All Land is Beautiful

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.

E12: Finding a Seat at the Table, with Clipped In for Life

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.