All Land is Beautiful

E20: Operation Magnolia - A Land Protection Victory, with Lisa Lindman (Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust)

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.

E19: Looking For Sanity in How We Develop, with Sean Wirth (a Volunteer Environmentalist)

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.

E18: Protecting Clover Valley: Getting Outside the Comfort Zone, with Jeff Darlington (Placer Land Trust) and John Jackson (Jessup University)

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.

E17: The Big Leagues of Bird Conservation, with Xerónimo Castañeda (Audubon California)

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.

E16: Beaver Dams are Dam Good Business, with Garrett Costello (Symbiotic Restoration)

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.
 

E15: Look Beyond the Interstate, with Nicole Braddock (Executive Director of the Solano Land Trust)

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. 
 

E14: More Than Just a Water Trough, with Eric Kellegrew (Sacramento Valley Conservancy)

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.
 

E13: Bringing Chaos Back to a Meadow, with Cathy Mueller (American River Conservancy)

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.