Missimer Snell Valley Preserve

The 240 acre Missimer Snell Wildflower Preserve was purchased by the Land Trust with funds donated by Dale and Sue Missimer in 1999.

The Preserve is known for the diversity and display of wildflowers that occur in the extremely rare serpentine grassland habitat in the spring. The wildflower fields have long been recognized by Bay Area botanists as a gem of the regional flora of the North Coast Ranges.

The property contains over 290 native species representing almost ¼ of all known Napa County native species, an exception for a 240 acre area. Several of the species are listed as threatened or endangered by the California Native Plant Society, including the narrow-leaved daisy, Napa western flax and Colusa lavia.

It has become an annual pilgrimage site for wildflower enthusiasts from throughout the region. Snell Valley and the surrounding hills are exceptional for their almost complete lack of development. The entire viewshed from Snell Peak is a mosaic of wildlands and pasture, a visual treasure.

Access to the Preserve is by permission only and through guided Land Trust hikes. Please contact the Land Trust at 707-252-3270 for access information.

Photo Credit: Photos by Marissa