In 2021, Panorama Park joined the Sierra Foothills Conservancy.

Ben Hur Ranch is now protected from development—what made this possible?

A Mission

Panorama Park Ben Hur is owned by the Larrick Chen Trust with a mission of protecting the historical and natural landscape of this beautiful land. Dr. Jim Larrick grew up on a 400-acre farm near Centennial, Colorado, and after seeing his family home demolished for a suburban housing development, was inspired to protect the local California landscape from a similar fate.

An Idea Forms

After purchasing the pristine Striped Rock Creek Ranch, in the foothills of Mariposa, Jim realized its potential for a nature preserve. In a serendipitous turn, the adjacent historic Quick Ranch was listed for sale for the first time in 150 years. This provided a rare opportunity to unify the parcels into one pristine property.

Growing the Vision

With the acquisition of the Quick Ranch, Dr. Larrick and his wife, Dr. Jun Chen, saw a golden opportunity to preserve a piece of local history: Ben Hur. This small outpost was once the home to a Gold Rush-era community, with a still-standing post office and corrals. Jim decided to not only protect but revitalize the landscape. Subsequent acquisition of the adjacent Rauch ranch now permits the protection of greater than 8 square miles of Sierra foothills.