The Huntington Library Grows Its Own, Experiments With 15-Acres Of Ranch Land
The Huntington Library is rediscovering its (agri)cultured roots with a 15-acre ranch project that will serve as, "a laboratory for studying and experimenting with sustainable urban agriculture," reports the Los Angeles Times. The Ranch idea began to sprout in 2006 when The Huntington agreed to take dozens of fruit trees rescued by growers during a land dispute in South Los Angeles.
According to the Huntington website, a $1.1 million grant from the Metabolic Studio -- a charitable activity of the Annenberg Foundation -- "provided the impetus to embark on the Ranch project" after the trees were "boxed up, trucked to San Marino, and transplanted at The Huntington."
Henry Huntington purchased the San Marino Ranch in 1903, planting hundreds of acres with "citrus, stone fruits, walnuts, and other commercial crops." At the time, he was attempting to push agricultural boundaries in the region and, "used the ranch to establish, among other things, what is believed to be the first commercial avocado grove in the state."
While Huntington Ranch will not be open to visitors, it will host a range of public programs and educational events, starting with its official debut on Nov. 12. Visit the calendar for a full list of Huntington events.