Pepperwood is a leader in forging solutions to advance the health of Northern California’s land, water and wildlife.
Pepperwood’s Dwight Center for Conservation Science produces cutting-edge research, provides comprehensive environmental education for all ages, and facilitates an innovative citizen science initiative. We use our 3,200 acre nature preserve as a living laboratory to engage students, volunteers, and scientists in applied conservation. Our singular focus is applying science to safeguard the future of nature for generations to come.
Since June 2010, Pepperwood’s Dwight Center for Conservation Science has served over 40,000 visitors. We work with researchers from around the world to address challenges facing land and water managers today and we translate results into educational tools and practical solutions for our community. Pepperwood reaches diverse audiences ranging from conservation leaders prioritizing open space protection, to college students thirsty for hands-on research experience, to families and youth from throughout the North Bay who delight in exploring Pepperwood through the lens of science. Pepperwood also leads habitat and watershed restoration programs aimed at increasing the health and resilience of the many species that call this land and the surrounding region home. All of our programs serve as learning models throughout Northern California and beyond. Pepperwood produces the science needed to understand our changing environment and teaches people of all ages how to care for our natural places. Located in eastern Sonoma County, approximately a 90 minute drive north of San Francisco, Pepperwood manages a 3,200-acre nature preserve located in the heart of a globally-recognized biodiversity hotspot. The preserve is an important refuge for over 750 varieties of native plants and 150 species of wildlife including birds, reptiles, and mammals representing California's diverse climates. Pepperwood offers a wide array of opportunities for public engagement via the Dwight Center for Conservation Science, a 9400 square-foot green facility featuring classrooms, laboratories, and space for visiting scholars. Founded in 2005 by Jane and Herb Dwight, the Pepperwood Foundation owns and operates the preserve and the Dwight Center for Conservation Science. The California Academy of Sciences owned and managed the preserve from 1978-2005 as a result of a legacy gift from the Kenneth Bechtel family and continues to utilize the preserve for program development and delivery. As a 501(c)(3) public charity, the mission of Pepperwood is to advance science-based conservation throughout our region and beyond. Pepperwood is supported in part by a dedicated fund based at Community Foundation Sonoma County in addition to foundation grants and individual gifts. The Board of Directors includes representation from partners including the California Academy of Sciences, Community Foundation Sonoma County, and Santa Rosa Junior College.
