Our zipline tours and wildlife Hummer tours take place here on the historic Santa Margarita Ranch, which is home to diverse habitats and an abundance of native wildlife, from bears to bald eagles, wild pigs to deer.
As proud stewards of this land, we are passionate about caring for the environment and its inhabitants. Our sustainable winegrowing practices at our affiliated Ancient Peaks Winery have earned “Sustainability in Practice” certification, which is one of the most stringent programs of its kind. Meanwhile, on the ranching front, we employ progressive methods such as rotational grazing that help restore native grasses.
Another way we care for the land is by mitigating wildfire threats—as detailed in a recent story by the San Luis Obispo Tribune. (photo above courtesy SLO Tribune, showing Margarita Adventures and Ancient Peaks co-owner Karl Wittstrom working with Cal Fire)
In additional to directing our cattle herds to graze the grassy fuel in open mountain areas, we are working closely with Cal Fire to map and maintain our fire roads for quick access during a wildfire event. Cal Fire is also allowed to our small airstrip and reservoir water when needed. We are also planning to work with Cal Fire on controlled burns that will clear out accumulated fuel while providing for regenerative forestland growth.
Fires often start along Highway 101 on the other side of the mountain range. By working with Cal Fire, we can help stop these fires before they crest the ridge and grow into wildfires that are potentially devastating for our ranch, our neighboring lands and our community.
Click here to read the full story in the Tribune.
P.S. Our tours take place in open lowland areas, and if there ever were a wildfire on the ranch, tours would be cancelled well in advance!
