John Little State Natural Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Little State Natural Reserve |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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 John Little State Natural Reserve
Location in California
John Little State Natural Reserve
Location in the United States
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| Location | 55420 Cabrillo Highway, Monterey County, USA |
| Nearest city | Cambria, California |
| Area | 21 acres (8.5 ha) |
| Established | 1953 |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
The John Little State Natural Reserve is a special place in California. It is a small natural area, about 21 acres, located along the rugged Big Sur coast. This reserve protects beautiful cliffs and bluffs. It also includes the mouth of Lime Creek and a historic cabin built in 1917 by Elizabeth K. Livermore, who was an early supporter of protecting nature.
Where is John Little Reserve?
This reserve is found in Monterey County, California. It is about 9.5 miles north of Lucia and 1 mile south of the Esalen Institute. You can find it right along California State Route 1, a famous highway. A small part of the reserve even stretches across Highway 1. The park was officially created in 1953.
How the Reserve Was Created
The John Little State Natural Reserve has an interesting history, thanks to a woman named Elizabeth "Beth" King Livermore. Beth was born in 1884 into a well-known family from Marin County, California.
Beth loved the Big Sur area. She rode a pinto horse there and decided to make it her home. In 1917, she built a cabin on a ridge near Slates Hot Springs. She worked hard on her land, even planting special Torrey Pines.
Beth Livermore wanted her land to be shared. She called her property 'Rancho Para Todos,' which means 'Ranch For Everyone.' When she passed away, she left her land and cabin with instructions for it to become a state park.
Her nephew, Putnam Livermore, helped make her wish come true. He worked with the California State Parks System and was a co-founder of the Trust for Public Land. He helped transfer the property to become a natural reserve. Beth asked that the park be named after her friend, John Little.
Visiting the Reserve
State natural reserves like John Little are created to protect important natural landscapes. This includes plants, animals, and unique geological features.
The John Little State Natural Reserve does not have public facilities. It is not open for general public access. However, there are places along the Big Sur Coast Highway where you can pull over your car. From these spots, you can enjoy amazing views of the ocean and the beautiful coastline.
