Help Clean Up De La Cour Ranch after Wildfire Devastation

Help Clean Up De La Cour Ranch after Wildfire Devastation

On November 22, 2024 the Horseshoe Fire swept down the Sierra Nevada mountains towards the community of Lone Pine and completely destroyed the beloved De La Cour Lavender Ranch in Inyo County, CA. The massive fire raged through the canyon and ranch destroying the thriving watershed in Carroll Creek Canyon and almost all of the structures on the ranch.

We are incredibly saddened by this tremendous loss. This iconic lavender ranch was not only a source of livelihood, but was a labor of love and passion for the community and an important asset to the Owens valley. Countless visitors have visited the ranch over the past years. We’re asking for your help to clean up the toxic mess left behind from the melted plastics, metal and glass. Coale and Julie’s wish is to remediate the land safely. And to restore the land of what remains of the human foot print. Every donation, no matter the size, brings them one step closer to recovery.

Donations will help remediate the land safely with a dedicated professional team in hazmat suits and other precautions. More details about specific expenditures will be forthcoming as we get estimates for the work to be done and learn more about the remediation process.

The beautiful lavender ranch’s focus was on creating sustainable operations with lavender production, soil building, laying hens, horses and garden produce. The property was a blossoming permaculture farming practice. With creative terraces, a massive variety of native plants and water management systems, nature trails, farm tours, innovative work trade, and a deep love and respect for the land. The gorgeous riparian habitat trail was particularly adored by children and adults of all ages. It provided a glimpse into the intricate natural world which helped to foster understanding, respect, and promote awareness and appreciation to this important ecosystem.

Thank you for your kindness and support. We are dedicated to restoring this sacred landscape back to a healthy thriving ecosystem that can heal and regenerate.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/de-la-cour-ranch-wildfire

The Horseshoe Fire reignited on the night of Friday Nov. 22nd and quickly roared down Carroll Creek canyon, growing to 4,500 acres.

The fire burned the majority of the Carroll Creek watershed and a large portion of the ranch.

These are the remains of the cabins on the upper part of the ranch.

The main cabin and the tent cabins all burned, with only a small bungalow still standing.

The fire burned so hot it melted metal and glass.

Not only were the cabins destroyed, the landscape surrounding them was also scorched.

The riparian habitat growing along Carroll Creek was particularly hard-hit.

The lower part of the ranch was equally devastated.

The fire consumed many of the buildings that housed people who worked on the ranch seasonally or year-round.

The barn is still standing, though the attached shade structure did burn.

The lavender grown at De La Cour Ranch drew people from all over the world.

It took Julie and Coale 26 years to create a beautiful place that they shared with many people. The fire took it all away in an instant.

Please help them clean the remains so nature can heal and regenerate.

News Staff