marin agricultural LAND TRUST NEWS

P R E S E R V I N G M A R I N C O U N T Y F A R M L A N D
Spring 2006 Vo l u m e 2 2 N u m b e r 1

Tradition & Innovation Bring

Prince of Wales to West Marin

The much-heralded visit of the Prince of Wales to
West Marin last fall brought this areas organic and sustainably farmed agricultural operations to international prominence. To most observers, it was a surprising field trip for the heir to the British throne, though properties in his own Duchy of Cornwall have been farmed organically for more than 20 years. He also is a dedicated spokesperson for other sustainable agricultural practices. Still, one might ask, why Marin? Organic agriculture is the fastest growing segment of the farm economy in the United States, and Marin County has been at the forefront of the movement since at least 1974 when Warren Webers Star Route Farms in Bolinas became the first certified organic farm in California. In 1994, the Straus Family Creamery was certified as the first organic dairy west of the Mississippi. In 1999, a group of producers and organic advocates formed Marin Organic to foster environmentally sound agriculture and support local food production. And in 2000, Agriculture Commissioner Stacy Carlsen established the first local government organic certification agency in the United States right here in Marin. The visit of the Royal Highness and his wife was such an amazing honor and confirmation that our work here is of critical importance far beyond our county line, said Helge

MALTs Bob Berner, left, chatted with Prince Charles at the Point Reyes Farmers Market during his visit last November

Hellberg, Executive Director of Marin Organic, which coordinated the event in Marin. However, traditional livestock agriculture is still the mainstay in Marin County, contributing $45 million to the economy. These beef, sheep, and dairy businesses form the backbone of farm operations on most malt-protected properties. But a century and a half of good farming practices and responsible
C O N T I N U E D PAG E F O U R

Maintaining the Public Trust In Voluntary Conservation Efforts

Marin Agricultural Land Trusts efforts to permanently preserve farmland in West Marin are mirrored across the country by the more than 1,500 local and regional land trusts also working to protect natural and agricultural resources in their own backyards. At a national level, most of these organizations are affiliated with the nonprofit Land Trust Alliance (LTA), which supports the effectiveness of the nations land trusts and their use of conservation easements by helping expand the knowledge and expertise of the local groups. Currently, LTA is spearheading two innovative programs: Land Trust Accreditation and Land Trust Standards and Practices. In a time of increased congressional scrutiny of nonprofits and land conservation transactions, the accreditation program is intended to maintain the public trust in voluntary land conservation and help build strong and lasting organizations through a detailed, independent, professional, and peer examination of policies and programs. The accreditation will be managed by a commission of land trust professionals incorporated as a subsidiary of LTA with independent decision-making authority. The first commissioners will be appointed in February, 2006. The commission
C O N T I N U E D PAG E S E V E N

Robert Horan

Ranches & Rolling Hills

Since the mid-19th century, landscape painters have been portraying the luminous beauty of the western landscape. Prominent painters who visited California during that era of exploration included Thomas Moran, Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Hill, William Keith, and Virgil Williams. In her introduction to the exhibit Painters and the American West, Sarah Anschutz Hunt writes that some artists were even hired by the Santa Fe Railroad, receiving train tickets, meals, and lodging in exchange for a specified number of paintings inspired by the artists journey through the West. In all cases, those early illustrations helped shape the experience for pioneers, gold miners, government explorations, and tourists wholured in part by these works later tamed and modified the virgin landscape that had first appealed to them. While ranching and farming also represent a modification of the landscape, today we value Marin Countys remaining agricultural lands for local food production, open space, and wildlife habitat. Since ranchers first settled in Marin around 1850, the area has had a land-based economy. Though much of the county has been urbanized, the tradition of family

Landscape Art Show Set for May 20 & 21

farming still has a strong hold in West Marin. But that tradition is in danger of being lost to non-agricultural uses. Aware that art can articulate environmental issues, a group of talented artists has been painting the farmlands and open spaces of West Marin since 1998 for display in Ranches & Rolling Hills, an art show and sale that benefits malts farmland preservation program. This years event is set for Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21, at the Druids Hall in Nicasio. These painters, printmakers, and photographers are committed to capturing the working landscapes and views that might be threatened by development. Since they also believe that art can act as an agent of change and because they are dedicated to helping preserve the land that inspires their art, they contribute 50% of the income from sales to malt. So far, this artistic survey of the contemporary rural landscape has raised more than half a million dollars. The funds have been used for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements on Marin farms, permanently protecting them from non-agricultural development. Over the years, the shows reputation in the artistic community has grown, and competition to be part of the event is significant. Some 40 artists will participate this year, about half of them from Marin and half representing Santa Barbaras Oak Group, founded by renowned California landscape painter Ray Strong. Michael Whitt of Point Reyes Station is the curator of Ranches & Rolling Hills which is coordinated by malts Elisabeth Ptak with assistance from Cindy Jordan. To ensure a place at the preview sale and luncheon, watch your mailbox for the announcement which will be mailed in March. Following the preview, the show is open to the public at no charge from 25 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, and from 10 a.m.4 p.m. on Sunday, May 21.
Elisabeth Ptak
G R I C U L T U R A L L A N D T R U S T

Cypress Heaven by Zee Zee Mott

2
M A R I N A

Hungry Herbivores Encourage Coastal Wildflowers

Over on the other side of the fence, not only is the
grass greener, but thousands of wildflowers display a spectacular spring bloom. Whats that other guy got that you lack? It may be a few cows. When you see cattle or other hungry herbivores standing in the grass, they arent just posing for photographs, they are usually eating. And when they eat, they eat a lot: full-grown sheep and cattle typically consume their weight in forage in only a monththats 200 pounds for a sheep and 1,000 pounds for most cows. All this chowing down has a significant impact on the ecology of the grassland. First, consider what happens when any animal eats. No matter what you choose to call it, animal waste, full of concentrated nitrogen and other plant nutrients, is redistributed to the soil as the animals move about, contributing chemical variation to the environment. Wildflowers often need more nitrogen than grasses (just like the flowers in your garden), so they thrive when herbivores form a major part of the nitrogen cycle. However, no matter how good the soil, growing plants in the dark is next to impossible; sun and shade are very important factors in shaping their success. When annual grasslands dont support significant populations of herbivores or have intermittent fires, unchecked growth can result in the accumulation of thatch, the blanket of dead stalks and plant remains from previous years growth that shades seeds and young plants. Since many wildflowers require strong early season sunlight to activate growth, this thatch roof drastically affects the vegetative composition of the grassland. Many scientific studies, including classic comparisons conducted on the Jepson Prairie Preserve in the Sacramento Valley, have documented that when regular grazing is stopped on California annual grasslands, areas once known for their impressive wildflower displays exhibit a marked decline in diversity within a few short years. Grazers, do, of course, have impacts on the land apart from the removal of grasses. However, one common concern, that freely grazing livestock will eat all those beautiful wildflowers, is simply a misconception. Not only are cattle known to prefer grasses to most flower species, but many of the wildflowers most famous for their stunning displays also manufacture chemical defenses that make their foliage and flowers distasteful to browsing animals. For example, the
M A R I N A G R I C U L T U

Douglas iris (Iris douglasiana), common on the rolling hills across West Marin, is partially protected from herbivory by its mild poisons. California golden poppies (Eschscholzia californica), visible as vast blankets of gold on the hillsides of many ranches, also have a mild toxin in their foliage. Other common species that you are likely to find in grasslands and throughout Marin county are blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii var. menziesii), and California buttercups (Ranunculus californicus). Common shrubs, blooming a bit later and closer to eye level, include the buttery yellow bush lupine (Lupinus arboreus) and my personal favorite, the bright orange sticky monkey flower (Mimulus aurantiacus). There are many more wildflowers to find right in our backyards, from the familiar favorites to ephemeral and rare species. If youd like to explore local wildflowers further, a particularly good environment for seasonal viewing is the coastal scrub, a characteristic vegetative community which can be found on many of the ranches bordering Tomales Bay, and is accessible to the public at Point Reyes National Seashore. The Abbotts Lagoon and Chimney Rock trails are perennial favorites, or, sign up for malts Hikes & Tours on the Cerini Ranch or the Gale Ranch to see Marin County wildflowers at their best (see pages 5 & 6 for details). And as you stop to smell the flowers this spring, remember that hungry herbivores play an important role in this and every yearsimpressive displays.
Stella Cousins
For the past six months, Stella Cousins has worked as MALTs seasonal Stewardship Assistant, monitoring conservation easements and deepening her experience with agriculture and conservation in the grazed landscapes of California. Stella has moved on to other green pastures, but we thank her for her time and hard work here in Marin.
R A L L A N D T R U S T

Richard Blair

Volunteer Training Kicks Off Year of Activity for MALT Supporters

On February 11 and March 4, both new and experienced malt volunteers will join together to expand their knowledge of local farm history. Theyll learn about the challenges and opportunities facing Marins farmers and ranchers, and theyll increase their understanding of malts programs. These trainings kick off the malt Volunteer Program year and launch the buzz of activity that will take place for the next 12 months. Malt is fortunate to have a cadre of dedicated volunteers supporting the preservation of Marins family farms. Our extended family of helpersmore than 50 peopleis five times the size of the malt staff. Last year, this unpaid workforce gave the equivalent of $65,000 worth of time to the organization! This amazing contribution represents the monetary value provided by these dedicated men and women who lead Hikes & Tours, help in the office, and staff special events. Just as important is the role these volunteers play as ambassadors to the community. Armed with enthusiasm, knowledge of local farms, and a desire to make a difference, they spread the word about the threats to Marin agriculture and how everyone can help preserve these important resources. Volunteers talk about the issues with friends, co-workers, neighbors, and family members. In addition, they give gifts of malt t-shirts and memberships, and contribute generously to the Ellen Straus Farmland Preservation Fund. I like being involved in something I believe in, says Kathy Callaway of Woodacre. Volunteering is a great way to get to know malt better. We have learned what a precious resource West Marin really is and how precarious its future once was. Its been especially great getting to know, at least a little, some of the people who dedicate themselves to Marins agricultural life, say Gary and Peggy Diedrichs of Sausalito. Current volunteers hail from Marin, Oakland, San Francisco, Sonoma, and Berkeley. Theyre people who recognize that Marins agriculture heritage and economy provide value for the entire Bay Area. If youre interested in becoming part of this trained and highly effective corps, contact Leah Smith, Education Program Associate, at 415-663-1338 or lsmith@malt.org.
Leah Smith

Elisabeth Ptak

Some 30 volunteers met in November at the Fairfax home of Kathy and Sean Callaway. The group celebrated its commitment to preserving Marins family farms by volunteering for MALT

grazing have created pastures with great biological diversity, allowing them to be natural neighbors for organic operations. And, in some cases, owners have leased portions of their land to organic growers or transitioned to organic in whole or part themselves. C O N T I N U E D F R O M PAG E O N E Nearly a dozen farms or ranches with malt easements now support organic businesses, including the Straus Dairy, the Sartori Ranch, the Gale Ranch, the Lafranchi Ranch, the Poncia Ranch, the Cerini Ranch, the Maloney Ranch, the Volpi Ranch, and the Stubbs Ranch. In most cases, the landowners are combining a traditional undertaking like the pasturing of livestock on Marins rolling hills with growing certified organic row crops. Steve Quirt, UC Cooperative Extension Organic & Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator, works with traditional operators, organic farmers, and those who are considering diversifying their farm businesses to reach new markets. He says that the cultivated system complements the wild system, both agriculturally and economically. The row crops, most of which are sold directly to restaurants or to consumers at farmers markets, may provide a financial safety net for commodity producers whose income can be unpredictable, he says. Its a way to add on to their operation as an insurance against commodity market fluctuations, he says. Its the perfect diversification. Today, West Marin seems poised to enhance its reputation as both a stronghold for mainstream agriculture and an innovative leader in the organic arena. Stewardship by local ranching families has kept thousands of rural acres viable and productive over the course of a century and a half of use. As organic products become more mainstream, the transition to organic may become more inviting to local producers. With your help, maltthe first agriculMarin Agricultural Land Trust News is published quarterly by Marin Agricultural Land Trust, a nonprofit, tural land trust in the United Stateswill continue its efforts to preserve the land tax-exempt organization. that enables sustainable agriculture of every sort to continue in Marin County. MARIN AGRICULTURAL LAND TRUST

PRINCE

OF

WALES

Elisabeth Ptak
R A L

PO Box 809, Point Reyes Station California 94956-0809

MALT HIKES
M ARIN AGRICULTURAL LAND TRUST
Post Office Box 809 Point Reyes Station, California 94956 415-663-1158

&

TOURS

&

TALKS

SPRING

Sustainability is the theme for our Hikes & Tours & Talks this seasoneconomic sustainability, environmental sustainability, and sustainable farming practices. As the County of Marin finalizes its innovative Countywide Plan based on goals of sustainability, MALT Talks will focus on how this relates to Marins family farms. Talks are co-sponsored by the County of Marin, UC Cooperative Extension, Marin Organic, College of Marin, and the Marin Food Systems Project of the Environmental Education Council of Marin. MALTs Hikes & Tours will highlight sustainable farming practices. Some are new, like the Straus Dairys methane digester. Others, like silage production, have been employed for a century or more. We invite you to come along on a hike, take a tour, or join the conversation about this important subject.
hikes&tours@malt.org

2006

malt.org

PARADISE VALLEY FARM SUSTAINING HEALTHY SOIL

Saturday, March 18
Follow in the footprints of HRH Prince Charles and learn about beneficial indigenous microbes that feed the soil from Bolinas farmers Dennis and Sandy Dierks. Prince Charles now uses this technique on his organic farms in England in an effort to revitalize their soil. The Dierks employ a variety of techniques to create healthy soil on their five-acre organic farm. Learn about cover crops they turn back into the soil and watch Dennis demonstrate the process for finding and propagating beneficial microbes. Pre-registration required. TIME: 10 A.M. 2 P.M. WHERE TO MEET: At the intersection of Olema/Bolinas Rd and Horseshoe Hill Rd., turn right. Drive .08 a mile on Horseshoe Hill Rd. Turn left, proceed to the T, and turn left into driveway. WHAT TO BRING: Water, picnic, walking shoes DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: COST: $20 / $25 non-member
Due to ongoing concerns about Foot-and-Mouth Disease, we ask that individuals who have visited farms outside the U.S.A. up to 10 days prior to events not participate in farm tours. Weather can change quickly in West Marin. Bring a jacket for warmth, a hat for protection from the sun, and a daypack for food & drinks. Most tours are not appropriate for young children. Please check with MALT. For more detailed directions to a Hikes & Tours meeting place, phone 415-663-1158, Monday Friday, 9 A.M.5 P.M. or visit www.malt.org
Easy: Flat or very little slope in a distance of less than one mile Moderate: Varied, mild terrain for onefive miles Difficult: Steep terrain and/or over five miles Family Tour: Activities appropriate for a family

FOOD & FARMING

ON THE

INTRODUCING THE NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT THE MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN

URBAN EDGE:

OF

Thursday, March 23
In conjunction with National Agriculture Week, get an introduction to the Agriculture & Food portion of the Marin Countywide Plan with Alex Hinds, Director of Marin Countys Community Development Agency, Ellie Rilla, Director of UC Cooperative Extension, and Aimee Crawford, MALT Easement Program Manager, along with Pt. Reyes rancher Kevin Lunny. This evening will surely spark debates and create new insights on how the County can support our family farms. A local food and wine reception will be held at the end of the evening. Pre-registration by phone or mail required. TIME: 7 9:30 P.M. WHERE TO MEET: Marin Art & Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross COST: Free

M A R I N A G R I C U LT U R A L L A N D T R U S T

HIKES & TOURS Registration Form

I would like to sign up for the following MALT Hikes & Tours:
tour name # people date

$ $ $

Absolutely no pets allowed

Id like to become a MALT member.

$40 Individual $250 Sponsor $75 Supporter $100 Associate As tours fill up at different rates, please enclose a separate check for each tour, or charge tours & memberships to your VISA, Mastercard, or American Express. Registration by mail only.

Other $
Total Enclosed $ Charge my credit card

Separate checks for each tour are enclosed.

name signature card #

expiration date Please complete other side of form.

Paige Green

cut here

CERINI, PONCIA, & SPALETTA RANCHES

GRASS-FED BEEF, LAMBS & HEIRLOOM POTATOES

Saturday, April 8
Organic grower David Little raises organic potatoes, strawberries, and a variety of vegetables on portions of two ranches protected by MALT easements: the Cerini Ranch (where youll also meet Dave Evans and learn about his Marin Sun Farms grass-fed beef operation); and the Poncia Ranch (where Al Poncia will describe creek restoration projects and introduce you to his spring lambs). He lives on the Spaletta Ranch, a traditional beef operation. Pre-registration required. TIME: 10 A.M. 2 P.M. WHERE TO MEET: Tomales Town Hall. Carpool to the ranch. WHAT TO BRING: Water, picnic, walking shoes DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: COST: $20 / $25 non-member

packed tightly in a silo or a nearly airless plastic bag to prevent spoilage. Learn about the issues facing family farms and watch the cows being milked in the dairy that was converted to organic in 1993 and today milks 270 cows that are treated homeopathically. Pre-registration required. TIME: 1 3 P.M. WHERE TO MEET: Millerton Point Parking Lot, 5 miles north of Point Reyes Station. Carpool to dairy. WHAT TO BRING: Water, shoes that can get dirty, DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: COST: $15 / $20 non-members

Bay. Visit all three operations and taste the products that are in season. TIME: 10 A.M. 2 P.M. WHERE TO MEET: Historic G Ranch, located on the right, six miles past Inverness on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. WHAT TO BRING: Water, picnic, walking shoes DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: COST: $20 / $25 non-member

MCEVOY RANCH
Friday, May 12

PLANTING & POLLINATING

Tour Nan McEvoys 550-acre organic olive ranch in a spectacular valley near the Marin-Sonoma Border. Walk among the flowering orchards and wildflowers and learn how olives are grown. This organic ranch is working to link the farmscape with the landscape to increase wildlife habitat. Then tour the olive pressing facility and watch as oil is pressed or extracted from the olives. Taste the oil and, if you like, purchase a variety of products made with this wonderful farm product. Limited to the first 40 reservations received by mail. Pre-registration required. TIME: 10 A.M. noon (Please arrive on time) WHERE TO MEET: McEvoy Ranch, 5 miles south of Petaluma at 5935 Red Hill Rd. (aka D Street or Point Reyes-Petaluma Rd). WHAT TO BRING: Water, walking shoes DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: COST: $15 / $20 non-member

GALE RANCH

BEEF COWS, WILDFLOWERS & BIRDS

Sunday, April 30
Walk along Chileno Creek on the Gale Ranch with owners Mike and Sally Gale and naturalist David Wimpfhiemer. Learn how creek restoration projects here have increased wildlife and neotropical migrant birds such as warblers, Warbling Vireo, and Bullocks Oriole. The open grasslands are great places to see a Western Bluebird, an Ash-throated Flycatcher and even a Golden Eagle, if were lucky. Hike over steep hills to find and identify lupine, checkerbloom and other spring wildflowers. Meet grass-fed beef cattle that Mike Gale raises and markets directly to consumers. Pre-registration required. TIME: 8:30 A.M. 1:30 P.M. WHERE TO MEET: Gale Ranch, 5105 Chileno Valley Rd. WHAT TO BRING: Water, picnic, hiking shoes, binoculars DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: COST: $20 / $25 non-members

WINDRUSH FARM FAMILY DAY

EARTH DAY
ON THE

FARM

Saturday, April 22
Picture baby animals bounding over spring-green fields. Feed the lambs, llamas, cows, and goats. Hunt for natures treasures and look for tadpoles in the creek. Mimi Luebbermann breeds and raises the historic Lincoln breed of sheep, prized for their long-haired fleece. She will show us various fleeces and wool products and teach us how to card, spin, and dye wool. Bring a picnic and enjoy lunch in the garden or out in the fields. A great tour for the whole family. Pre-registration required. TIME: 10:30 A.M. 1:30 P.M. WHERE TO MEET: 2263 Chileno Valley Rd., just south of Sonoma County line. From Marin, take Hicks Valley Rd. to Marshall-Petaluma Rd. Turn right on Wilson Hill Rd. Travel 3 miles to the farm. From Petaluma, take Western Ave. west 2 miles to Chileno Valley Rd. Travel 3.6 miles to the farm. WHAT TO BRING: Water, picnic, walking shoes DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: COST: $20 / $ 25 non-members ($10 for children, $55 for a family of 4 or more)

STRAUS DAIRY
ENERGY
FROM

COWS

Thursday, May 25
Albert Straus and Julian Kayne are your hosts again as you learn about the methane digester and other creative energy solutions Albert has implemented at his organic dairy, the first west of the Mississippi. Youll find out more about the issues facing family farms and watch the cows being milked in the dairy that was converted to organic production in 1993 and today milks 270 cows that are treated homeopathically. Pre-registration required. TIME: 1 3 P.M. WHERE TO MEET: Millerton Point Parking Lot, 5 miles north of Point Reyes Station. Carpool to dairy. WHAT TO BRING: Water, shoes that can get dirty DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: COST: $15 / $20 non-member

LUNNY RANCH & DRAKES BAY OYSTERS

OYSTERS, BEEF & ARTICHOKES

Saturday, May 6
Meet Kevin Lunny who grew up on a 1,500acre ranch on the Pt. Reyes Peninsula that is now Marins largest organically certified pastureland. In the 1970s, Kevins father, Joe, converted the operation from dairy to beef. A few years ago, Kevin converted that conventional herd to grass-fed and organic. To diversify his operation, he also planted five acres of artichokes, the same kind that grew in that region before it became a national park. He also purchased the former Johnsons Oysters located on Schooner

STRAUS DAIRY

SILAGE & HOMEOPATHY

Thursday, April 27
Join dairymen Albert Straus and Julian Kayne in the fields to learn about the practice of producing nutritious silage for animal feed. Silage is made up of forage plants such as legumes, grasses, or cereal grains grown specifically for feed then

M A R I N A G R I C U LT U R A L L A N D T R U S T
name(s)

HIKES & TOURS Registration Form

Space is limited, and tours fill up quickly. Registration is by mail only. Full payment is required, and all participants must pre-register by five days prior to event. Confirmations will be sent. Refunds are given only if MALT cancels a tour or if tour is already full. Please be prompt. Events are timed around the farms or dairys work schedules. We will be hiking and touring on private property. You have permission to enter for the hike or tour only. You may not re-enter at another time. Absolutely no pets allowed.

street

cut here

city telephone email

state

zip

RELEASE OF LIABILITY: Each participant must sign.

I am aware that accidents or injuries may occur during hiking and walking activities sponsored by Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT). I am voluntarily participating in these activities. I hereby agree to accept any and all risks of injury on behalf of myself and any of my minor children who may also participate in the activity. As consideration for being permitted to participate in this activity, I hereby release, discharge, waive, and relinquish any and all actions, causes of action, or claims for personal injury or damages that I, my assignees, heirs, and legal representatives may have now or hereafter against MALT or the property owner resulting from negligence or other acts, howsoever caused, by any employee, officer, agent, or contractor of MALT or the property owner arising from my participation or my child(ren)s participation in the activity. signature signature date date

Mail completed registration forms and signed release for each participant with checks made payable to MALT. Marin Agricultural Land Trust, Post Office Box 809, Point Reyes Station, California 94956 . 415-663-1158

Legacy Gifts Help Sustain the Future of Family Farms

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. MARGARET MEAD

Its true that a small group can change the world,

and malt is a perfect example of that. Malts creation was the result of a concerted effort on the part of individuals who valued agriculture and open space, rural life and genuine community, and who believed in the importance of preserving these aspects of Marin. A destination not only for Bay Area residents, but also for people from around the world, western Marin Countys unique and beautiful landscape is not what it is today by accident or luck. Partners for Preservation, malts planned giving program, provides an opportunity for you to make a charitable gift with your estate assets to help secure malts financial futureas well as our success in preserving agriculture and the working landscape in Marin Countyfor generations to come. Planned giving is a term that covers all kinds of charitable gifts including bequests, trusts, and gifts of retirement benefits. Such planning allows you to leave a real legacy with lasting, positive impact that continues far beyond your lifetime. Though Marin occupies a relatively small slice of the world, its beauty impresses visitors from far beyond the County boundaries. Malts mission, though local in scope, represents a national movement towards recognizing and protecting our agricultural heritage and the working landscapefundamental parts of Marins unique character. Since 1980, malt and its increasing membership (5,600 members to date) have helped protect more than 38,000 acres

of farmland throughout Marin. Over the next 25 years, with your help, we hope to preserve the 80,000 acres still at risk. We hope you will consider leaving a legacy gift to malt to protect the character and landscape of Marin County for future generations. We invite you to join our other supporters who have stepped forward to provide the philanthropic leadership and vision that is essential to sustain malts future.
Katie Medwar

MEMORIAL GIFTS
Memorial giving can be a way of healing as well as remembering. One way to celebrate the life of someone important to you who has passed away is to contribute a charitable gift in his or her memory. Here at MALT, we are honored to have received many generous memorial gifts in honor of Bill King, the late, celebrated Bay Area sportscaster who passed away last fall. Others have given thoughtful memorial gifts recently in memory of Susanna Jacobs, remembered as a longtime president of the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin. Gifts of this type commemorate the lifes work of these citizens, while supporting our farmland stewardship efforts. A memorial gift to MALT supports our Stewardship Fund, which acts as an endowment to ensure our ability to continue preserving farmland and safeguarding the integrity of our conservation easements in perpetuity. K.M.

For information about including MALT in your estate plan, or if you have any questions about Partners for Preservation, or to honor a loved one with a memorial gift, contact Development Director Rita Cummings at rcummings@malt.org or 415-663-1158 x 5.

will design the process and procedures this year, then test them with an initial round of applications in 2007. Full operations will be under way by 2008. Any land trust seeking accreditation must adopt LTAs Standards and Practices. First C O N T I N U E D F R O M PAG E O N E developed in 1989, the Standards and Practices are guidelines for responsible operation of a land trust. The accreditation process will use many of these as indicators of a land trusts ability to operate in a sound ethical, legal, and technical manner. LTAs Standards and Practices are organized into 12 Standards with supporting Practices. The Standards provide general statements covering all aspects of operations, including the organizations mission, board accountability, staff and volunteers, fundraising, financial management, transactional management, and easement stewardship. The Practices provide detailed guidance for fulfilling the requirements of each Standard. For example, Standard 1 requires a land trust to have a clear mission that serves a public interest, and all programs support that mission. Supporting Practices include periodic board review of the mission statement, establishment of strategic goals for implementing the mission, and regular communication of the land trusts mission and programs to members, donors, and the general public. Standards and Practices are adopted by a land trust through a formal resolution of its Board of Directors. After adoption, staff and board work together to implement them in a manner appropriate to the size and scope of their organization. They are intended to serve as guides for individual operations and also as an indication of each organizations commitment to upholding the credibility of the land trust community as a whole. Malt has adopted the LTA Standards and Practices and intends to apply for the Accreditation Program when applications become available. More information about these and other LTA activities is available at www.lta.org.

PUBLIC TRUST

Aimee Crawford
M A R I N A G R I C U L T U R A L L A N D T R U S T

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PA I D
Marin A g r i c u l t u ra l L a n d Tr u s t

M ARIN A GRICULTURAL L AND T RUST

Box 809 Point Reyes Station California 94956 malt.org

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

The MALT SHOP

MALT Tote Bag
perfect for the farmers market

MALT BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sam Dolcini, Chair Rancher, West Marin Warren Weber, Vice-Chair Organic Farmer,
Bolinas Attorney, Inverness Businessman, San Francisco Janeann Erickson Rancher, Tomales Phyllis Faber Biologist, Mill Valley Anne Flemming Community Volunteer, Ross Tim Furlong Rancher / Contractor, Tomales Tony Gilbert Lawyer, Marshall Joe Gillach Businessman, San Francisco Chris Kelly Conservationist, Larkspur Steve Kinsey Marin County Supervisor, 4th District Jim McIsaac Rancher, Novato Tim Nunes Rancher, Point Reyes Loren Poncia Rancher, Tomales Lynn Giacomini Stray Farmstead Cheese Producer, Point Reyes Station Bill Zimmerman Rancher, Marshall

20.00 18.00 16.00 20.00 15.00

Stan Gillmar, Secretary Doug Moore, Treasurer

100% cotton T-shirt 100% cotton T-shirt

(Adult S, M, L, XL) same design as tote bag (Youth XS, S, M, L) same design as tote bag spruce green, adjustable strap

100% cotton Baseball Cap

Ranches & Rolling Hills Collection

(a selection of 10 notecards with envelopes)

An Abundant Land: The Story of West Marin Ranching

an audio cassette driving tour narrated by Peter Coyote

Special price

5.00

Shipping/Handling: Add $5.00 per order

Total $
I want to help MALT preserve Marin Countys beautiful and productive agricultural land. Heres my tax deductible contribution of: $40 $75 $100 $250
Charge my

STAFF Robert Berner, Executive Director Aimee Crawford, Easement Program Manager Rita Cummings, Development Director Laura Holter, Bookkeeper Katie Medwar, Development Associate Tony Nelson, Stewardship Coordinator Laura Patterson, Membership & Database Manager Elisabeth Ptak, Associate Director/
Director of Outreach

Other $
VISA Mastercard American Express

Leah Smith, Education Associate Katherine Landreth, Office Manager Constance Washburn, Education Director

My check payable to MALT is enclosed

name street city telephone: card # signature email expiration date state zip

Marin Agricultural Land Trust

Post Office Box 809 Point Reyes Station, California 94956

415 663 1158 farmland @ malt.org

malt.org
Editor: Elisabeth Ptak. Graphic design: Gay Stack. Printed with soy ink on recycled paper.

MARIN AGRICULTURAL LAND TRUST is a private, member-supported, nonprofit organization created in 1980 by a coalition of ranchers and environmentalists to permanently preserve Marin County farmlands for agricultural use. MALT eliminates the development potential on farmland through the acquisition of conservation easements in voluntary transactions with landowners. MALT also encourages public policies which support and enhance agriculture.