Laguna Beach and the Greenbelt
Celebrating a Treasured Historic American Landscape
Laguna Beach and its greenbelt are recognized as a Historic American Landscape of national significance, and this publication presents the documentation on which the designation is based.
Laguna Beach and its greenbelt are worthy of designation as a Historic American Landscape because the city’s beautiful and dramatic natural setting is intricately related to the community and artistic tradition that grew from it. Its geological formations, natural vegetation, and coastal location attracted artists beginning around the turn of the last century. The artistic influence and the character of the landscape shaped a unique community. Laguna’s history, including isolation from other development, its role as an art colony, and its leadership in environmental preservation all stem from the characteristics and disposition of the landscape itself.
Charles Murray –
Douglas McCulloh
Senior Curator, Interim Executive Director
UCR ARTS: California Museum of Photography
“This book is a rarity—a treasure about a treasure. It’s also about a fight: ordinary small town citizens banding together to save an historic American landscape. Laguna Beach and the Greenbelt tells the tale, its marvelous illustrations reveal why the greenbelt is truly a treasure, and its example will inspire citizens everywhere.”
Captured in the chronologies of individual ranch settlement is the European immigrants “need” to own land and build an agrarian life. The authors thoughtfully explain the evolution of this “need” into the modern land conservation movement, guided by those in agriculture and the philanthropic community.
A “must” read for those seeking to understand the American West. And a wonderful adventure for anyone who cherishes our land and wildlife resources.