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In this episode, I sit down with American Farmland Trust’s Brooks Lamb to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing agriculture today: the impending transition of 300 million acres of working lands to the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
From aging farmers and skyrocketing land costs to succession planning, conservation easements, and the future of working lands, this conversation dives deep into the emotional and economic realities shaping rural America. Brooks shares stories of struggle, resilience, and innovation from farming communities across the country — and explains why protecting farmland isn’t just about food production, but also about wildlife habitat, community identity, and the future of conservation itself.
We explore:
Why America is at risk of losing millions of acres of working landsThe emotional weight behind succession planningHow conservation can help keep farms and ranches intactThe rise of regenerative agriculture and next-generation stewardshipWhy community connection matters more than everWhat all of this means even if you’ve never stepped foot on a farmThis episode is a powerful reminder that the future of land, food, and community are deeply connected — and that saving farms starts one conversation at a time.
If this episode resonates with you, be sure to check out AFT’s LANDED Podcast. The prologue is out now, and the first full episode drops June 2nd!
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On this episode I sit down with a man who’s helped protect over a million acres of land.
But before you picture sweeping landscapes and pristine wilderness, let me stop you—because this story isn’t just about nature. It’s about deals. Contracts. Legal puzzles. And the kind of detective work that happens long before a trail ever opens to the public.
From scrambling through decades-old land records, to uncovering buried hazards in the middle of nowhere, to closing high-stakes, high-speed conservation deals—This is the not-so-glamorous behind-the-scenes world of land protection that almost nobody sees.
Because every park you’ve hiked, every open space you love…there’s a story behind how it was saved. And chances are its way more complicated than you think.
This time on All Land is Beautiful I dive into that story with Shelton Douthit, the Million-Acre Man—a guy who didn’t set out to become a real estate expert but ended up mastering the art of conservation deals at a scale most people can’t even imagine.
This is about how land gets saved—one negotiation, one title report, and sometimes, one hundred thousand acres at a time.
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In this episode, I sit down with Yosemite National Park Aquatic Ecologist, Rob Grasso, to unpack the unlikely comeback of the California red-legged frog—a species that nearly vanished from the Sierra Nevada.
From a childhood spent watching wetlands disappear in New Jersey to leading one of Yosemite National Park’s most ambitious restoration efforts, Rob shares the winding path that led him to this work—and the moment he realized there may be hope for these frogs after all.
What follows is a story of persistence, partnership, and a bit of luck. We dig into the surprising history behind the frog’s decline, from overharvesting during the Gold Rush to invasive species and habitat loss, and explore how a hidden population in the foothills became the key to bringing them back.
With the help of unlikely collaborators—including private landowners, the Yosemite Conservancy, and the San Francisco Zoo—thousands of frogs were carefully reared and reintroduced into Yosemite after a 70-year absence.
But success wasn’t guaranteed.
Rob walks us through the risks, setbacks, and small wins that defined the project—from the first frog released into the wild to the moment they realized the species was breeding again on its own.
At its core, this episode is about more than just one frog. It’s about what happens when a species holds on just long enough for us to notice—and what it takes for us to step in and help it recover.
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In this episode, I sit down with Erin Tarr, Executive Director of the Bear Yuba Land Trust, to explore how community-driven conservation is shaping the future of the Sierra foothills. From our conversation in Grass Valley, we dive into the challenges and opportunities of protecting land in a rapidly growing region where rural landscapes, outdoor recreation, and development pressures collide.
Erin shares how the land trust’s work goes far beyond protecting open space — from building connected trail systems and securing farmland for local food production to preserving wildlife habitat and responding directly to community needs. We explore the evolving role of modern land trusts, the importance of access to nature, and how conservation can strengthen local economies, support farmers, and create lasting community spaces.
The conversation also unpacks the realities behind conservation work: building trust with landowners, navigating limited funding, balancing recreation with habitat protection, and acting quickly when opportunities arise. Along the way, we discuss Forever Farms, trail connectivity, cultural partnerships, and a bold vision to connect landscapes between the Bear and Yuba River watersheds.
This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how local conservation happens — one project, one partnership, and one community conversation at a time.
In this episode, we discuss:• How land trusts are evolving to meet community needs• The power of trails and access to nature in rural communities• Protecting local farms and securing food systems• Balancing development pressures with habitat conservation• Building connected landscapes for wildlife and people
A thoughtful conversation about conservation, community, and the lasting impact of protecting the places where we live.
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In this episode, I sit down with Ellie Routt, executive director of the Mother Lode Land Trust (MLLT), to explore the unique character and on-the-ground work of a land trust serving some of California’s most rural counties—Tuolumne, Alpine, Calaveras, Amador, and El Dorado. Ellie offers a look into the organization’s distinct, community-driven approach to conservation and how it shapes both the land and the people who depend on it.
We talk about their flagship property, the C & C Ranch—more than protected open space, it’s a community hub that hosts programs and partnerships ranging from biking and gardening, to art and outdoor education. Ellie also highlights MLLT’s commitment to preserving the region’s cultural and historical heritage, ensuring these landscapes remain vital to local identity.
Unlike many land trusts that transfer conserved properties to public agencies, MLLT retains direct stewardship, allowing them to manage, restore, and protect these lands with long-term continuity. Looking ahead, projects like their planned acquisition near Kirkwood Ski Resort aim to expand public access and educational opportunities while safeguarding important natural areas.
This conversation underscores the power of locally led conservation and the outsized impact small land trusts can have in strengthening communities, protecting landscapes, and keeping regional heritage alive.
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In this episode, I sit down with Mark Gutierrez of Pilot Creek Ranch to explore the intricacies of running a prescribed goat and sheep grazing operation in Northern California.
Working across landscapes from El Dorado County to Napa, Mark shares the practical realities and challenges of managing land through targeted grazing. Raised on a citrus grove and shaped by a family legacy of experimenting with sustainable practices, Mark traces his path into the grazing world and how those early experiences informed his approach today. Together, we ruminate (pun very much intended) on the methods and multifaceted benefits of prescribed grazing from enhancing fire resilience and habitat quality, to managing vegetation in vineyards and orchards. Mark also discusses how he integrates prescribed fire as a complimentary tool for land management.
Throughout our conversation, he emphasizes the balance between running a practical, adaptable business and pursuing long-term ecological goals, highlighting the value of strong partnerships and a willingness to keep learning.
This episode offers a comprehensive look at the work of modern grazing operators, underscoring the dynamic interplay between livestock management, land stewardship, and building a viable forward-thinking enterprise. Hope you enjoy.
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In this episode, I chat with Michelle Fullner, aka, the Golden State Naturalist, to discuss the convergence of conservation and effective communication through the lens of the All Land is Beautiful perspective and the work of land trusts. The overarching theme of this conversation, at least what I can best summarize, is the inherent opposition between the values of the natural world and those of the technological.
We use Michelle’s origin story in becoming the Golden State Naturalist as a backdrop to discussing the importance of things like understanding the behind the scenes work of protected lands, what responsibility we have in respecting and giving back to the places we love, as well as the balance between idealistic and pragmatic conservation approaches. Through sharing her journey toward reconnecting with nature, we delve into narrative storytelling's role in social media to make conservation efforts engaging and relatable, how that relates to environmental organizations, and Michelle’s efforts in providing resources for those tasked with, or trying to communicate important conservation stories. I’m so appreciative of Michelle taking the time to meet me in person, and on a side note, glad that I was able to grant her her first underground podcast interview, in a wine cave, due to a last minute location change.
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In this episode of All Land is Beautiful, I sit down with John Currey, Executive Director of the Yolo Land Trust, for a deep conversation about the agricultural richness and enduring beauty of Yolo County.
We explore Yolo County’s long-standing farming traditions and how advancements in agricultural technology have transformed operations—improving both efficiency and sustainability. John discusses the critical importance of protecting the county’s irrigated cropland and how these lands are central to the region’s identity, economy, and food security.
A key part of our discussion focuses on California’s complex water management systems and how they impact farming. John also shares the story behind the founding and success of the Yolo Land Trust, which has played a major role in preserving farmland and preventing urban expansion through conservation easements and partnerships with local farmers.
Looking to the future, we examine pressing challenges such as succession planning in a time when many farmers are aging out of the profession. John emphasizes the need to support the next generation by making land more accessible to beginning farmers and providing mentorship and education opportunities.
This episode provides a thoughtful and informative look at farmland conservation, the role of technology in modern agriculture, and how Yolo County serves as a powerful example of balancing growth with sustainability. Whether you're passionate about land stewardship, farming, or rural policy, this conversation offers valuable insight into the evolving landscape of American agriculture. Hope you enjoy.
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This episode of the 'All Land is Beautiful' features the return of Alan Ehrgott, former executive director of the American River Conservancy, to unpack the complexities of a true conservation legacy story, the American River Headwaters Project. This initiative, spanning from 2010 to today, involved the $14 million conservation effort of protecting 10,115 acres of ecologically valuable land along the Sierra Nevada crest, which had previously been owned by an absentee logging company, within the headwaters of the American River. Our conversation delves into the multifaceted efforts of this project, including funding challenges, managing partnerships, and navigating legal and environmental hurdles. It highlights the effort and success of securing wilderness status for a third of the property, requiring extensive restoration and compliance with Wilderness Act standards.
Alan shares anecdotes about overcoming obstacles, such as discovering unforeseen mineral rights issues that nearly derailed the project and literally had to be resolved with a bag full of cash, the critical role of proactive management, public-private partnerships, and the importance of sustained conservation funding to protect such landscapes for future generations.
Note that this will be a two-part story. The sheer scale and breadth of the project, from acquisition to several years of forest restoration, is simply too much to cover in just one interview. Stay tuned for part 2 with ARC’s Forest Restoration manager, Autumn Gronborg, where we’ll dive into the nitty gritty of the forest restoration efforts that ensued for years after acquiring the project, and that Alan and I barely touch the surface on in this conversation.
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In this episode, I chat with Nic Russo, the Education Manager for the American River Conservancy (ARC), to explore the significance and impact of environmental education in defining places and our connections to them. While previous episodes have been more focused on conservation and restoration, this discussion pivots to the importance of experiential learning, especially in nature, and how it not only compliments the work of land trusts, but acts as a foundation.
We talk about the realities of how limiting such opportunities can turn students into quote unquote robots due to the formulaic, memorization-centric traditional education system in the U.S. We dive into Nic’s personal and professional experiences, explaining how exposure to nature and outdoor education shaped his career and views; leading to the basis of his current education philosophy, that understanding and engaging with local nature can foster a lasting appreciation and motivate people to protect it. The episode also delves into the historical context of ARC's education programs and highlights the challenges and aspirations for integrating more outdoor educational experiences into the school curriculum. Ultimately, we arrive to the conclusion that environmental education is the essential component that bridges the efforts of conservation and stewardship, answering the so what or who cares questions that come up in this field of work.
Consider donating to the Deb Jenson Environmental Education Opportunity Fund!
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On this episode I sit down with Lisa Lindman, Executive Director of the Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust, to discuss the nuances of conservation work within the landscapes of Yuba, Sutter, and Colusa counties. In line with the underlying theme of this podcast, we talk thru the land trust’s work in a diverse agricultural and wildlife-rich region characterized by thriving rice fields that support migratory waterfowl, rolling oak woodlands and rangeland, as well as stunning views extending from the Central Valley to the Cascades; but with the unique addition of a significant military presence, via the Beale Air Force Base.
Starting off we take a look Lisa’s personal journey from a childhood in Santa Cruz to a land conservation leadership role in the Central Valley, building on her background in landscape architecture and restoration, as well as community involvement. But our primary focus is highlighting the land trust’s recent success in completing the Magnolia Ranch conservation easement in 2024, a major undertaking to protect over 900 acres from development outside the City of Marysville, to the tune of almost $19 million. Standing out from other similar projects in the region, we talk about how the success of Magnolia Ranch relied on an unlikely partner, the United States Department of Defense through its Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program, or REPI for short, which aims to prevent incompatible land uses near military bases via conservation. Lisa shares how the collaborative spirit of the project, between the land trust, the developer, and military personnel, ended up in a regional, multi-beneficial conservation win. The episode closes with a discussion on how this project has opened up channels of communication for future projects and aspirations, as well as the continuous, ongoing nature of conservation work.
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In this episode of All Land is Beautiful, join me for an insightful conversation with Sean Wirth, a key figure in multiple environmental organizations and a passionate advocate for intelligent land development. Sean shares his unique perspective, having transitioned from a career in real estate to a focus on conservation, and reflects on significant accomplishments such as the prevention of a major suburban development in critical sandhill crane habitats.
The episode delves into the intricacies of conservation planning, specifically highlighting the South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan, and the indispensable role of volunteerism in driving environmental activism. The discussion broadens to address the importance of proactive regional planning, particularly in the face of climate change, and explores future strategies including the promising Greenprint initiative for the Sacramento Valley. Sean vividly illustrates how informed, sane development practices can harmonize human needs with the Earth's natural resources.
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In this episode of "All Land is Beautiful," join me as I explore the inspiring collaboration between the Placer Land Trust and Jessup University to preserve Clover Valley, the last untouched natural haven in Rocklin, California. I interview Jeff Darlington, Executive Director of Placer Land Trust, and John Jackson, President of Jessup University, discussing their collective efforts to safeguard this environmentally and culturally significant area.
Clover Valley stands as a remarkable testament to untouched nature, with its thriving ecosystem and deep-rooted cultural heritage, including significant Native American archaeological sites. This discussion sheds light on the decades-long battle against development threats, highlighting approved city plans for a suburban subdivision and the determined efforts of local governments, nonprofits, foundations, and educational institutions to establish a preserve instead.
With a fast-approaching deadline, the episode celebrates the recent successes in securing funds to protect Clover Valley permanently. The story is one of resilience, community engagement, and the urgent need for preservation in the face of rapid urbanization.
Learn about the history of development threats to Clover Valley and the local efforts that are turning potential subdivision land into a conserved open space teeming with wildlife and cultural landmarks. Tune in to hear how these dedicated partners rallied community support, raised funds, and have continued to envision a future where Clover Valley remains a cherished and accessible sanctuary.
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In this episode of All Land is Beautiful, join me as I sit down with Xerónimo Castañeda, the Program Director of Audubon California's Working Lands Program, where he shares insights into Audubon's mission to preserve bird habitats while fostering coexistence with human activities.
Discover the dynamic functioning of Audubon across its national efforts, state, and local chapters, which allows it to address critical conservation needs effectively. Explore the evolution of the Working Lands program, from hands-on habitat restoration to building community relationships and enhancing conservation through research.
Delve into collaborative efforts like the Migratory Bird Conservation Program and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, which partner with organizations to meet the habitat needs of migratory birds and protect sensitive species.
Furthermore, understand the complexities of groundwater management in California's Central Valley, and how innovative multi-benefit projects are emerging to balance ecological and human needs.
Finally, get an inside look at Xerónimo's journey and vision for the future of bird conservation in California. Enjoy this informative and inspiring conversation that underscores the beauty and challenges of land stewardship.
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Building off of Episode 13, Bringing Chaos Back to a Meadow, on this episode I talk with Garrett Costello, founder and owner of Symbiotic Restoration, a growing outfit helping to restore degraded streams and meadows across California specializing in low-tech, process-based restoration (which includes Leek Springs Meadow restoration project). In talking with Garret I wanted to go deeper into the actual business of recreating the work of beavers, starting from assessing the condition of a meadow to installing beaver dam analogs, partnerships, business logistics, and everything in between. The fact is that over the last couple centuries humans have worked diligently, to the tune of millions of dollars, to undue and prevent the work of beavers. And yet now, ironically, there is incredible momentum and funding to reestablish that work.
Symbiotic Restoration is one of just a few contractors on the leading front of this quickly growing type of restoration work, so it was so interesting to get the insider scoop.
Follow the great work they do on their Instagram.
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The work of land trusts is dictated by the needs of the landscape and the people that live on it, and on a diverse landscape with diverse people that can look like a lot of different things. While it’s impossible to cover over 30 years of conservation work, on this episode Nicole Braddock, Executive Director of the Solano Land Trust, highlights the successes, both old and new, of the organization. We see how the work of a land trust doesn’t need to stop or be limited to the protection of land, but that through partnerships and engagement can extend into a much larger community role. In Solano, this looks like getting 100% of local youth outside, creating accessible spaces, working with local tribal communities, protecting important farm and rangeland, and habitat restoration to improve climate resiliency.
Tune in to uncover the hidden beauty of Solano County, and the inspiring stories of conservation that protect both the land and the communities that call it home.
I encourage you to learn more about the Solano Land Trust and plan a visit to one of their amazing preserves like Jepson Prairie or Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park.
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On this episode I talk with Eric Kellegrew, Stewardship Director of the Sacramento Valley Conservancy, to walk through the task and effort of developing a well and water trough system at the 4,600-acre Deer Creek Hills Preserve, located in east Sacramento County. A superficially unassuming and honestly uninteresting accomplishment, that is, without context. It turns out this inconspicuous water source provides the means and adds significant capacity to better manage thousands of acres of rangelands, improving cattle management by better dispersing grazing pressure, supplying water for restoration and replanting efforts, and providing a perennial water source for wildlife on an otherwise parched landscape through the summer and fall months.
In my opinion this project perfectly embodies the nature of stewardship work. You identify a problem, you use what you got to find a solution, and it takes a long time, but it’s worth it. We really get into the weeds on this one, dissecting the behind-the-scenes work that often goes unrecognized. Hope you enjoy.
For more information on events and ways you can experience the lands protected by SVC click here.
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Backpacking along a dusty trail, you come across a meadow—full of life, water, and softness. Leek Springs Meadow, a 92-acre oasis at the headwaters of the North Fork of the Cosumnes River, is the largest meadow in the watershed. Join us in this episode as we delve into the beauty and significance of meadow ecosystems with Cathy Mueller, Stewardship Manager at the American River Conservancy.
Cathy shares her journey from her early days of outdoor adventures to her current role, and we explore the intricate process behind the Leek Springs Meadow Restoration project. This episode highlights the successful collaboration between land trusts and public land agencies and discusses the vital role meadows play in our environment.
We also dive into the technical aspects of the restoration, the importance of beaver dam analogs, and the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way. Tune in to learn how dedicated stewardship and innovative restoration techniques are bringing life back to Leek Springs Meadow.
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There are so many ways to engage with nature, most of us enjoy a simple stroll through a beautiful place, some prefer that stroll to be experienced from the top of a horse, while others choose to identify every single plant they pass or every bird song they hear. Then there are those who choose the more intense experience, like mountain climbing, whitewater kayaking, trial running, or mountain biking. These different users often find themselves sharing the same natural spaces, especially near cities and denser suburban areas, and can lead to competing interests that sometimes result in conflict when left unchecked.
I’m not a conflict resolution specialist, but from my experience in public access and land management I can say that when a group can legitimize their interests, have a unified vision and goals, and advocate for themselves then they will often be granted a seat at the table. So goes the story for Clipped In for Life, or Clipped in for short, a Folsom-based nonprofit with the mission to create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to find achievement, adventure, and connection through cycling. What I’m so appreciative of, and why I was so excited to sit down with Clint Claassen and Jen Fuss of Clipped In, is that throughout a story of necessity and intention, this organization has been an ever-evolving venture in finding that seat at the table and so much more. As you’ll hear through this conversation, what started off as an effort to improve the timing system for races, has evolved into a slew of programs and offerings that go far beyond just seeing who can ride down a hill the fastest. Clint and Jen highlight their existing youth programs (Folsom Grom Race Series and 678 Jr High MTB Club), which take a holistic approach, not just focusing on skill development, but trail ethics and stewardship as well. And take the opportunity to promote their newest upcoming offering, Grip Academy, which take a martial arts-style approach to enhancing bike handling skills across diverse proficiency levels while also incorporating essential elements such as traffic safety, bike maintenance and technology, first-aid, stewardship, and fitness in addition to existing youth programs.
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I’ve mentioned before that the land is our common denominator. We may have differing ideas and approaches but generally, at least in my experience on a local and regional level, people are willing to listen, make compromises, and change the way they do things if you take the time to talk through it with them and have it makes sense. My guest on this episode of All Land is Beautiful is Spencer Davies, owner and one of the directors at Trespasser Productions, a production company based out of Placerville, California. Spencer and I connected several months ago working on a video to highlight the legacy conservation project in El Dorado County, the El Dorado Ranch State Wildlife Area. I guess you could say that we clicked from the beginning, but not because we necessarily agreed on everything. I would say that is was more based on both of our willingness to listen and discuss our differing opinions on land management and conservation.
This episode is a bit different from the rest as Spencer isn’t a biologist or representing a conservation organization, but he instead represents what I think is a critical connection for nonprofits and government agencies working in land protection and natural resource management. One of the biggest challenges these organizations face is translating their work into something that the general public can see and interact with. Trespasser Productions has made a name for itself in the commercial industry, but has taken on more recent work with organizations like American River Conservancy, the El Dorado-Georgetown Resource Conservation District, Calfire and US Forest Service, taking a technical production approach to capturing and presenting grassroots community efforts. We talk through this, along with Spencer’s upbringing, the beginnings and growth of Trespasser Productions and the how they’ve found success outside of the Hollywood scene, and how Spencer has found excitement and fulfillment supporting his community the best way he can, through film.
- Visa fler
