Latest Straus family organic product: a solo show about its matriarch

October 24, 2022

When Vivien Straus was growing up in West Marin, the newspaper would come a day or two late. The family mail wasn’t addressed with a street, just the town of Marshall and the state. With limited water on the property, which overlooks Tomales Bay and Highway 1, each of the family’s four children had to shower in less than three minutes — and in summer, with reserves even lower, in less than 60 seconds. Even drinking water was rare.

But if you were the child of Marin Agricultural Land Trust co-founder and renowned dairy farmer Ellen Straus, another option was available.

More stories like this:

Cowboy in Marin County looking for cows on Mount Burdell.

Why Some Ranchers Still Use Horses

July 10, 2025

Why ranchers still use horses: first cattle roundup experience reveals the science behind cowboy tradition.

Read More

From Our Volunteers: Why We’re Passionate About Land Conservation

July 9, 2025

Meet the passionate volunteers driving MALT’s mission forward—from creating foundations for future generations to preserving Marin’s unique agricultural ecosystem.

Read More

A Purposeful Retirement Begins with a First Gift to the Land

July 7, 2025

Wisconsin farm roots inspire Bay Area retiree’s first gift to agricultural land preservation.

Read More