At Nicasio Native Grass Ranch in Marin County, innovative land stewardship has led to powerful insights into soil health, water management, and ecological restoration. Through their work preserving native grass species, ranchers John Wick and Peggy Rathmann uncovered the benefits of keyline design as a tool for improving both land productivity and environmental resilience.
Initially focused on restoring native grasses, the ranch’s work revealed how water movement plays a critical role in land health. By applying keyline principles, they began reshaping how water spreads across their landscape—slowing runoff, increasing infiltration, and supporting deeper soil moisture.
This shift has had lasting impacts.