The Economic Times

James Cagney and brother bought California grassland in the 1940s; after parts were sold, six decades later the remaining 417 acres became a wildlife haven

Hollywood actor James Cagney and his brother William once owned hundreds of acres near Ramona, California. Decades later, 417 acres of the former Cagney Ranch became a conservation priority because of its rare grasslands, vernal pools and threatened wildlife. The Nature Conservancy purchased the property for $2.7 million in 2003, helping protect a key part of Southern California's remaining grassland habitat.