spring 2010 marin agricultural land trust newsletter

8/8/2019 Spring 2010 Marin Agricultural Land Trust Newsletter

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harlie Spaletta wasonly fourteen atthe time, but every

morning he and his brotherloaded cans of milk from thebarn on his familys dairyonto a truck and headed offto high school in Petaluma,

seven miles away. Wedpark on the main street,and wed go to school. Somesmall outfit in Berkeley senta truck up, put the cans ontheir truck, and took themback. Theyd leave us emptycans to bring home.

All in a days work fora West Marin farm boy in1949.

Early last fall, MarinAgricultural Land Trust

purchased an agricultural con-servation easement on that samedairythe 772-acre Cypress LaneRanch. Members of the Spalettafamily have owned the ranch since1933. Charlie Spaletta and his sonTony run a Grade A Holstein dairycow operation there, producingfluid milk for the Bay Area.

Prominently located on PointReyes-Petaluma Road at its inter-section with Novato Boulevard,

Cypress Lane Ranch becomes partof a greenbelt of protected historicfarmland on the road leading toPetaluma. Seventy-five percent ofthe property is grasslands, providingextensive pastures, while silage isgrown for feed on the southwesternpart of the ranch.

MALT made the purchase withfinancial assistance from the Depart-ment of Conservations CaliforniaFarmland Conservancy Program andthe United States Department of

Agriculture, Natural Resources andConservation Service (NRCS), pay-ing the appraised value of $2,495,00for the easement. The department oConservation and NRCS providedgrants to MALT of $831,667 eachfor the project. The remaining thirdof the funds was raised from MALT

members and supporters.

After high school, Charliejoined the Air Force, serving asan airplane and engine mechanwith the Strategic Air CommandWhen he returned to the ranchin 1954, his father was ready toturn the business over to him.By that time, the herd of cowsnumbered about 100, and stain-less steel milk pipelinessome othe first in Marin Countyhadbeen installed from the milkingbarn to a holding tank. Thedays of teenagers driving milk toPetaluma were over.

Now Charlie has passed themanagement of the dairy on tohis son Tony, whose crew milks500 cows a day. As a youngster,I always had 4-H projects, saysTony who lives on the ranchwith his wife Nadine, son Jake,and daughter Alicia. I was in

FFA. I always enjoyed the cows,and I just stayed with it. Todayhes part of an industry that hasstruggled to survive in the pastyear. Its volatile, Tony says, Ithard to compete.

But he and his father havehopes that things are changingfor the better. Early rains havebrightened pastures and promisa good grass year. The cullingof dairy herds throughout the

Cypress Lane ranChnow partof GreenbeLtof proteCted Lan

r Roberts

Continued paGe t h

Spring 2010 Volme 26 Nmber 1 www.m

Changes in agricltre in the past few yearshave breathed new life into Marins farmingtraditions. Some family farms have diversiedinto grass-fed beef and lamb, artisan cheese-maing, and organic row crops. The poplarityof farmers marets is at an all-time high. Andafter a difcult year, the dairy industry seemspoised to rebond. Bt 30 years ago, Marin

agricltre appeared destined to fade away, avictim of changing economics and pro-devel-opment politics. Thats when dairywoman EllenStras and biologist Phyllis Faber came p withthe vision of a land trst that wold preserveMarin Conty farmland forever. Marin Agricl-tral Land Trst has so far protected more than41,500 acres on 64 family farms and ranches.Watch for or 30th anniversary events all yearlong, beginning on March 20, when MALTmembers are invited to the inagral tor ofthe Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese CompanyClinary Center. Details on page 5.

C

MALTnewsMarin agricultural land trust

Malt Begins 30thanniversaryyear

GenerationaLChanGe

aConservationoption

The Spaletta familys Cypress Lane Ranch

30 yearsr e s e r v i n g m a r i n c o u n t y a r m l a n d


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ago we announced theinitiation of the Marin CarbonProject (MCP), an ambitious effortto determine whether managementcan affect the amount of carbonsequestered in Marins rangelandsoils. The first years results are in,and theyre clear: certain rangelandmanagement practices can signifi-cantly increase soil carbon seques-tration, and with multiple benefits.

Global climate change is theresult of the build-up of carbon diox-ide (CO2) in the atmosphere fromland-use practices and the burning ofcarbon-based fuels previously storedbelow ground as oil, gas, and coal.Scientists are seeking to reverse thistrend by decreasing CO2 emissionsand by increasing soil organic matter,which contains carbon.

Plants use CO2 from theatmosphere to build organic matterthrough photosynthesis. There maybe a limit to how much carbon canbe retained by soil systems, but soilcarbon sequestration could help re-duce atmospheric levels of CO2 longenough to provide time to developnon-fossil fuel energy options. Sincea third of the worlds land (and56% of California) is rangeland,the potential role of grass in thisprocess is significant. Marin has140,000 acres of rangeland.

In its first year, MCP scientists

measured the effect compost canhave on grass growth and soil carbon.At a MALT-sponsored event at theInstitute at the Golden Gate late lastyear, Professor Whendee Silver, a UCBerkeley biogeochemist and MCPlead scientist, presented her findings:land management, rather thanweather and soil type, had the greatesteffect on carbon levels in tested soils.

Dr. Silvers team successfullyadded 14.8 metric tons of carbonper hectare to test plots on the Wick

Ranch in Nicasio and the SierraFoothills Research and ExtensionCenter in Browns Valley duringthe first treatment year. I spread ahalf-inch layer of compost on testplots. It was easy, and the increasein forage was impressive, said JohnWick, who volunteers as director forthe MCP. Atmospheric CO2 is anabundant resource that can improvefood-producing soils. A full life-cycle

analysis will determine the limitsand feasibility of this practice on abroader scale.

Next steps will include testing dif-ferent types of compost, comparisonsbetween compost and manure, anda life-cycle evaluation of rangelandversus feedlot animal productionpractices. Translating scientific find-ings into policy and on-the-groundpractices that can be implemented ona local, regional, and global scale isanother component of the next phase.

How does this affect thework were doing at MALT? TheMCP highlights its importance.As ranchers adopt practices thatsequester carbon and markets for

carbon trading emerge, they may beable to offer carbon credits andecological services, potentially

increasing farm income. This willhelp diversify the ranching economyand make agricultural livelihoods acritical factor in solving the climatecrisis. Implementation of thesepractices will increase the valueof protecting ranchland, too, andpotentially enhance MALTs abilityto secure grants.

With wise management,MALTs permanent conservationeasements can protect carbonalready in the soil as well the lands

continuing ability to sequester morecarbon. They can provide ecologicalservices such as water filtration,wildlife habitat, and a host of otherpublic benefits, not the least ofwhich is food production.

The MCP is a collaborative

effort that includes USDA (NRCS),University of California, University

of California Cooperative Extension,Marin Resource Conservation District,

Marin County Agricultural Commis-sioner, Marin Organic, and MALT.The Marin Community Foundation

is providing multi-year grant support.Information is available at www.

marincarbonproject.org.

2

ayear

GrowinG Grass to savethe pLanet:

a Marin Carbon projeCt update

M a r i n A g r i c u l t u r a l L a n d T r u s t


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MALTs 2010 landscape art show

promises to maintain its 12-yeartradition as one of northern Cali-

fornias premier art events and a

signicant fundraiser for our farm-

land preservation program. Since1998, a select grop of artists has

participated in the show to help

preserve their inspirationMarins

agricltral landscape. The art-wors depict farms protected by

MALT agricltral conservationeasements, ranches located in

Point Reyes National Seashore,and other private farmlandsall

of them reecting the human and

natral history that mae West

Marin sch a special and belovedplace. The Satrday preview ln-

cheon always sells ot qicly, so

watch for yor invitation which will

be mailed the rst week of March.

This year yoll be able to registeronline, too. Pictred: Hicks Valley

Girls by J. Thomas Soltesz.

eatinG LoCaLLy

the last few years, the local foodmovement has gained traction, andthe term locavore has become part

of our lexicon. While the definitionof locally grown may vary fromperson to person, the spirit of eat-ing locally is fairly universal: eatseasonally appropriate food grownnear where you live.

Fortunately for those of us inthe Bay Area, a great variety of foodcan grow here, and our growingseason is long. In Marin its simplerstill. Gaze toward the ocean, towardthe setting sun. Farms and ranchesabound. Could it be more local? We

have bountiful resources for fruit,vegetables, dairy products, and meat.Even the term locavore has localroots. The word was coined in PointReyes Books on May 31, 2005, bystaff person Sage Van Wing on the

phone with author Jessica Prentice.There are undeniable benefits

to a local food system. In todays

financial climate, probably the mostforceful argument in favor of buyinglocal is the benefit to the localeconomy: food dollars stay in thecommunity. In 2008, Marin Countyproduced more than $63 million dol-lars in livestock, livestock products(mostly dairy), feed, and organic rowcrops. A thriving local agriculturalcommunity employs people directlyon the farm or ranch and alsothrough various industries associatedwith farmingbutchers, bakers,

cheesemakers, etc. These are peoplewho pay taxes, use local services, andspend money, locally.

Theres the environmental angleas wellfood consumed near whereit is grown produces fewer food

miles. And while arguments havebeen made for the economies ofshipping a container-load of goods

overseas vs. a truckload on groundcommon sense would indicate theadvantages of a Bay Area residentconsuming a head of lettuce growin West Marin over a similar headof lettuce grown in Mexico.

While definitions of local vary,one thing is certain: without localfarms, there is no local food. Thanto MALT, many families have beenable to stay on their land to pursueagricultural interests and participatin the local food system. The rest

of us, eaters and buyers alike, haveour work cut out for us: learn whicfoods are produced in Marin, andshop at farmers markets and retailthat carry them.

HilaryJeff

Over

p r e s e r v i n g m a r i n c o u n t y a r m l a n d

Marin Agricltral Land Trst News is pblished qarterly by Marin Agricltral Land Trst,a nonprot, tax-exempt organization. Editor: Elisabeth Pta Graphic Design: Gay Stac

Marin aGriCuLturaL Land trust

PO Box 809, Point Reyes StationCalifornia 94956-0809

nation has decreased the supply of milkwhich the Spalettas predict will result i

an increase in the state-regulated priceproducers like them receive.The Spaletta family corporations sale of an easement to MALT allow

Charlie and Tony to continue leasing the property from the familycorporation. And it has given them a stability that will help them planfor the future.

I thought it was a good idea myself, Charlie says. It was an opportunity you didnt have previously. Youd have to sell for development orsomething else if you didnt have MALT. Its been a help, a great help.

Cypress LaneC o n t i n u e d f r o M p a G e o n e

Charlie Spaletta (second from left) with his sonsBrian and Tony and Tonys children Alicia and Jae

Locavore: one who maes an effort to base his or her diet on seasonal food grown and prodced locally

Ranches &Rolling Hills

LandsCape art show & saLe

May 15 & 16


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favorite part of the year forthe stewardship staff is the timewhen we get to spend a day oneach of the properties protected bya MALT easement. From the saltmarshes along Tomales Bay to theDouglas-fir forest atop Hicks Moun-tain, these annual monitoring visitsgive us a unique view of the diversenatural landscape of West Marin.

Each monitoring season, which

begins in early July and ends at theclose of the year, we meet with ease-ment landowners to discuss grassesand thistles, streams and springs,fences and troughs, plans for theupcoming year, and any manage-ment challenges or opportunities wemight assist with. We also traverseeach ranch to assess the conditionof the land and its natural and

agricultural resources. These walkstake us through open grasslands,into alder groves, along estuariesand stream corridors, up forestedhills and down again through oakwoodland canyons.

Since its founding, MALT hasprotected more than 41,500 acresof farmland. Open grasslandsand fertile floodplains make up30,000 acres of that total and

provide important agriculturalvalues to the ranching communitywhile supporting a wide range ofecological values. These includecritical nesting and foraginghabitat for birds such as westernmeadowlarks, and grasshopperand savannah sparrows.

Easement-protected ranchesalso sustain over 8,000 acres of oakwoodlands, mixed evergreen, andDouglas-fir forests, home to bothlarge and small mammals includingmountain lions, bobcats, coyotes,gray foxes, American badgers, andblack-tailed deer. We recorded sit-ings of each of these species duringour 2009 monitoring visits. MarinCountys California bay forestsand oak woodlands also have thestates highest density of Northernspotted owls, an estimated 6070nesting pairs.

The steep topography and associ-ated drainages and streams charac-

teristic of Marins coastal watershedsprovide needed habitat for cohosalmon and steelhead trout. MALTeasements located along Walker,Salmon, Chileno, Lagunitas,and Stemple creeks offer over 17stream miles of potential spawninggrounds. Perennial streams alsosupport healthy populations ofthree other native California fishspeciesthreespine stickleback,California roach, and sculpin. And,as we so delightfully discovered one

day hiking along Walker Creek,these streams are also home to theriver otter.

As we continue in our missionto preserve the countys remainingfarmland, we are also increasinglymindful, along with our partnerorganizations and the ranchingcommunity, of the many importantecosystem services this diverse natu-ral landscape providesfrom carbon

sequestration in rangeland soils tospawning habitat for coho salmonand steelhead trout. The future ofCalifornias rangeland and MALTslong-term success rest in our abilityto continue to find and value thecommonalities between agriculturaland conservation interests.

PatriciaHickey

4 M a r i n A g r i c u l t u r a l L a n d T r u s t

appreCiatinGthe diverse naturaL

LandsCapesof proteCted farMLandthe

Galen Leeds

Please tae a moment to tae a

loo at one of the most importantthings in this newsletterthe

membership envelope in themiddle. If yore not yet a mem-

ber, we hope yoll join today. If

yore already a member, were

gratefl for yor spport, andhope yoll consider sending an

additional gift to help preserve

more Marin farmland. If yove

received this newsletter in themail, yo can tell if yore a MALT

member by checing the address

label on the bac page.As a MALT member, yollreceive this newsletter and invita-

tions to members-only events.

Bt perhaps the most important

benet is knowing youre doingsomething today to help preserve

Marins beatifl farmland forever.

This year, as we lanch or forth

decade, were raising fnds to pr-

chase easements on 3,500 acres,an ambitios goal, bt with yor

help, we now well scceed.

Bobcat on Marin ranchland


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Robert Giacomini Dairy & Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Clinary CenterSatrday, March 20

Celebrate our 30th anniversary at the inaugural tour of the new culinary facilities at the Giacomini Dairy. View the milking parlor, cheesemaking room, an

methane digester, then taste local wine and cheese in the new culinary center. Easement Program Director Jeff Stump wil l join Bob Giacomini and his daug

ter Lynn Stray to describe what it takes to preserve a farm. This unique opportunity i s for MALT members only.* Space is limited. Pre-registration required

Time: 1:30 4:30 P.m. Whatto Bring: All-weather clothing

CosT: $50 / MALT members only*. Not a member? Join now at www.malt.org. Degreeof Difficulty:

WhereTomeeT: West Marin School 11550 Hwy. 1, Point Reyes Station. All must carpool to Giacomini Dairy.

noW: Register for HIkES & TOuRS online at www.malt.org!For fll descriptions, directions to farm locations, and on-line registration,please visit www.malt.org. pLus: Were adding more tors all the time. Chec or website reglarly for special tors not inclded in or printed newsletter

De to ongoing concerns abot disease, we asthat individals who have visited farms otside theu.S.A. p to 10 days prior to events not participatein farm tors. Weather can change qicly in WestMarin. Bring a jacet for warmth, a hat for protectionfrom the sn, and a daypac for food & drins. m . Pleasechec with MALT. For more detailed directions to aHies & Tors meeting place, phone 415-663-1158,Monday Friday, 9 a.M.5 p.M. or visit www.malt.org

e: Flat or very little slope in adistance of less than one mile

m:Varied, mild terrain foroneve miles

df: Steep terrain and/or overve miles

t: Activities appropriatefor a family

I wold lie to sign p for the following MALT Hies & Tors:Hies & Tors title # people date cost

$

$

$

Total $

r b www... Space is limited, and tours ll up at different rates. We donot have waiting lists. Pay total de by chec or charge to VISA, Mastercard, or American Ex-press. Full payment is required with registration. Conrmations will be sent. Refunds made only ifMALT cancels a tor, or if tor is already fll. Please be prompt. Events are timed arond the worday schedles of the farm or ranch. Hies & Tors are on private property; yo have permission toenter for the MALT event only. Yo may not re-enter at another time. ab w

p .

pre-registration required unless otherWise noted

M A R I N A G R I C u L T u R A L L A N D T R u S T HIkES & TOuRS Registration For

hikestourstalkr e s e r v i n g m a r i n c o u n t y a r m l a n dMarin agricultural land trust

SPRING 20


6/8

Artisan Cheese FestivalSheraton Hotel, PetalmaMarch 2629Enjoy creamery tours, an 8-course dinner, cheeseappreciation classes, and a lively marketplace.

Well be there with our MALT booth, and cheesemade from milk produced on MALT easements

will be featured along with other artisan andhandcrafted cheeses. The festival contributes 10%to its nonprofit partners, including MALT. For thefull schedule, visit ar tisancheesefestival.com.

Leiss & Corda RanchesWildowers & VineyardsSatrday, March 27

Wander in pastures and through the woods withNancy Leiss Chaffin on her familys ranch in Chileno

Valley where wildflowers grow in profusion. Botanistand MALT co-founder Phyllis Faber will join Nancyto help us identify the flowers. From there, hikeoverland to the Corda Vineyard. At the vineyard

well hear from Mark Pasternak, Marins most prolificgrape grower. Pre-registration required.Time: 10a.m. 3 P.m.WhereTomeeT: 179 Wilson Hill Rd.

Whatto Bring: Lunch, water, hiking bootsDegreeof Difficulty:

CosT: $25 / $ 35 non-members

Barboni RanchSatrday, April 3

Join Patricia Hickey, MALTs Stewardship Director,and Bill Barboni, rancher, veterinarian, and pastMALT board member, for a strenuous hike aroundhis familys 2,500-acre beef ranch. Youll seespectacular views from the top of Hicks Mountainand visit hidden lakes and valleys. Learn about theranching operation from Bill and the stewardshipprogram from Patricia. Pre-registration required.Time: 10a.m. 3 P.m.WhereTomeeT:

1052 Hicks Valley Rd., PetalumaWhatto Bring: Lunch, water, boots that can getdirty & wetDegreeof Difficulty:

CosT: $25 / $ 35 non-members

April Family Day!Tresch Dairy & Art MaingSatrday, April 17

Join Kathy and Joe Tresch on their 2,100-acre dairywhich supplies milk to Straus Organic Creamery.Feed a calf, see the milking parlor, churn butter fromcream, and hike along the creek to the apple orchard

and garden. Renowned storyteller and artist AneCarla Rovetta will tell stories and lead art activities forparents and kids, using natural materials and chalksmade from local soils. Pre-registration required.Time: 10a.m. 2 P.m. Please arrive promptly.WhereTomeeT: 1170 Walker Rd., Two RockWhatto Bring: Lunch, water, layered clothes,shoes that can get dirtyDegreeof Difficulty:

CosT: $20 / $25 non-members; $10 / $12 children

Food & Farming on the urban EdgeDr. Temple GrandinSnday, April 18Best-selling author and animal welfare advocate Dr.Temple Grandin designs livestock-handling facilitiesand is a Professor of Animal Science. Her booksincludeAnimals In Translation. She identifies coreemotional needs of animals and explains how to fulfillthem. Whether its creating a healthy environment fordogs or keeping pigs from being bored, Dr. Grandinteaches us to challenge assumptions about animalcontentment and honor our bond with our fellowcreatures. Co-sponsored with Point Reyes Books &Matrix Parent Network. Pre-registration required.Time: 3 P.m.

WhereTomeeT: Tobys Feed Barn, 11250 Highway 1,Point Reyes StationWhatto Bring: Layered clothingCosT: $10 / $15 non-member

McEvoy Olive RanchFriday, April 30McEvoy Ranch links the farmscape with the landscapeto increase wildlife habitat. Celebrate Arbor Day with18,000 organic olive trees at Nan McEvoys 550-acreranch in a spectacular valley near the Marin-Sonomaborder. Learn how olives are grown, then walkthrough the olive-pressing facility. Taste the oil and,if you like, purchase items made with this wonderfulfarm product. Pre-registration required.Time: 9:45 a.m. noon. Please arrive on time.

WhereTomeeT: 5935 Red Hill Rd., PetalumaWhatto Bring: Water, walking shoes, portablechair if neededDegreeof Difficulty:

CosT: $15 / $20 non-member

May Family Day! Windrsh FarmSatrday, May 8Bring your children to the farm! Feed lambs, llamas,cows, and goats, then search for tadpoles in the pond.Enjoy handmade pizza cooked in an outdoor, wood-fired oven. Mimi Luebermann raises sheep for wooland spins her own yarns. Shell show us fleeces and

wool products and teach carding and spinninpicnic items to enjoy with the pizza. Pre-regirequired.Time: 10:30 a.m. 1:30 P.m.WhereTomeeT: 2263 Chileno Valley Rd.Whatto Bring: Lunch, water, shoes that cdirtyDegreeof Difficulty:

CosT: $20 / $25 non-members; $10 / $12 ch

Stras Family Creamery PartneDairy TorsTresch Dairy & Westview Jersey RanchSee www.malt.org for detailsThis year MALT is very excited to partner witStraus family to offer tours of two organic dasupply milk to the Straus Creamery. These tobe offered each season and are open to the whfamily. A variety of activities will be offered ining feeding a calf, butter-making, and observimilking parlor in action. Details at www.maltPre-registration required.

Painting on the Farmwith Timothy Horn

May 2931A graduate of the Cooper Union School of Arairartist Timothy Horn has participated in MARanches & Rolling Hills Landscape Art Show sin2004. His popular 3-day workshop is held outda ranch protected by a MALT easement and indemonstrations, discussions on materials, scention, composition, value, and brushwork with and individual attention each day. Open to beand intermediate students. More informationhorndesign.com. Pre-registration required.Time: 9 a.m. 4 P.m. each dayWhereTomeeT & Whatto Bring: Direcand supply list sent two weeks prior to worksCosT: $360 / $420 non-member

HOLD THESE DATES!Earth Day 2010 CelebrationSatrday, April 24The 40th anniversary of Earth Day will be aevent with partners Marin Link, Next GeneMarin County Bicycle Coalition, Hannah DEvents, and others.

Pinot Noir Wine Tastingat Escalle WinerySatrday, Jne 12Marin Winegrowers Association event benefit

6 M a r i n A g r i c u l t u r a l L a n d T r u s t

M A R I N A G R I C u L T u R A L L A N D T R u S T HIkES & TOuRS Registration Form

!

cuthere

!

Mail completed registration form with checs made payable to MALT.

Marin Agricultural Land Trust, Post Ofce Box 809, Point Reyes Station, California 94956 . 415-663-1158p .

name

street

city state zip

telephone email

card# expiration date

signatre

ab w.

Id also lie to become a MALT member.

$500 Patron $250 Sponsor $100 Associate $75 Spporter $40 Individal

Chec enclosed Charge my credit card t e $

Doglas irises on Marin ra


7/8

MaLt day

a suCCess!

thankyou

toour

business partnerssuccess over the

past 30 years is due in part to thethousands of donors who share ourmission to preserve farmland inMarin. Many have been members ofMALT for decades. Their continu-ous support has been essential ingrowing the organization into amodel of farmland preservation.

Two of these donors are Rick andRoberta Cummings. Rick has beena Nicasio resident for more than 25years, and considers it a little pieceof paradise. When he first intro-

duced Roberta to West Marin, shefound the countryside said homeloud and clear. They have beenMALT supporters since 1988.

Although they now divide theirtime between southern and northernCalifornia, West Marin will alwaysbe the place they most want to be.When we drive the back roads andhike the local trails, we feel this isone of the most beautiful places inthe entire world, says Roberta. Wesupport preserving its magnificentfarmlands, ranches, and open spaces.It is inspiring to realize that MALTsinnovative model is being replicatedthroughout the U.S.

Philanthropy has deep rootsin Ricks familyhe and Robertaare both active in the foundationfounded by Ricks grandfather,Nathan Cummings, who rose fromimpoverished immigrant beginnings

to found the Sara Lee Corporation

As part of its mission, the NathanCummings Foundation seeks to buia socially and economically just societhat values nature and protects theecological balance for future generations. As Rick says, Giving back tothe community was a deeply heldvalue in the familys collective psychreiterated by each generation.

Explaining their philosophy ofphilanthropy, Roberta says, Therare so many in our community whdo exceptionally good work. There

are always more organizations seeking funding than funds available.We try to support, personally as was through the Nathan CummingsFoundation, those nonprofits we fmost connected to.

We are deeply appreciative ofthe ongoing generous donationsfrom the Nathan CummingsFoundation, including a $20,000grant received in December 2009

As a community we all facethe opportunities and challengesof supporting our existing ruralcommunity, says Roberta. To assithe farmers and landowners througMALTs land protection plan is vitato many of these families livelihoodHelping our neighbors protect theirland, which enriches our lives also,benefits everyone. We must all takethe opportunity to support MALT.

DeboraH WH

donor profiLe:

riCk & roberta CuMMinGsMalts

yOu can have a vision of what yowant the ftre to loo lie, and yo canmae it happen, says MALT co-fonderPhyllis Faber. Former Marin Conty S-

pervisor Gary Giacomini, who served onthe fonding board of directors of MALTagrees, Its glorios to be involved in aneffort that lasts forever, he says.

By inclding MALT in yor estateplan, yo can create yor own endringlegacy and have an impact far beyondyor own lifetime. Yor planned gift willfnd conservation easements that perma-nently preserve family farms and ranches.It will help MALT monitor and enforceeasements in perpetity, and connectschool children, teachers, and parents to

the people and places that grow or food.Become a Partner for Preservation.

Be a visionary. Leave a legacy. Preservethe character and rral landscape ofMarin Conty for ftre generations.

For more information abot maing abeqest or another planned gift to MALT,please phone Director of Developmentkristine Ball at 415-663-1158 or visitwww.malt.org/plannedgiving.

Pictured: Phyllis Faber and the lateEllen Straus, co-founders of MALT,

on Ellens Marshall dairy ranch in 2000

partnersforpreservation

p r e s e r v i n g m a r i n c o u n t y a r m l a n d

Wed lie to extend or gratitdeto the bsinesses and restarantsthat donated a percentage of theirearnings to MALT on December 11.Thans to Cowgirl Creamery, theFarmhose Restarant at Point ReyesSeashore Lodge, Nics Cove, OsteriaStellina, the Palace Maret, and theStation Hose Caf. And we appladthe commnity spirit of or membersand spporters who braved the wet

winter weather to shop and dine atthese ne establishments.


8/8

Marin agricultural land truis a private, member-supported, nonprot orgzation created in 1980 by a coalition of ranchand environmentalists to permanently preseMarin Conty farmlands for agricltral se. Meliminates the development potential on farmlthrogh the acqisition of conservation easemein volntary transactions with landowners. MA

also encorages pblic policies which spport enhance agricltre.

MALTr e s e r v i n g m a r i n c o u n t y a r m l a n dMarin agricultural land trustst Office Box 809

int Reyes Station

lifornia 94956

E T u R N S E R V I C E R E Q u E S T E D

Nonprot Oru.S. Postage

PAIDMarin

AgricltraLand Trst

MALT BOARD OF DIRECTORSLynn Giacomini Stray, Chair Farmstead Cheese

Prodcer, Point Reyes StationSe Conley, Vice-Chair Artisan Cheesemaer,

Point Reyes StationRic Lafranchi, Secretary Bsinessman,

San AnselmoGail Seneca, Treasurer Writer, InvernessBob Bingham Investment Advisor, San FranciscoPhyllis Faber, Co-founder Biologist, Mill Valley

Anne Flemming Commnity Volnteer, RossMie Gale Rancher, Chileno ValleyTony Gilbert Lawyer, MarshallJoe Gillach Bsinessman, MarinDominic Grossi Dairyman, NovatoSteve kinsey Spervisor, 4th DistrictPeter Martinelli Vegetable grower, BolinasJim McIsaac Rancher, NovatoSabin Phelps Conservationist, Stinson BeachLoren Poncia Rancher, TomalesJlie Rossotti Farmer/rancher, Point Reyes

STAFFRobert Berner,Executive DirectorElisabeth Pta, Associate Directorkristine Ball, Director of Developmentkelly Brown, Major Gifts OfcerChristine Harvey, Database ManagerSandy Diers, Farm Field Studies EducatorPatricia Hicey, Stewardship DirectorHilary Jeffris, Outreach AssistantCindy Jordan,Art Show AssociateAllison kiehl, Stewardship AssociateVictoria Moore, Development AssistantMia Pelletier, Volunteer Program ManagerBarbara Petty,Director of Finance & AdministrationHope Ratner, Ofce ManagerJeff Stmp, Easement Program DirectorConstance Washbrn, Education DirectorDeborah White, Annual Giving OfcerHelen Zcer, Accounting & Administrative Associa

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Marinagriculturallandtrust

Post Ofce Box 809

Point Reyes Station, California 94956415 663 1158

[email protected]

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Ranches & Rolling Hills Collection

Silscreened from a woodct by Ric Lyttle, based on a design byMALTs co-fonder Ellen Stras. 100% organic cotton.

Yoth sizes XS, S, M, L $15Womens sizes S, M, L $20Mens sizes M, L, XL $20

Boxed set of 10 full-color greeting cards with envelopes (pictred above) Boxes @ $20 =

Shipping/Handling: Add $8.00 per order

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MALT Shop prchases increase awareness of or farmland conservation efforts & raise fnds for MALT.

Shop for these &other items atmalt.org

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Organic cotton t-shirts for kids and adults

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spring 2010 marin agricultural land trust newsletter

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