Cheese, Bees, and Innovative Land Management — An insider’s look at western Marin County

Jennifer Maude Carlin - MALT

By Jennifer Carlin, Deputy Director

November 16, 2021

Join correspondent Laurie McAndish King as she chats with Vivien Straus, a Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) board member, at Straus Home Ranch in the rolling hills of Marshall, California. The organization works with local ranchers—many of whom are struggling now because of the drought—to help them stay on their land, address climate change, and experiment with innovative ways to manage water. Vivien knows the creameries in West Marin and Sonoma, and has been impressed with the area’s particularly skillful craft cheesemakers.

More stories like this:

Close up view of tarantula hawk - MALT

Tarantula Hawk: These Wasps Lay Their Eggs in the Backs of Tarantulas

October 9, 2025

The tarantula hawk delivers the second most painful sting on Earth—but what it does to its victims is infinitely worse.

Read More

Bright orange pumpkins at a patch in Marin County - MALT

Where to Find Pumpkins in Marin County

September 30, 2025

We bring you the latest on where to enjoy the season’s harvest, partake in spooky fall delights, and pick up your home’s gourd season decor. 

Read More

Marin County ranchlands - strategic framework.

MALT Launches New Strategic Framework

September 26, 2025

After protecting 59,000 acres, MALT’s new strategy tackles the next challenge: keeping farms viable for the next generation.

Read More