Dos Pueblos Ranch, a 214-acre ranch along the Gaviota Coast that is rich with history, was recently acquired by the Roger and Robin Himovitz family, who have plans for the property that include restoration, education and research.
Before the Himovitz family, the land had been owned by the Schulte family since 1977 — and prior to the various different owners, the area was originally home to the Chumash tribe.
Along with the purchase of the ranch, Himovitz founded the Dos Pueblos Institute to preserve the land and create partnerships with the community based on sustainability, education and restoration efforts.
“We are incredibly honored to be playing a role in the shaping of the future of one of the natural and historical treasures of the Gaviota Coast,” Roger Himovitz said in a press release after escrow closed on Dec. 31. “We look forward to an opportunity to restore historical facilities to their original conditions, and to undertake a number of exciting projects.”
Interim Executive Director Geoff Alexander described the Dos Pueblos Institute as a “living laboratory for an outdoor classroom, primarily for children.”
Alexander said the plan is to create a youth outdoor education program to teach children about the land and local environment as well as sustainable agriculture.
Another important mission and goal of the Dos Pueblos Institute, Alexander said, is improving access for the Chumash tribe and descendants, particularly for ceremonial purposes.
“It’s very, very important to us to acknowledge the history of the land,” Alexander said. “We have to be very thoughtful about how that happens.”
The new owners, with the Dos Pueblos Institute, also plan to restore elements of Dos Pueblos Ranch and establish agricultural programs and research.
According to Alexander, the first project is restoring Dos Pueblos Creek, which he said has been beaten up quite a bit over the years.
Aquaculture activities, such as the abalone farm that has been raising native red abalone since 1989, also will continue and serve as a foundation for the institute’s marine biology research and species rehabilitation.
“The institute will aim to serve as a hub for rigorous exploration and discussion by experts in all manner of subject matter related to sustainability and environmental studies,” the Dos Pueblos Institute website states. “A cornerstone of the Dos Pueblos Institute paradigm will be the involvement of and alliance with stakeholders, in the form of a venue for facilitated workshops on topics of concern.”
More information on the Dos Pueblos Institute and its future plans for the ranch can be found on its website.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the community and for all stakeholders, particularly those interested in environmental sustainability,” Alexander said.
— Noozhawk staff writer Serena Guentz can be reached at sguentz@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.