Historic Sale for Black Mountain

April 15, 2021

Mr. Houtzager is not a rancher, so he plans to lean on experts at the Marin Agricultural Land Trust, which purchased the property’s development rights in 1993. Mr. Houtzager is a donor to MALT, and he views the land trust as a co-owner. He is bringing in new tenants and expanding the operations of existing producers—all in the name of sustainable, organic and local agriculture, fulfilling Mr. Osborn’s dream that he did not have the money to carry out. 

More stories like this:

Vibrant spring grass in Marin County rangelands. - MALT

This is Your Brain on Spring Grass

May 8, 2026

Grass fever is real. Here’s what’s behind it.

Read More

Why Cowboys Still Wear Blue Jeans

April 29, 2026

It’s embarrassing to admit, but for the past few years I’ve been actively pretending to be a cowboy. I start most mornings with Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” playing on repeat in my head. It started with wrestling goats — learning to manage a small herd on our twenty acres just north of San…

Read More

Remembering Rick Lafranchi

April 16, 2026

We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Rick Lafranchi, a beloved member of the Lafranchi family of Nicasio and a tireless ambassador for West Marin agriculture. Our hearts go out to his wife Debby, his siblings Randy, Scott, Jan, Diane, and Kimberly, his children and grandchildren, and to everyone who had the privilege…

Read More