On December 30, 2021, escrow closed on the acquisition of two parcels in West Coyote Hills totaling 24.1 acres. The City of Fullerton purchased the land for $18.04 million from Chevron-owned Pacific Coast Homes.

The two acquired parcels are located on the eastside of West Coyote Hills, from Gilbert Street and Euclid Street, and adjacent to the City-owned Robert Ward Nature Preserve. With this purchase, the City will own the entire eastside of West Coyote Hills, totaling 217.8 acres, including the Robert Ward Nature Preserve. Purchase of the property protects the natural habitat and will have a long-lasting public benefit. Additionally, design has been completed and construction is underway on two miles of new trails within the Robert Ward Nature Preserve. Construction is expected to be completed by February of this year.

The City has made a significant effort to conserve greenbelt and undeveloped land within and outside of the City. “Preserving open space in and around the City has always been a top priority for our residents,” said Mayor Fred Jung. “The community has continuously urged the City and this Council to do all that is possible to safeguard West Coyote Hills for ecological, recreational, and educational purposes. The strategic acquisition of this natural and historical habitat will provide a lasting public benefit for generations to come.”

“The City would like to express a special thanks to Senator Josh Newman and Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva,” said Acting City Manager Jeff Collier. “Acquisition of this land would not have been possible without their steadfast efforts in securing funding for West Coyote Hills."

Grant funding for this purchase was provided from the following sources: California Coastal Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Board, US Fish & Wildlife, Rivers & Mountains Conservancy, California Department of Parks & Recreation, and the Henry & Ellen Warne Family Fund.