All Land is Beautiful

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.   

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.  

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.

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.

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.

On this episode of All Land is Beautiful, I find myself back on a landscape that needs no convincing of how extraordinary and magnificent it is. I'm talking about the jewel of the Sierra, Lake Tahoe. Around 15 million people visit Lake Tahoe each year, which is roughly three times the number of visitors to Yosemite National Park. Needless to say, this precious resource receives a lot of pressure and yet its beauty almost seems unwavering. Now I'm just one person and I don't have the capacity to research and investigate all of the good work within the Tahoe region, but I did have the great opportunity to sit down with Brooke Clayton and Anthony Porter of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, or TRTA. TRTA helps manage and advocate for the preservation of one of the nation's premier trail systems, the Tahoe Rim Trail, which also happens to be a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. As a nonprofit organization, TRTA occupies a unique space within recreation and conservation, acting as a conduit between those who use the trail, and those who own and manage it, like the US Forest Service and State Park Agencies. They help to facilitate and add capacity for things like trail repairs, improvements, and habitat restorations, they educate and provide resources for recreationalists of all capabilities on how to respectfully use and preserve the trail, ensuring it's continued use for generations to come. And what I can also really appreciate is that they recognize the role the organization plays within the greater community, as a player in both the economic and natural health of Tahoe.

Most land trusts have a similar story. At some point in time there was a threat to a beautiful and natural place and a few people that lived in that place decided they weren't going to just sit by and not doing something about it. The beauty of this, in the context of land trusts, is that this story grew into a conservation movement that continues today. The early successes of those people that just wouldn't sit by grew into organizations, now decades later, that have collectively protected millions of acres across California and beyond. Alan Erhgott, former executive director and founding member of the American River Conservancy is one of those people that did something. On this episode we learn about the good guys, bad guys, and challenges faced with protecting land, habitat, and water in the upper American River and Cosumnes River watersheds. Alan and I chat about his early connection to land and wild places, which includes starting a travel company and becoming a hot air balloon pilot. We talk about what the process looked like in starting the Conservancy, and the challenges and successes that came along with earning his and the Conservancy's seat at the table. I was particularly appreciative of this conversation because it provides context, insight, motivation, and inspiration into the world of regional land conservation. 

I had the joy of sitting down with Doug Gibson, CEO of the Nature Collective, to talk about the San Elijo Lagoon and greater San Diego County north coast landscape, and the amazing work that is being done to protect and restore it. We discuss the early history and poor treatment of the San Elijo Lagoon, to the recent completion of a massive restoration improving its habitat and overall resiliency in a changing climate. From there we talk about public access improvements that were packaged and developed along with the restoration, and the importance of giving people the opportunity to experience the habitats and resources that we're working to protect. We then look at where the Nature Collective is headed as they expand their area of influence, working collaboratively, sharing hard-earned do's and don'ts, and continuing the promotion and execution of habitat improvements in San Diego County. For more information check out the Nature Collective's website. Hope you enjoy the change of scenery and I look forward to turning my eyes west to the ocean for more coastal-themed episodes in the future.

On this episode we explore water. Humans have gone so far as to physically alter and obstruct the natural processes of really any viable river in California that has potential to provide water for development, agriculture and hydroelectric power, except for one diminutive yet very significant Cosumnes River. Considering the legal, environmental, and logistical dynamics surrounding water and its use in California, I don't think you can find one single individual who is an expert on it all. Instead, you find individuals who have done their best to commit themselves to understanding one dynamic better than most, and have then done a really great job of getting the right people in the room who can speak on behalf of the others. Melinda Frost-Hurzel is one of those individuals, the lead representative of an effort called the Cosumnes Coalition, a partnership between the American River Conservancy, Cosumnes Culture and WaterWays, Trout Unlimited, Fishery Foundation, and Landmark Environmental to address resource challenges and concerns along the Cosumnes River.

On today's episode, without any shame, we're again talking about birds. I got to sit down with Chris Conard and continue this conversation around wildlife success stories in unlikely places, as well as concerning trends. Chris is uniquely qualified to talk about this as he's spent the last 30 years working in a very unlikely wildlife refuge, aptly named the Bufferlands, which surrounds a sewage treatment plant in south Sacramento County. In fact, he kind of embodies the All land is Beautiful ethos. He was also involved in the most recent Sacramento County Breeding Bird Atlas effort, which found that there are actually more bird species breeding in the county than there were 30 years ago, and is the best individual I personally know at auditory identification of birds, though he's certainly not one to brag and would be quick to point out others who are better. More information and events at the Bufferlands Preserve can be found on the Buff Blog. To go on a field trip with Sacramento Audubon click here.

2024 is the American River Conservancy's (ARC) 35th anniversary, a year in which the organization celebrates the protection of 30,000 acres of rivers, creeks, oak woodlands, and forests that typify the Upper American River and Cosumnes River watersheds. I talk extensively with Executive Director, Elena DeLacy, to bring perspective on why this is important for both flora and fauna as well as human beings. We also take this opportunity to chat about one of ARC's legacy projects, El Dorado Ranch, as the organization embarks on the final effort to permanently protect 7,100 acres that will become El Dorado County's first State Wildlife Area. To check out ARC's website and event calendar click here. ARC can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Check out Stories of El Dorado with Tim Neilsen on the Stories from California Cattle Country podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.  

On this episode, I sat down with Molly Taylor of PT Ranch, out in Ione, CA, which is located just an hour southeast of Sacramento in Amador County. After reflecting on the last episode I wanted to get more into the weeds on the Carbon Farm Plans and talk with one of the only people I knew personally who has really gone all in on carbon farming. We talk about the moment the decision was made to take a regenerative approach to managing PT Ranch and focus on carbon; Molly's somewhat indirect and unanticipated path into managing a ranch; the process of writing a carbon farm plan and the on-the-ground practices that have been implemented; and touch on ranch diversification and how the ranch remains a viable enterprise. Here's a link to PT Ranch's website, and if you ever have the opportunity to check out the ranch and its offerings I highly recommend it.

According to Audubon California, our state has 61 million acres of rangelands that provide food production, carbon sequestration, water infiltration, and habitat for a wide range of species. However, this historic California land use is under threat with an average of 20,000 acres a year being lost to development or crop conversion. This means that in order to protect the birds and ecosystem services of our rangelands, the Audubon Society, and really anyone working in conservation has to work with the ranchers and farmers that own or lease and work those lands. And while there may be some different belief systems or opinions, the land, which is why I started this podcast, is the common denominator. And it's there that we find we have a lot more in common than we thought.   I'm excited to have had the opportunity to talk with Pelayo Alvarez, Director of California Audubon's Conservation Ranching Program and long-time working lands advocate in the Central Valley region. We continue this conversation around conservation on an altered landscape, but for this episode through the lenses of carbon and bird habitat. We talk about the logistics, management plans, and support systems that go into making this more conscientious management of land a reality, and Audubon's market-based approach through its bird-friendly land certification program. Hope you enjoy and please check out these links for more information about the Audubon Conservation Ranching program, as well as where you can find your first piece of bird-friendly beef. California Audubon: https://ca.audubon.org/conservation/conservation-ranching Where to buy: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/where-to-buy-conservation-ranching-products?site=ca&nid=30191&origin=conservation/conservation-ranching&_gl=1*xo0xob*_ga*OTE1MTk3MzQxLjE2OTY5OTk1MTI.*_ga_X2XNL2MWTT*MTcwMTk5NjUzNi41LjEuMTcwMTk5NjY1Ny41My4wLjA.  

Today we do a deep dive into one of my favorite bird species, the tricolored blackbird. On this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Robert Meese, a UC Davis biologist who has spent the last almost 20 years studying this threatened bird species, which I feel symbolizes this notion that there's no one-size-fits-all solution to land conservation and wildlife protection, especially in California's Central Valley. You'll learn about the historic plight of the tricolored, the cessation of its decline, and future success, which embodies a complex of environmental and social issues that neither I nor Bob are qualified to completely analyze, but we touch on several. We discuss the Tricolored Blackbird Statewide survey, a collective effort most recently led by Bob, which utilizes over 100 volunteers to detect and monitor tricolored numbers across California's Central Valley, Coast Ranges, and Central Coast; the adaptability of this bird species, and how it's come to rely extensively on an altered landscape, characterized by working lands, agriculture, grazing, and dairies; and touch on Bob's work with state and federal agencies, nonprofits, and numerous private property owners educating, guiding, and studying the bird, from which he has gained a number of insights documenting patterns of movement across the state. Here's the link to Bob's reference to footage capturing tricolored blackbirds & cattle foraging together: https://vimeo.com/230616322  

All Land is Beautiful is a series of conversations around the obvious, and not so obvious, natural beauty of California and beyond. The motivation and nexus to start this podcast comes from an ever-evolving personal perspective shift on what both contemporary habitat conservation means and looks like. You see, I, like I believe most people come to experience and perceive what's good and bad for nature (at least the ones that I have interacted with) are of the mindset that the best we can do for nature is to simply remove ourselves from it and the natural of order of things will sort themselves out. You see a dense forest, you should leave it alone; you see a natural grassy field, well there certainly shouldn't be any cows or sheep in it and in that case why don't we remove all of that old barbed-wire fencing; driving through huge swaths of agricultural land, jeez can you imagine what this all looked like before we turned it into row crops? And while those are all completely legitimate ideas and trains of thought, over the last several years of working throughout the Sacramento Valley and Sierra Nevada Foothills, I've come to find this whole thing is far more nuanced.

On this episode of All Land is Beautiful I'm joined by Dr. Jaymee Marty, a biologist based out of the Sacramento Valley, and one of the many insightful and hardworking individuals working to conserve and manage the land, its plants and wildlife throughout the northern California region. Jaymee is probably best known for publishing a study that scientifically confirmed that cattle grazing in vernal pools, which are seasonal wetlands that host a number of threatened and endangered plant and wildlife species, is not only beneficial but critical to the protection of biodiversity in these ecosystems. A concept that had long been understood within the ecological community, but had never actually been quantified. She continues her work with vernal pools conducting surveys for fairy shrimp and California tiger salamander on behalf of the United States Airforce, as well as a number of non-profit land trusts throughout the Central Valley region, and has picked up a number of other unique and interesting studies and work on other habitats and wildlife as well. We talk about a lot here. Jaymee's roots and path to a career in biology and conservation, cattle grazing and its benefits throughout the northern California landscape, and some unique instances in which native wildlife persists in unlikely environments. Hope you enjoy.