At an unknown date (but approximately 100 years ago), island owners planted a windbreak of eucalyptus trees west of the ranch complex with the intention of protecting the agricultural fields to its east from the heavy winds blowing down from the hills.

Planted in a dense row, the windbreak consists of about 225 to 250 mature blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus), red river gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), and forest red gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) trees in a line almost half a mile long. All are bent to an extreme angle by the prevailing westerly wind, which makes them appear to be growing horizontally.

Eucalyptus windbreaks were a common element on 19th century coastal California ranches and farms; settlers imported the trees beginning in the 1850s.

For more detailed historical information and citations, please refer to the Historic Resource Study: Island Legacies - A History of the Islands within Channel Islands National Park