WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – In the 1950s Southern California was home to thousands of commercial orange groves, now there is just one left in the San Fernando Valley and it is facing the chopping block.

It is one of Elizabeth Khan’s sweetest childhood memories.

“They’ve survived the historic drought in California,” Khan said about the orange trees spilling onto the road where she grew up. “It’s a part of the valley’s history and culture. But more than that, it’s nature that we should preserve."

As long as she can remember, Bothwell Ranch, the last remaining commercial orange grove in The San Fernando Valley, has always been there.

“Where do you see this in LA,” said Khan. “Nowhere.”

Her beautiful childhood orchard could soon disappear. Bothwell Ranch, once part of SoCal’s lucrative citrus industry, is up for sale and could fetch millions in today’s booming real estate market.

While it would open up more land for development, it wouldn’t be for homes most people in Los Angeles could afford. 

“We’re all concerned about housing affordability and availability and 26 luxury homes is no part of the solution,” said Miles Lewis, who lives across the street from the grove.

Which is why Khan, her mom Jane Dalea-Khan a local real estate broker, and Lewis are fighting to turn the grove into a cultural-historic monument. 

Their efforts seem to be baring fruit. Their online petition has already brought in more than 1,800 signatures and counting. Councilman Bob Blumenfield, who represents The San Fernando Valley, has recently put forward a motion to designate the ranch as a historic site.

“For nearly a century, the Bothwell Ranch, which straddles Tarzana and Woodland Hills has been a family-operated enterprise that has captured the spirit of the West Valley,” Blumenfield said in a statement. “As a representative of our Valley community, it is my duty to help retain our Valley-identity. That starts by holding onto our special landmarks like the Bothwell Ranch.”

Khan and her team aren’t taking any chances. They are knocking on doors and braving neighborhood dogs to try and get the community involved.  

Whether or not the Bothwells sell the property is still unclear. The family did not respond to a request by Spectrum News 1 for comment. However, Khan remains optimistic.

"Once we unite and organize and focus we can accomplish anything,” Khan said.

Preserving her childhood memories, and a huge slice of California history.