Blog Archives - 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.

BLOOM RANCH: THE POWER OF COMMUNITY-DRIVEN STEWARDSHIP

Not all ranchers are born into the lifestyle, some are drawn to it. That was the case for Matt Bloom whose passions took root while working at a pack mule station. Long days on the trail strengthened his connection to the land and laid the foundation for his deep respect for its stewardship. What began as a job soon became a way of life, leading him to pursue a future in ranching.

LAND, LEGACY, AND THE LONG GAME: DAVE ERICKSON’S STORY

Dave Erickson and his wife have committed to supporting rangeland conservation by becoming monthly donors to the Rangeland Trust. As monthly donors, they are helping provide steady, reliable support for California’s rangelands and its stewards all year long.

POTENTIAL IN YOUR PROPERTY

It’s the time of year when you may be thinking about finally creating, or updating, your estate plan. Hopefully you are also thinking of the benefits that come along with including support for a cause that’s important to
you.

In this newsletter, you are reading the stories of multi-generational ranching families and their commitment
to stewarding their landscapes for years to come. We know not everyone has that security of knowing
who will care for the future of their properties, even after spending the better part of a lifetime building that
special place. If this sounds like you, you should know that there are philanthropic options you can consider
that may also provide immediate benefits, in addition to your peace of mind.

Forever Bloom: A Conservation Celebration

On a bright spring day in Tuolumne County, community members, agency representatives, and conservation partners gathered with the California Rangeland Trust and the Bloom family to celebrate a landmark achievement—the permanent conservation of the Bloom Ranch. Nestled along Lake Tulloch, this nearly 500-acre working cattle ranch features rolling hills, panoramic vistas, and rich, thriving ecosystems.

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.

Category: Blog

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

Forever Bloom: A Conservation Celebration

A YEAR OF IMPACT AND MOMENTUM IN 2025

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