
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.

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.

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.

Ranching is a way of life that demands resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to the land. It’s a tradition built on long days, hard labor, and a deep respect for nature. For many families, the ultimate goal isn’t just making it through the tough seasons or turning a profit—it’s ensuring that the land remains productive, healthy, and intact for the next generation.

I’m Emily Ehrke, and I recently graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where I majored in Agricultural Science and double minored in Agricultural Business and Water Policy. I grew up in Arbuckle, CA around the ranching industry. Naturally during my four years at Cal Poly, I spent a lot of time immersing myself in the beef program, which included serving as both the SLO Young Cattlemen’s Association President and the Cal Poly Bull Test and Sale Event Planning Coordinator. These experiences inspired me to continue to explore more career paths within the cattle industry post-graduation, which ultimately landed me here at the California Rangeland Trust for a six-month general internship.

Scott Alan Thompson was born on March 10, 1957, in Eagle Rock, California, to George and Nancy Thompson. He was the oldest of five children: Keith, Alicia, Christine, and Wayne. Scott grew up in the San Bernardino Mountains and graduated from Rim of the World High School in 1975. He married Patti Goodwin on October 6, 1984, and together, they raised a beautiful family which includes children: Tonya, Ashly, Teagan, Taylor, and Connor; their spouses: Adam, Daniel, Jennie, and Olivia; and their grandchildren: Ava, Saydee, Kodi, Wyatt, Cash, Waylon, Luke, Walker, Urijah, JJ, Rafe, and Kenley.

On June 5th in San Luis Obispo, the California Rangeland Trust hosted the first of a series of succession planning workshops titled, “Conserving Your Legacy”. The workshop featured a collection of landowners and experts to discuss the crucial process of estate planning for ranching families.

Your financial and charitable goals are a reflection of your commitment to support the future for your loved ones, causes you value, and the greater community. A convenient and easy way to organize your charitable intentions is through a donor advised fund, or DAF.

Born and raised on his family’s ranch in Santa Paula, Joe Jauregui “grew up in a cowboy world.” Their ranch, located about 40 miles south of Santa Barbara, is where Joe recalls some of his fondest memories.

Every year, the Rangeland Trust Staff and Board visit various parts of the state to engage with conservation partners, landowners, peers, supporters, and community leaders to understand what’s important and relevant in the places where we work.
Since it’s hard for our team to set foot in all 58 counties of this beautiful state, we also aim to open channels for you to reach out to us and let us know what’s on your mind. Sometimes this is encouraged through surveys, donation forms, or often just through our website. The point is, we love to hear from you!

In the Salinas Valley of California, known as the “Salad Bowl of the World”, a local ranching family is helping to ensure that there will always be protein on the plate.
For over 140 years, the Silacci family has called the Valley home – beginning when patriarch Bautista Silacci immigrated to Monterey County. After living in Moss Landing in the early 1880s, he decided to move inland to Salinas to work at a local dairy. In 1887, seizing an opportunity to establish roots on the land and in the industry, he purchased the dairy. Together, he and his family raised dairy cattle and cultivated various crops, contributing to the Valley’s notorious bounty.
California Rangeland Trust is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 31-1631453) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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