Pepperwood is a leader in advancing the health of California’s land, water and wildlife.
Located in the heart of Sonoma County— a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot— Pepperwood manages a 3,200-acre biological preserve and the Dwight Center for Conservation Science. An important refuge for more than 900 species of native plants and wildlife, the preserve serves as a living laboratory hosting researchers from around the world. The Dwight Center has become a hub for ecological education and a conservation think tank.
Our Mission
Our mission is to inspire conservation through science. At Pepperwood, we believe that our wellbeing depends on the health of our natural world. Every day our team studies California’s land, water, and wildlife so we can educate decision-makers, our community, and the next generation about how best to care for the earth. With guidance grounded in science, we can all take action to sustain the planet that sustains us.
Our Vision
A future where we understand, value, embrace, and actively protect the diversity of Earth’s natural systems for the benefit of current and future generations
Our Values
At our organizational core, we value integrity, inclusivity, and innovation. These values are foundational to the work we do and for fulfilling our mission.
Pile-burning workshop at Pepperwood led by Jared Childress, Prescribe Fire Project Manager for Audubon Canyon Ranch.
Sentinel Site tour at Pepperwood for members of our community. Photo taken at one of our ALERT Wildfire cameras.- A winter hike at the preserve for Stewards and Friends of Pepperwood, led by Education Specialist, Holland Gistelli
- Post-burn pile restoration planting, with Natural Resource Specialist, Devyn Friedfel
- Volunteers rehabilitating our native plant garden just after the Tubbs Fire in 2017. Photo Courtesy of Ian A Nelson
- Volunteers help implement post-fire and post-fire fight erosion control measures after the Kincade Fire in 2019. Photo Courtesy of Ian A Nelson
The Challenge
A warming trend just shy of 2 degrees Fahrenheit has already led to extreme global events including heat waves, drought, wildfires, flooding, and rising sea levels. Under business-as-usual conditions this warming trend is projected to triple by the end of this century. We need to take action NOW to leverage nature-based solutions that protect our communities while reducing emissions.
With Pepperwood's 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, we're addressing this challenge through four initiatives
View our Strategic Plan 2020-2025
By connecting our community with nature, we inspire a lifelong conservation ethic through exploration, observation, science, and artistic expression.
Pepperwood is developing best management techniques to regenerate healthy grassland ecosystems at our reserve, and sharing these regenerative practices via agricultural partnerships and educational outreach.
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Pepperwood is increasing the pace and scale of conservation actions that sustain or improve habitat quality and connectivity for wildlife.
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Pepperwood is a leader in advancing adaptation practices for drought, flood and wildfire, helping our community to build water security and climate resilience.