Colorado West Land Trust, a pioneer in land conservation, turns 40

January 6, 2021

“Mesa dates back to 1980,” Dempsey said. “It is one of just a small handful of agricultural land trusts now celebrating its 40th (anniversary). This group includes AFT and the Marin Agricultural Land Trust — I can’t think of any others. These groups were at the forefront of private conservation organizations in responding to the conversion of agricultural land to development.”

Moira Kuhn: Building a Farm on Borrowed Ground

February 23, 2026

Moira Kuhn has farmed Marin County for over two decades without ever owning the land—and what’s at stake if farmers like her can’t stay.

Rolling green hills of Spring Valley Ranch at sunset, with cattle grazing in the valley below and the Soulajule Reservoir winding through the landscape, surrounded by protected Marin County ranchland.

How to Read a Ranch: What One Photograph Tells Us

February 19, 2026

What 1,179 acres of protected farmland actually does — and why it matters

Dayna Ghirardelli leans against wooden corral rails at Duncan Ranch, wearing a black pullover and jeans, with cattle handling equipment and green pastures visible behind her

Dayna Ghirardelli: One Woman’s Fight for North Bay Farms

February 11, 2026

Dayna Ghirardelli led the coalition that defeated Measure J by 85%, protecting Sonoma County’s family farms from a ballot measure that threatened to shut down ranching operations across the North Bay.

Colorado West Land Trust, a pioneer in land conservation, turns 40

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Moira Kuhn: Building a Farm on Borrowed Ground

How to Read a Ranch: What One Photograph Tells Us

Dayna Ghirardelli: One Woman’s Fight for North Bay Farms