News
October 01, 2025
2,700-acre Chevron land donation will double size of Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes refuge
Union Oil Company of California (Unocal), a Chevron affiliate, is donating 2,700 acres of restored coastal dune habitat from the Guadalupe Restoration Project to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
**Guadalupe, CA** - In a landmark conservation effort, a 2,700-acre land donation from Union Oil Company of California (Unocal), a Chevron affiliate, is poised to dramatically expand the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge. This generous gift, comprised of meticulously restored coastal dune habitat from the Guadalupe Restoration Project, will effectively double the size of the protected area, providing a significant boost to local biodiversity and conservation efforts.
The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes complex is a unique and ecologically sensitive environment, home to a variety of threatened and endangered species. The refuge plays a crucial role in safeguarding these species and preserving the natural beauty of the central California coast. The addition of this substantial acreage will provide critical habitat for numerous plants and animals, bolstering the long-term health and resilience of the entire ecosystem.
The donated land is not just any open space; it represents decades of dedicated restoration work undertaken as part of the Guadalupe Restoration Project. This ambitious initiative focused on rehabilitating areas impacted by historical oil operations. The transformation of these previously disturbed lands into thriving coastal dune habitat is a testament to the commitment of Unocal and Chevron to environmental stewardship.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, expressed its profound gratitude for the donation. Officials stated that this expansion will significantly enhance the refuge's ability to protect vulnerable species, including the California least tern, the western snowy plover, and a variety of rare plants. The increased size of the refuge will also allow for expanded opportunities for scientific research, education, and responsible public access.
The transfer of the land is expected to be completed in the near future. Once finalized, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will begin incorporating the new acreage into its management plan for the refuge, ensuring its long-term protection and ecological integrity. This donation serves as a powerful example of how corporate responsibility can contribute to meaningful conservation outcomes, benefiting both the environment and the community for generations to come. The expanded refuge promises to be a haven for wildlife and a treasure for all who value the natural wonders of the California coast.
The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes complex is a unique and ecologically sensitive environment, home to a variety of threatened and endangered species. The refuge plays a crucial role in safeguarding these species and preserving the natural beauty of the central California coast. The addition of this substantial acreage will provide critical habitat for numerous plants and animals, bolstering the long-term health and resilience of the entire ecosystem.
The donated land is not just any open space; it represents decades of dedicated restoration work undertaken as part of the Guadalupe Restoration Project. This ambitious initiative focused on rehabilitating areas impacted by historical oil operations. The transformation of these previously disturbed lands into thriving coastal dune habitat is a testament to the commitment of Unocal and Chevron to environmental stewardship.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, expressed its profound gratitude for the donation. Officials stated that this expansion will significantly enhance the refuge's ability to protect vulnerable species, including the California least tern, the western snowy plover, and a variety of rare plants. The increased size of the refuge will also allow for expanded opportunities for scientific research, education, and responsible public access.
The transfer of the land is expected to be completed in the near future. Once finalized, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will begin incorporating the new acreage into its management plan for the refuge, ensuring its long-term protection and ecological integrity. This donation serves as a powerful example of how corporate responsibility can contribute to meaningful conservation outcomes, benefiting both the environment and the community for generations to come. The expanded refuge promises to be a haven for wildlife and a treasure for all who value the natural wonders of the California coast.
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Business