Background and Vision

Imagine if you will a 1,737 acre valley in Southern Sonoma County; one that contains a 250 acre natural lake, plus numerous ponds and springs that support diverse wildlife and flora. Surround this valley with 800 foot high rolling hills, offering beautiful Bay vistas; then add resident Golden Eagles soaring through the breathtaking views. Now imagine this vision could become a reality. Yes, there is currently a fantastic opportunity for a new regional park in just such a place!  The Regional Parks Dept. has partnered with the Open Space District in a proposed deal to purchase the Cardoza Ranch and restore the historic lake to beautiful Tolay Valley. This incredible site is located just east of the tiny town of Lakeville, off Hwy 116, 2 miles South of Petaluma.

Tolay Valley is a pristine, self contained, watershed that has been preserved by the Cardoza family for over three generations. It has only been open to the public during the annual Cardoza Ranch Pumpkin Festival, when up to 28,000 visitors each year get the opportunity to ride hay wagons, gather pumpkins, and experience the charm of an old time family farm. Historically, the valley once contained southern Sonoma’s only natural fresh water lake. In ancient times it was famous as a gathering spot and spiritual center for the region’s indigenous people.  More recently it inspired names for the town of Lakeville and what is still called “The Lakeville Highway.”  Sadly, the lake was drained in the late 1800’s. Dynamite was used to “Unplug” the lower end of the valley, letting the lake’s water drain into San Pablo Bay.  The historic lake bed, used for agriculture, has subsequently yielded a treasure trove of Native American artifacts, including many arrowheads and thousands of rare “charm stones.” Some dating back 4,000 years.  Many are on display in a small museum on the ranch. Some of the unique stone artifacts have made their way to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington.

Not only does the valley have a rich cultural history, it has tremendous biodiversity.  Because of the many natural fresh water seeps, wildlife is still abundant.  It harbors several known species of special status including the Burrowing Owl, Red Legged Frog, Northwestern Pond Turtle, Golden Eagle, White Tailed Kite, California Horned Lark and Tri-Colored Blackbird. It is also one of only two known locations in the Bay Area that produce a special “moist prairie grass”.

Unfortunately, the opportunity to acquire this pristine watershed is a limited time offer.  The Cardoza family, including several generations of descendents, agreed in April to a one year commitment to sell their cherished 1,737 acres to Sonoma County for $18 million dollars.  The County put up $250,000 in “earnest money” for that privilege, and now hopes to raise the funds necessary to complete the deal.  The Open Space District, according to Supervisor Mike Kerns, is committed to providing half of the funding, $9 million dollars.  The Regional Parks Department is working hard to match that number by seeking grants and donations from public and private sources.

Time is of the essence.  The owners are currently willing sellers, hoping what has been a family heirloom can now be preserved as a public treasure.  However, they have been negotiating with the County for nearly 3 years and have recently received offers, closer to the appraised price of $22 million, from private parties with development and gambling interests in mind.  The parcel is zoned to sub-divide into 28 estate parcels or could possibly be developed as a golf club, resort, or casino.  If the purchase money is not raised by the April 2006 deadline, the deal could easily fall apart. The family feels they can wait no longer.

What can we do to insure that this property is saved from development and preserved as a beautiful public park? The Sonoma County Regional Parks Dept. has a web site that tells about its plans.  Look under “What’s New,” and you will find information about their efforts. There is also a local group that is organizing grassroots support to see that the property is acquired in time. They are the “Friends of Tolay Lake Park”.  The members will be arranging tours and giving community presentations, as well as manning an information table at the Cardoza Ranch throughout the October pumpkin season. There is also information online about this project, which can be accessed by searching “Cardoza Ranch Pumpkin Farm” or “Tolay Valley” on the internet.

A lot of community support and volunteer effort are needed to insure that this dream becomes a reality. If you would like more information or want to lend assistance to this vital project please contact the Friends of Tolay Lake Park.