From Our Volunteers: Why We’re Passionate About Land Conservation
By Courtney Biryukov,
Associate Director of Events
July 9, 2025
At the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT), our work to protect and preserve Marin County’s agricultural lands wouldn’t be possible without the passionate volunteers who give their time, energy, and hearts to our mission. They support so much of our work and are a driving force behind our community events.
We recently invited some of our new volunteers to share what inspires them to support MALT’s work. Their thoughtful responses reflect a deep connection to land stewardship, community, and a shared hope for future generations. Here’s a glimpse into what’s motivating this incredible group:
“Creating a Foundation for the Next Generation”
For Sonja Renner from San Rafael, who joined in December of 2024, volunteering with MALT represents a way to align her actions with her values. “I truly believe that if we create a healthy ecosystem, care for our land and our communities, we can build a more just future for the next generations and create a foundation for them to thrive,” she explains.
Sonja’s motivation goes beyond environmental protection—it’s about meaningful impact. “I personally like to be involved in an organization that makes a difference through meaningful programs, ensuring Marin County’s agricultural viability and helping to steward the health of the land.”
What has surprised her most about volunteering? The diversity of people who care about this work. “I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the diversity of guests attending MALT events. It’s been wonderful to see people of all ages and backgrounds showing interest in MALT’s work.”
“The Beauty and Uniqueness of Marin’s Agricultural Ecosystem”
Rob Forbes from San Francisco puts it simply: he’s motivated by “the mission of MALT” and “a love for the beauty and uniqueness of the Marin agriculture ecosystem.” His experience volunteering has connected him more deeply with the MALT team, and he’s been impressed by “the effectiveness of the way the events are managed.” Rob joined the team in September of 2024.
“Preserving Open Space for Everyone”
Nancy Wilson from Novato, who joined the volunteer team in February of 2025, appreciates how MALT’s work benefits the entire community. “I like the idea of preserving open space in Marin,” she says. Through volunteering, she’s discovered an unexpected reward: “I enjoy meeting the local ranching community. I never would have met so many wonderful ranchers.”
Nancy has been consistently impressed by the quality of MALT’s events: “The events I’ve been at are so well put together. All the attendees seem to really enjoy them…The way MALT goes all out for these events. They really do a great job.”
“Small Agriculture and Land Conservation”
Michael Smiley from Sausalito joined in November of 2024 and brings years of support for small-scale agriculture to his volunteer work with MALT. While he’s still early in his volunteer journey, he sees tremendous potential: “I think there’s potentially a great deal [of impact] in the community, based more on my past experience as an event attendee.”
The Ripple Effect of Land Stewardship & MALT Volunteers
What emerges from these volunteer stories is a common thread: the belief that caring for the land creates connections that extend far beyond conservation. As Sonja notes, “when someone feels a genuine connection to the land and all who live on it, it inspires care and advocacy. That sense of stewardship is the foundation for Marin’s sustainable economy, agriculture, and climate future.”
These volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds—from strategy and operations to marketing—and are eager to contribute their unique skills to support MALT’s mission. They find joy in connecting with like-minded individuals, learning from local ranchers, and taking part in events that unite the community around shared values. As we continue to grow our efforts, volunteers are essential to our work, and we’re so grateful to have them as part of the MALT community.
Interested in joining us? Every volunteer we spoke to said the sign-up process was easy and seamless—complete our volunteer form to explore current opportunities and become part of this welcoming community of land stewards.