Maranatha Ranch

 In 1975, RE Badger & Son Farm Management, under the direction of Chuck Badger Sr., planted Eureka lemons for property owner Navy Captain Wendell Suydam.  The planting was nestled in a quiet valley in Elfin Forest enjoying a micro climate of warm summer days moderated by cool Pacific Ocean breezes.  This micro climate proved to be the perfect climate for lemon production.  In 1998, Chuck Badger Sr. bought the grove from Captain Suydam and instead of managing the growing of the orchard Chuck Sr. became the owner, and named the property Marantha Ranch.

Now over 50 years later, Marantha Ranch continues to grow amazing Eureka lemons—grown organically since 2017.  Upon Chuck Sr.’s passing in 2018, Chuck Badger II took over the Ranch and continues to steward the farm to produce local, sustainable farm products for local consumption.  In addition to the lemons, Marantha Ranch also produces  Valencia oranges, Navel oranges, Satsuma Mandarins, passion fruit and is experimenting with coffee and sumo mandarins.

Not only does Marantha Ranch produce a variety of organic products, but the farm also serves as a beautiful home for the Badger family and an array of other wildlife.  There are flourishing families of squirrels, bunnies, coyotes, snakes and a vibrant family of deer who love to share the satsuma mandarins with the Badgers in the winter.  Maranatha Ranch truly is a special place of natural beauty and responsible stewardship of natural resources resulting in a magical homestead.