Blog Archives - California Rangeland Trust

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.

REACHING SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES IN 2024

2024 has been an incredible year for the Rangeland Trust! We reached some significant milestones. We took advantage of new opportunities to expand the organization. We reconnected with old friends and built new relationships throughout the state. Most importantly, we helped more ranching families
achieve their dreams of conservation and safeguard the working landscapes that are so important to all of us.

BEFORE YOU GIVE: 4 QUESTIONS TO ASK

Before you make a gift in your will, it’s wise to think it through…and to have a conversation. As you shape your long-term plans, find out how they align with organizations you’d like to include by asking these four key questions.

KEEPING OUR STORIES ALIVE

The land holds stories—stories of resilience, wisdom, and the delicate balance of humans and nature. When we conserve this land, we protect these stories, allowing future generations to experience and learn from
them.

Category: Blog

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

Forever Bloom: A Conservation Celebration

REACHING SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES IN 2024

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