Category: Blog

Silva Ranch: A Perfect Union

It is often joked that the signing of a conservation easement is like a wedding—forever uniting a landowner and land trust in an ongoing collaborative partnership. Ranching is unique and complex, with highs and lows as cyclical as the weather. So, it makes sense that ranchers pursuing conservation want assurance that the organization they are signing a perpetual contract with understands these challenges and supports their efforts to steward the land while also making a living off it. The Silva family is no exception.

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Goodwin Ranches: Fostering Passions on the Land

When George Goodwin bought the Goodwin Ranch in 1987, he was seeking to reconnect to the land and his agricultural upbringing. George grew up in Southern California and together with his wife, Martha, they raised their six children in San Bernardino County. But deep down, George knew he wanted to one day return to the place he spent many childhood summers—Northern California’s scenic Sierra Valley.

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Oakvale Ranch: The Land That Ties Us

There is something to be said about California’s rangelands and the captivating stories of multi-generational stewardship held deep within the soil. The ranching industry is rooted in heritage. In fact, according to the California Cattlemen’s Association website, most of the ranches throughout the state have been in the same family for four or more generations. The Oakvale Ranch in Mariposa County, California is no exception.

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BBQ with the Board

On September 12th, Bob Slobe and the North Sacramento Land Company graciously welcomed 80 guests to their beautiful and unique office in Sacramento for the BBQ with the Rangeland Trust Board. The event brought together a diverse group of Rangeland Trust friends, both long-time and new, including ranchers, farmers, and plenty of agriculture enthusiasts; landowner partners; donors; artists; lifelong Sacramentans; and of course, volunteer leadership on the Rangeland Trust Board and Legacy Council.

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DONOR SPOTLIGHT ON BERT AND CAROL BRAUN

A trip to Elko, Nevada forever changed the lives of Bert and Carol Braun.

Bert and Carol first moved to Loomis, California in 1975. They purchased 5 acres and a feed store which Bert ran for 30 years. They were always active in the community, starting with their involvement in the Chamber of Commerce, volunteer fire department, and local schools. After making a trip to Elko to see the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, they were inspired to introduce Loomis to this fantastic art form. The Cowpoke Fall Gathering was born in that car ride home.

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Sharing California’s Ranching History

Ranching in California is synonymous with history. The stories of family pioneers, their labor, their passion, and stewardship of the land is both fascinating and inspiring. For your reading list recommendations, we want to highlight a few recent publications from our California Rangeland Trust community.

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Sardella Ranch: Reigniting Progress

“Burn, baby! Burn!” Michael Sardella, owner of the Sardella Ranch and California Rangeland Trust ranching partner, exclaimed as he watched the first bit of smoke rise off his property. Ordinarily, a scene like this would send a rancher running to call upon emergency services for help. Afterall, that was the case when a wildfire ravaged through Sardella’s Tuolumne County ranch back in 2013. This time, however, the smoke signaled the opposite— it was a sign of progress to help mitigate future wildfires.

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A Sacramento Roundup

Over 100 guests gathered in Downtown Sacramento at Mulvaney’s B&L on June 29th for a wonderful evening of food and friendship. Hosted by longtime Rangeland Trust supporters, Bob Slobe and Russell Austin, the evening offered a wonderful opportunity for the Rangeland Trust to meet its neighbors in America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital.

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