Located in the foothills of the Sierras in Central California, the ranch was established in 1917 by Walter L. Richardson, who wanted to leave the congestion of Pasadena, Ca at the time for a more suitable place to raise his four children. He started a citrus nursery and grove, started experimenting with date varieties, and his four children all grew up on the farm but then eventually left for other careers.  Since then, four generations have cared for the ranch.  Each bringing new ideas for improvement and conservation.