed ponds, and perimeter fencing—important resources that will support existing grazing operations on neighboring District properties. Grazing will be introduced this summer as the District prepares a comprehensive grazing plan.

There are several houses on the property that are leased to a local family. The land has been used for greenhouse organic vegetables and eggs, sold at the local farmers market. 

A former dump site on the property was cleaned up by POST last fall, and has been fully remediated and reseed with native plant species.

For now, the property will be closed to the public while long-term plans are drawn as part of Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve.