Alex Trebek was known to millions as the longtime host of ‘Jeopardy!’ But one of his lasting contributions had little to do with television. In 1998, he gave away 74 acres of undeveloped land in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills, then valued at about $2 million. Decades later, the property remains protected as open space near Runyon Canyon.The donation came at a time when undeveloped land in the Hollywood Hills faced growing pressure from development. Trebek transferred the property to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, helping preserve a large stretch of hillside instead of allowing it to be developed. The original 74-acre property also nearly doubled the public parkland in the surrounding area. The details were reported by the Los Angeles Times in January 1998.
Where was Alex Trebek’s Hollywood Hills land?
The property was located north of Hollywood Boulevard and east of Nichols Canyon Road, beside Wattles Park and Runyon Canyon Park. When Trebek donated the land, trails across the area were already being used by hikers and cyclists.The location also gave the property importance beyond recreation. Conservation officials wanted the land to serve as a wildlife corridor, allowing animals such as deer and coyotes to move between larger areas of natural habitat.
What happened to the land after Trebek donated it?
The property eventually became known as Trebek Open Space and is now managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. The open space is described as 62 acres and adjoins Runyon Canyon Park.The difference between the original 74-acre donation and today’s 62-acre figure comes from the way the property is documented. The 1998 report referred to the entire land donation, while the current park listing identifies the Trebek Open Space itself as 62 acres.
What is Trebek Open Space used for today?
The land remains largely undeveloped and continues to provide outdoor space in the middle of Los Angeles. Its existing fire roads are used as trails by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.The surrounding protected areas also create a wider network of hillsides and natural habitat around Runyon Canyon and Nichols Canyon. For wildlife, these connected spaces provide room to move through an otherwise heavily developed part of the city.
Why was Alex Trebek’s land donation important?
Trebek’s decision preserved a sizeable piece of undeveloped Hollywood Hills land at a time when development was putting pressure on open areas. The property was valuable not only because of its location but also because of its role in connecting wildlife habitats.Today, the land offers a very different kind of legacy for the former Jeopardy! host. Trebek died in 2020, but the open space carrying his name remains part of Los Angeles’ protected landscape. What began as a $2 million donation in 1998 continues to give residents and wildlife a piece of undeveloped land close to one of the world’s most recognisable cities.
