Agency acquires Sackett Ranch
Sackett Ranch is being turned over to the Putah Creek Council as well as the Solano County Water Agency.
Tucked away in the hills between the city of Winters and Lake Berryessa sits Sackett Ranch.
Owners Mary Helen and John “Cedar” Seeger are moving on after more than 30 years of building and managing a thriving nursery business and as a result the ranch is changing ownership and changing direction with the help of Solano County Water Agency and Putah Creek Council.
“We will miss the sounds of geese and ducks flying up the creek, cottonwood leaves rustling in the wind and water chortling over the rocky section of the ,” said Mary Helen.
She added, “Favorite times have been sitting on the porch after work, playing the guitar until dusk, then watching bats and owls silently flying in the conifer grove we planted. We’ll miss living here, but we’ll be back as a part of Putah Creek Council’s activities.”
Mary Helen continued, “While volunteering at
Putah Creek Council nursery in Davis, I learned PCC wanted to expand their nursery operation. This led to a wider and exciting discussion of the ranch becoming the headquarters for the Council’s restoration, conservation, and education efforts along Putah Creek.”
A community-based nonprofit organization started more than 30 years ago, Putah Creek Council has always envisioned a space to bring together its environmental stewardship and education programs.
However, the Council couldn’t acquire the property on their own.
That’s when SCWA graciously stepped in with financial and moral support. SCWA saw the potential of the property and knew its value in their own restoration efforts along Putah Creek.
Roland Sanford, SCWA General Manager, shared, “Sackett Ranch is a treasure whose value to the community, from so many different perspectives, will only increase with time.”
As for the future of the ranch, Putah Creek Council has plenty of ideas and plans for how to utilize the property to its full potential.
First on the list is converting a portion of the existing nursery into an effective workspace for the Council’s native plant nursery.
“Caring for and sharing a piece of land along the creek will help us find a deeper understanding of why it is so important to keep the creek a beautiful and thriving part of the region. In the future, there will be lots of opportunities for volunteers,” said Brian Keeley, Stewardship Department director.
“The ranch is in such a vital location in the interdam reach between lakes Berryessa and Solano, giving us a dedicated spot for long-term outdoor education programs,” said Nina, Education Department director. “Participants in our programs will be able to spend time along the creek’s riparian corridor, or in the rolling foothills. It’s a fascinating place that will provide inspiration, not only for our staff, but also for the community that we serve.”
Fortunately, Sackett Ranch experienced no structure loss from the LNU Complex Fires due to an effective fire defense plan and system.
Putah Creek Council, Solano County Water Agency, and Solano County are promising to work together at Sackett Ranch to cultivate a hub for restoration and conservation in the Putah Creek Watershed.
“The future is looking very bright for Putah Creek Council. This was the missing piece that will propel the Council towards its larger, long-term strategic goals,” said Kenny Liner, executive director of Putah Creek Council. “Everyone at the Council is so grateful for this opportunity to reach heights never before achieved by our organization. We can’t wait to continue serving the community from this new space and expand our role of watershed protection.”