Alyssa Rolen, Author at California Rangeland Trust

REFLECTIONS FROM THE RANGE: MY INTERNSHIP WITH THE RANGELAND TRUST

My name is Jazmin Rodriguez, and I recently graduated from the University of California, Davis, where I majored in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. I grew up in California’s Central Valley, though I did not have a strong personal connection to agriculture beyond living near dairies and almond orchards. My passion for agriculture began in high school when I joined FFA and discovered a bright future for myself within the industry. To continue nurturing this passion, I pursued experiences at UC Davis, including serving as an Aggie Ambassador, working at the Student Farm, and seeking opportunities to expand my understanding of the agricultural landscape.

CHILDHOOD TRAILS, KEEPING THE GIFT ALIVE

Tom Galli grew up on a piece of land where he didn’t need to cross any roads. “As a kid, I could just walk out into my backyard…and keep going.”

MURPHY RANCH: CALLED BY THE LAND

A few generations ago, if you asked someone on the street whether they or their family worked in agriculture, chances are the answer would have been yes. Today, that connection has largely faded. Many people are now generations removed from the land, feeling increasingly disconnected from where their food comes from and from the people who produce it.

A WESTERN AFFAIR 2025: HONORING THE PAST, PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Under a nearly full harvest moon at Rancho Santa Barbara, more than 400 guests gathered on October 4 for A Western Affair 2025—an unforgettable evening celebrating California’s working lands and the ranching families who steward them. Set against the historic adobe buildings and rolling hills of this storied ranch, the event reflected the California Rangeland Trust’s enduring mission: to serve the land, people, and wildlife by conserving the Golden State’s working rangelands.

RANCHING ROOTS AND A PASSION FOR SANTA BARBARA

The Jackson family has deep roots in Santa Barbara County. Charles Hervey “Pete” Jackson, Jr. was an entrepreneur, horseman, and polo player who had ventured west from New York to Santa Barbara and fell in love with the West coast lifestyle. In 1944 he bought the Alisal Ranch at auction. Along with his wife, Ann Gavit Jackson, they built the Alisal into a successful cattle operation and luxury dude ranch. But they didn’t stop there. The couple was involved in a variety of other pursuits in Santa Barbara including horse breeding and racing as well as real estate investments. Pete and Ann were also passionate about philanthropy and supporting nonprofits in their community.

A YEAR OF IMPACT AND MOMENTUM IN 2025

In 2025, the California Rangeland Trust continued bringing people together around a shared commitment to California’s working lands. With the support of ranching families, donors, partners, and community members across the state, we reached important milestones, expanded our programs, and strengthened the connections that make conservation possible.

PORT CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF CONSERVING WORKING LANDS

For the past 20 years, the California Rangeland Trust has joined forces with eight like-minded organizations as part of the Partnership of Rangeland Trusts (PORT) to conserve rangelands.

Providing Support for Future Generations

Nick and Karen Guriel own and operate Coles Cattle Company in San Luis Obispo and have been loyal donors to California Rangeland Trust for nearly twenty years.

Author: Alyssa Rolen

A WESTERN AFFAIR 2025: HONORING THE PAST, PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

RANCHING ROOTS AND A PASSION FOR SANTA BARBARA

A YEAR OF IMPACT AND MOMENTUM IN 2025

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