3900 Lennane Drive, Suite 210, Sacramento, CA 95834
916 444-2096
916 329-3488 Fax www.rangelandtrust.org
MURPHY RANCH: CALLED BY THE LAND
A few generations ago, if you asked someone on the street whether they or their family worked in agriculture, chances are the answer would have been yes. Today, that connection has largely faded. Many people are now generations removed from the land, feeling increasingly disconnected from where their food comes from and from the people who produce it.
But sometimes that connection runs so deep that, even after years away from the land, it still calls you back—to your roots and your family’s legacy—no matter how many years have passed.
This sentiment rings true for Robert Mackey, owner of the Murphy Ranch in the hills of Tuolumne County, California. Robert is a descendant of the Murphy family, who have owned the nearly 430-acre property since the Homestead Act of 1865.
He recalls childhood trips to the ranch and days spent working alongside his family, but as life and career opportunities pulled him elsewhere, those moments gradually shifted from lived experiences to cherished memories.
But in the early 2000s, the land came calling.
“I had always loved my time at the ranch,” Robert explained. “I always wanted to come back to it, call it a ‘romantic attraction’ to the lifestyle. So, it seemed like the right move both for my family’s heritage and me personally.”
After the last of the five Murphy brothers passed away, the ranch was left in need of renewal and consistent stewardship. Years of limited management and a large wildfire decades prior had taken their toll—fences had fallen into disrepair, weeds had overtaken the pastures, buildings were gone, and the once-productive agricultural operation had faded. To put it simply, the ranch needed a little TLC to restore it to the vibrant, working property it had once been.
With limited experience and little idea of what lay ahead, Robert and his family jumped in wholeheartedly. Bit by bit, they began bringing the ranch back to life. Over the years,
they rebuilt fences, added essential infrastructure, and introduced cattle, sheep, and goats back to rotationally graze the land, steadily restoring both its productivity and vitality.
“There’s still a lot of work to do,” Robert shared. “It has taken a lot of time and, frankly, a lot of funds to get this place back to being functional and operating. But, we are proud of where we are at.”
Now that the family has found their footing in the management of the ranch, their focus has shifted to protecting it for the future. In just the short time they’ve been back, they’ve watched the surrounding area transform into a kind of boomtown, with development pressing in from every direction. Robert recalls how different the landscape looked when he was a kid visiting the ranch compared to the rapid change he sees today.
Since 1980, Tuolumne County’s population has grown by more than 20,000 people, with much of that growth happening in the 1980s and 1990s. Even though population increases have slowed in recent years, the pressure on open space hasn’t. Rising land values and the growing demand for five-acre ranchettes continue to put working lands at risk—lands that provide food and fiber, support local economies, and sustain clean air, water, and wildlife habitat.
“We are nearly surrounded by these five-acre ranchettes,”
(Continued on page 3)
The Mackey Family: Robert, Mary, Kelli, and Griffin
MURPHY RANCH, TUOLUMNE COUNTY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OUTGOING CHAIR
Carolyn Carey, Alturas
VICE CHAIR
Clayton Koopmann, Sunol
SECRETARY
Sylvia Cattani, Bakersfield
TREASURER
Bruce Hart, Glen Ellen
PAST CHAIR
Andy Mills, Placerville
DIRECTORS
Michael Dennis, Santa Margarita
Angelo Genasci, Sierra Valley
Valerie Gordon, Alpine County
Mark Lacey, Lone Pine
Kyle Lucas, Fields Landing
Doug McDonald, Palos Verdes Estates
Jared Mathis, Laguna Hills
EMERITUS COUNCIL
Devere Dressler, Gardnerville, NV
Jack Hanson, Susanville
K. Mark Nelson, Wilton
Dan O’Connell, Colusa
Steve Sinton, Shandon
Darrell Wood, Vina
STAFF
Michael Delbar, Chief Executive Officer
Jon Cartwright, Finance Director
Jackie Flatt, Conservation Director
Shannon Foucault, Development Director
Alyssa Rolen, Communications Director
Steve Blank, Principal Gifts
Nancy Schaefer, Senior Project Manager
Brent Duka, Annual Giving Manager
Madison Goss, Communications Manager
Robin Hanson, Programs Manager
Mikie McDonnell, Stewardship Manager
JT Reiser, Transaction Manager
Katy Berg, Community Events Specialist
Sarah Leal, Conservation Technical Assistant
Mike Norberg, Accounting Specialist
Katerina Webster, Transaction Specialist
Elaina Niederer, Programs Outreach Coordinator
Kassie Yde, Executive Assistant
Justin Gallo, Rangeland Steward
Jazmin Rodriguez, Intern
LEADERSHIP LETTER
Dear Friend,
As 2025 comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting with deep gratitude on all that has been accomplished together this year. Thanks to your shared commitment to California’s working lands, the Rangeland Trust has reached a defining moment in its nearly 30-year history: 100 ranches conserved statewide. With the conservation of the Murphy Ranch in Tuolumne County (as you read about on Page 1), we achieved a milestone that reminds us that conservation doesn’t happen alone; it happens together—one partnership and one acre at a time.
From the rangelands of Siskiyou County to the rolling hills of San Diego, and from the Nevada border to the Pacific Coast, each of these 100 ranches tells a story of stewardship, perseverance, and care for the land. Together, they represent more than 421,000 acres of pristine rangeland that will continue to nourish our communities, foster healthy ecosystems, protect natural resources, support wildlife, and preserve the Western heritage that binds us.
This achievement is a true testament to the ranching families who have chosen to conserve their land for the benefit of us all. Their foresight and dedication ensure that these working landscapes remain healthy, productive, and intact for generations to come.
This success also belongs to YOU, our partners, donors, and supporters who have stood beside us in this work. Your belief in voluntary, rancher-led conservation makes our mission possible. Because of you, we stand ready to build upon this foundation and protect even more of the lands that sustain the Golden State’s beauty and bounty.
As we turn the page to a new year, we look ahead with optimism and purpose. More than 90 ranching families are waiting for the opportunity to conserve their land, and with all of the challenges facing ranching today, the need to protect working landscapes has never been greater. The stakes are high, but our resolve is even stronger. With your continued partnership, we’ll ensure that the next 100 ranches, and the generations who depend on them, can thrive.
From all of us at the Rangeland Trust, thank you for making 2025 a year to remember. May the season ahead bring you joy, peace, and a renewed connection to the land we cherish.
Sincerely,
Michael Delbar CEO
Carolyn Carey Outgoing Chair
murphy ranch story cont.
Robert reflected. “Every time I come and go from the ranch—particularly on the Sonora side—there’s more and more development encroaching on what used to be large cattle operations.”
In 2013, the neighboring Sardella Ranch became the first property in Tuolumne County to be conserved by the California Rangeland Trust. Since then, the organization has permanently protected nearly 1,500 acres in the county, with another 3,200 acres currently in progress.
Inspired by their neighbors' success, the Mackeys decided to pursue a conservation easement of their own to safeguard the Murphy Ranch from the steady wave of development surrounding them. In October 2025, their efforts came to fruition as they finalized the easement, permanently conserving 425 acres of their property and creating a continuous stretch of more than 900 acres of protected working rangeland alongside the Sardella Ranch. The project also marked a milestone for the California Rangeland Trust—the 100th ranch conserved—a true cause for celebration.
“All of us really love this ranch and this area,” Robert shared. “The decision to put the easement on the ranch was a family decision, none of us wanted to see this place lost to development like many of the properties around us. It means a great deal that our ranch is contiguous with the Sardella Ranch, ensuring that a large chunk of land is protected in our local area. It’s humbling to know our decision contributes to something bigger than ourselves.”
The completion of this conservation effort was made possible through strong partnerships dedicated to preserving California’s working lands. Funding for the easement was secured through collaboration with the California Department of Conservation and the California Strategic Growth Council through its Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program*. The Mackey family also generously donated a portion of the conservation easement’s value by completing a bargain sale agreement to ensure the long-term protection of their land.
With the easement in place, the Mackeys are focusing on continuing to restore and enhance their land so it remains a viable working ranch for generations to come. The effort has truly become a family endeavor, with each member building their own connection to the land and sharing a common goal of seeing it thrive well into the future.
For them, the conservation of Murphy Ranch is more than a milestone; it is a commitment to the land that shaped them and to the generations who will follow. Their story shows that even after years away, the bond with the land can endure, guiding decisions that protect both heritage and habitat. By conserving their property, the Mackeys have not only safeguarded a piece of their family’s history but also strengthened the network of California’s working ranches, ensuring that the landscapes that provide food, livelihood, and a connection to the natural world remain vibrant and accessible.
In the end, their journey is a reminder that no matter how far removed we may be, the land always has a way of calling us home.
Though not everyone has a direct connection to the land, families like the Mackeys—and the 99 other ranching families who have chosen to conserve their land through the California Rangeland Trust—are ensuring that the connection remains possible. Their decisions keep open space open, preserve the legacy of ranching in California, and demonstrate that even in a changing landscape, choosing to care for the land endures.
By: Madison Goss, Marketing and Communications Manager
LEGACY COUNCIL
CHAIR
Jessica Schley
MEMBERS
Michael Campbell
Pam Doiron
Devere Dressler
Glenn Drown
Angelo Genasci
Valerie Gordon
Alexandra Gough
George and Kassandra Gough
Erik Gregersen
Sherry Harkins
Bruce and Elizabeth Hart
B. Wayne Hughes Jr.
Natasha Hunt
Eric Hvolboll
Caroline Power Kindrish
Lynn P. Kirst
Richard and Sharon Kline
Tim Koopmann
Jack Kuechler
Ken and Julie LaGrande
Eric and Megan Lindberg
Paul and Tina McEnroe
Morris Noble Jr.
Will and Danice Noble
Hayes and Patricia Noel
Rylee Pedotti
Steve and Liz Peterson
Steve and Jane Sinton
Scott and Karen Stone
Adrianna Pope Sullivan
Emily Taylor
Molly Taylor
Ben and Cheryl Trosky
John Vosburgh
VISIONARIES' CIRCLE
LynneDee Althouse
Herb and Mareva Barthels
Lorraine Bazan and Chris Stover*
Robert W. Carrau, Jr.
Michelle Cox
Ken Finn
Robin Flournoy*
Valerie Gordon
Erik Gregersen
Sheila Head
Lynn P. Kirst
Richard and Sharon Kline
Colleen Lenihan
Keith Whiting Moore
John Quinlan and Elizabeth Currie
Stephanie Rodden
Marilyn Russell
Steve and Jane Sinton
Nita Vail
Sheila Varian*
Requested anonymous (6)
*Deceased
A WESTERN AFFAIR 2025
Honoring Our Past, Preparing for Our Future
Under a nearly full harvest moon at Rancho Santa Barbara, 400 guests gathered on October 4 for A Western Affair 2025—an unforgettable evening celebrating California’s working lands and the ranching families who steward them. Set against the backdrop of historic adobe buildings and rolling hills, the event reflected the Rangeland Trust’s enduring mission to serve the land, people, and wildlife by conserving the Golden State’s working rangelands.
Guests enjoyed a delightful cocktail reception and silent auction beneath a grand oak tree before sitting down to a steak dinner featuring Brandt Beef and local wines. Event co-chairs Elizabeth Poett-Campbell and Austin Campbell, Richard and Sharon Kline, and hosts Lee and Julia Carr welcomed the sold-out crowd, speaking to the deeper purpose of the evening—honoring our ranching heritage and carrying forward the values of stewardship and resilience.
During the program, Rangeland Trust CEO Michael Delbar and founding board member and former CEO Nita Vail proudly announced a major milestone: the conservation of the organization’s 100th ranch, representing more than 421,000 acres protected across 30 counties. Legacy Council Chair Jessica Schley shared a heartfelt reflection from the book Roots and Resilience: California Ranchers in Their Own Words, reminding guests of the deep connection ranchers share with their land and what’s at stake if we don’t continue this important work. The evening’s live auction, led by Auctioneer Taylor Glines, raised an impressive $130,000 to advance rangeland conservation statewide.
A Western Affair 2025 was more than a celebration; it was a powerful reminder that when we come together in support of the land that connects us all, we secure a stronger, more resilient future for generations to come.
CALIFORNIA RANGELAND TRUST RECOGNIZES LEADERS
IN CONSERVATION
Each year, the California Rangeland Trust recognizes individuals whose leadership and commitment to conservation strengthen the future of ranching and the land that sustains us all. At A Western Affair 2025, two extraordinary conservation leaders were honored for their enduring impact on California’s working landscapes.
CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR
The 2025 Conservationist of the Year Award was presented to Karen Sweet and her late husband, Darrel Sweet, in recognition of their lifetime of service to ranching and conservation. Darrel was a founding board member of the California Rangeland Trust, later served as chairman, and continued to guide the organization as part of the Emeritus Council until his passing. Together, the Sweets placed their Alameda County ranch under a conservation easement with the Rangeland Trust, permanently protecting more than 360 acres of working rangeland. Karen, a respected leader in her own right, has carried forward their shared vision through efforts that champion conservation, collaboration, and stewardship across the state.
CONSERVATION IMPACT AWARD
The 2025 Conservation Impact Award was presented to Dr. Sheila Barry, University of California Cooperative Extension Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through decades of research, education, and outreach, Sheila has helped urban and rural communities alike understand the ecological and social value of well-managed grazing. Her work brings ranchers, conservationists, and the public together around shared goals for healthy rangelands.
Karen, Darrel, and Sheila each embody the heart of the Rangeland Trust’s mission, ensuring that California’s rangelands, and the families who care for them, may thrive for generations to come.
THANK YOU SPONSORS
Karen Sweet accepts the 2025 Conservationist of the Year Award on behalf of herself and her late husband, Darrel Sweet, from CEO Michael Delbar.
Sheila Barry accepts the 2025 Conservation Impact Award from CEO Michael Delbar.
NANCY AND PETER JACKSON
CHILDHOOD TRAILS, KEEPING THE GIFT ALIVE
Tom Galli’s Story
Tom Galli grew up on a piece of land where he didn’t need to cross any roads. “As a kid, I could just walk out into my backyard…and keep going.”
Raised in the tight-knit community of Kent Woodlands in Kentfield, California, Tom remembers a childhood defined by orchards, creeks, and the kind of freedom that comes from being surrounded by open land, providing the impetus to becoming a landscape architect.
Tom recalls, “It was a very small community where there was only one way in, and one way out.” He lived with his older brother, Tim, his mother, Frances, and his father, Stan Galli, renowned commercial illustrator. Their house itself was a work of art, designed by celebrated architect William Wurster.
Tom’s father, Stan, poured his energy into his art, often bringing a “work in progress” to display at the dinner table each evening. There, the family gathered not just for a meal, but to share in the creative process, offering thoughts and reflections on his latest work. Tom has very fond memories of this experience that was as fun as it was meaningful.
Summer vacations from school were sometimes spent on trips to ranches in California and New Mexico. It was here that Stan would work on his illustration assignments and develop thoughts that eventually led to his Early Spanish California paintings. These outings gave the boys even more freedom to roam, discover new environments, and experience things beyond their everyday world.
Tom describes his dad as, “The most observant person I have ever encountered.” Stan worked from home as a commercial illustrator, and eventually transitioned to fine art. His love of history, particularly the early Spanish California period, guided his work. He was obsessed with ensuring every detail was historically accurate, from clothing and tack to animals and landscapes.
Years later, through his friend and rancher, Barbara Comfort, Tom was introduced to the California Rangeland Trust. Since then, he has been a dedicated supporter for more than 15 years, attending events and giving generously of his time and resources. Most recently, Tom gifted an extraordinary collection of Early Spanish California artwork by his father, Stanley W. Galli.
These remarkable pieces not only celebrate California’s rich history but also help advance the Rangeland Trust’s mission. In fact, we recently auctioned off five of them at our annual event, A Western Affair, and more will be available in the future—so keep an eye out for the next opportunity to own a piece of history while helping to conserve our rangelands.
“Supporting California Rangeland Trust is a connection I feel to the land,” Tom says. “It’s the ability to make sure that these landscapes endure.”
Just as his father’s paintings captured the history and beauty of California’s heritage, Tom’s generosity ensures that the real places behind those images will continue to inspire future generations.
Thank you, Tom, for helping conserve rangelands while honoring the spirit of Stan’s work!
An original Stan Galli painting titled, Early California Vaqueros.
THE LAND AT YOUR TABLE
The land is the silent guest at every table—yet it’s the one most at risk of disappearing.
For the Galli family, a painting of the land often graced their dinner table. Today, in every meal we share, the seat filled by the land is a reminder of how it provides for every one of us.
As Thanksgiving has come and gone, we’ve shared our meals, gathered with loved ones, and reflected on the blessings of the year. Now, as we settle deeper into the holiday season and look toward a new year full of possibility, many are also thinking about the donations they want to make in the spirit of this special time. If this includes you, we ask that you remember the gifts of working lands.
California’s rangelands provide healthy food, clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and the Western heritage that grounds us. They nourish our families and our local communities.
But every year, 40,000 acres of agricultural land— an area larger than San Francisco—are lost to development. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.
Imagine open skies replaced by rooftops, or a quiet fence line now marking the edge of a subdivision. That’s the reality facing ranching families across our state.
But your support changes that story. Your generosity ensures that instead of loss, these lands continue to thrive and give back in countless ways.
Actively grazed rangelands nourish soil and reduce wildfire risk, helping keep our communities safer and our landscapes healthier.
Over 80% of California’s fresh water flows across ranches— nearly every glass you pour begins here.
Rangelands help draw carbon back into the soil, keeping the air we breathe clean and healthy.
Every acre conserved today strengthens the foundation for tomorrow. Every ranching family that chooses conservation keeps the story of California’s rangelands alive.
As one of our ranching partners recently shared:
“The Ranch is a member of the family. It sits at the table with the rest of us.”
So as you continue to give thanks this season, please include the land at your tables. When you invest in the land, you honor its quiet strength and help ensure it continues to give—for your family, your community, and generations to come.
To make your gift, simply click here or scan the QR Code.
Scan to send in your gift today!
Every acre of rangeland tells a story. Your support keeps it from being written in concrete.
THANK YOU DONORS
AUGUST 1, 2025 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2025
ANCIENT PEAK WINERY
MATT AND SU ANDROS *
ANONYMOUS
ANONYMOUS *#
TERRI ARINGTON *
MARIAN ASHE *#
BANK OF AMERICA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
SHEILA BARRY
THE BENEVITY COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND
ALAN AND CAROL BLAKEBORO *
ALAN AND LYNN BONZER *
BOOT BARN
SHARON BROBERG
ROLAND AND JOYCE BRYAN
STEVE AND LESLIE BRYANT *
SUSIE CALHOUN *
CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF LAND TRUSTS
CAROLYN CAREY *
MERRY CARTER *#
SARAH CASE
THE CATTANI FAMILY *
ROBIN CEDERLOF *
ANNE CEHRS *
RUSSELL CHAMBERLIN AND MONIKA CHAMBERLIN MCCOY *
NATE CHANCE *#
BRENT AND PEGGY CHASE *
SYLVIA CHATAGNIER *
KAREN CHRISTENSEN
NANCY COSENZA *
MARGARET CROWLEY
LEE AND ELENA DANIELSON *
MICHAEL DENNIS *+
KAILA DETTMAN
DANIEL DIK
PAMELA AND DAN DOIRON *
BRENT DUKA
ARIANA EBRAHIMIAN
BEN AND STELLA ELGORRIAGA *
DIANE ERICKSON
KIM AND DAVE ERICKSON #
PAUL ERICKSON
BILL EVANS
FIDELITY CHARITABLE
BERT AND CANDEE FORBES
JACQUE GAMBERDELLA *
LINDA GEIS
GOAT WOOD WORKS
ERIK GREGERSEN *^
KAREN GROSSMAN
PETER AND KATHLEEN HALPER *
BRUCE HART JR.
HARVEY L. AND MAUD C.
SORENSEN FOUNDATION
HEARST RANCH
CAROL HEBARD
BOB HEMPHILL *
DAVID AND NANCY HILL
LISA HOPLEY +
JOHN HOWE
LYNN HUNTSINGER AND
PAUL STARRS *
MARIE JAEGER
JAMES & SON BUTTERFLY CO.
DOUGLAS JENSEN
JUDITH MCBEAN FOUNDATION
INDULIS AND TERESA KALNINS
DESI KECK
BETSY AND RAY KING
RICHARD AND SHARON KLINE *^+
DOUG KNUDSON
HENRY N. KUECHLER IV
RICK LAYMAN
STEVE LEFKOVITS *
STEVE LEWALLEN *
LOS PADRES OUTFITTERS
LUMEN
MARGARITA ADVENTURES
DUANE AND LYNNETTE MARTIN *+
KEN AND JUNE MARTIN
JARED MATHIS *
ALAINA MCDONALD
MILLER FAMILY WINE COMPANY
ELLICOTT MILLION
ALANNA AND FRANKLIN MOORE
TIM AND KATE MORPHY
MORRIS AND GARRITANO INSURANCE
MOULTON MUSEUM
MICHELE MULLER
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
GARY AND ANNA NETT *
GEORGE AND JULIE NEWHALL *
NOBMANN CATTLE, LLC
LEE AND MELODEE NOBMANN *+
OLD COWDOGS WESTERN SILVER
JOHN AND KELLY OMAHEN
ONE WORLD BEEF LLC
JAMES AND KRISTIN ONTIVEROS *
JAMES ORRADRE *
PATRIOTS OF KERN
PAYPAL GIVING FUND
SUSAN PETROVICH *
ELIZABETH POETT
ADRIANNA POPE SULLIVAN *
LINDA PRENTISS *^
PROFESSIONAL'S CHOICE
MELVYN QUINONES
RANCHO SISQUOC
RED BLUFF ROUND-UP ASSOCIATION
REDDING RODEO ASSOCIATION
STARR REIMER #
RESISTOL HATS
TAMARA REUS
ALYSSA ROLEN
CONNOR NOLAN ROSEBROUGH #
KARIN ROSSER
MARILYN RUSSELL *^+
THOMAS SAGER
JAY AND TINA SALTER #
SANTA MARIA ELKS RODEO
ERIC AND KATHRYN SCOTT *
JOHN AND JUDY SEMAS
JACK AND LAURIE SINTON *
JIM AND PAM SLEMAKER
LINDSEY HAHN SPAAK #
MARY STRADNER
KAREN SWEET *+
MOLLY TAYLOR *
TEJON RANCH
LES AND ELLEN THOMAS
GAIL ULRICH
UNITED WAY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO COUNTY
V6 RANCH
VOGT SILVERSMITHS
HONORARIA
IN HONOR OF SARAH CASE
MICHAEL DELBAR
NANCY KILE SAULNIER
IN HONOR OF STEVE AND JANE SINTON
STEPHEN AND LADEEN MILLER
RICHARD AND CECILIA RIGGINS *
IN HONOR OF NITA VAIL
KARL AND LAURIE GAGE
WELLS FARGO ADVISORS
WESTERN SKIES ADVISORY
EFFIE WESTERVELT *#
WESTERVELT ECOLOGICAL SERVICES +
WILLIAM T. WHITE III
FRED WILLIAMSON *
ROB WOLFORD
MEMORIALS
IN MEMORY OF G. ADOLPHUS
RICHARDSON
DAVID KIMBALL
IN MEMORY OF JIM AND KARIN CLAWSON
KEN AND JACKIE FULGHAM
IN MEMORY OF GATHA, JIM AND SALLY MARTINS
KEARNEY AND LESLIE MARTINS
WOODWORKS BY JARED
YOUNG AMERICA'S FOUNDATION
*SILVER SPUR
^VISIONARIES' CIRCLE +COMPLETED CONSERVATION PARTNER
#MONTHLY DONOR
IN MEMORY OF CHARLES M. QUARRE
WILSON QUARRE AND PEGGY WILEY
IN MEMORY OF TAMI VIERRA
TERRY DUGAN
IN MEMORY OF HUGH WALKER
TERRY DUGAN
IN MEMORY OF MARY WALKER
ERICSSON
TERRY DUGAN
GOOD NEWS FOR DONORS: THE NEW CHARITABLE GIVING RULES
Beginning on January 1, 2026, the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act makes it easier for every household to give to charity and receive a tax benefit.
w TAX BREAK FOR NON-ITEMIZERS
You can now get a tax deduction for your charitable gifts, even if you don’t itemize your taxes. Non-itemizers have the opportunity for charitable deductions up to $1,000 for individuals or $2,000 for couples each year starting in 2026.
w GIVING THRESHOLD FOR ITEMIZERS
If you give more and itemize, you can still deduct gifts, though new limits apply for high earners; all itemized deductions must exceed 0.5% of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). For example, an individual with $200,000 in adjusted gross income would only get a tax break on contributions they give beyond $1,000. Donors who may be affected by this may want to accelerate their giving this year before the new law takes effect.
w CORPORATE GIVING INCREASE
STOCK GIFTS ARE STILL A GREAT OPTION
With the stock market at alltime highs, there has never been a better time to donate appreciated stock. You will avoid capital gains while still receiving a deduction for the full amount of your gift. Contact our office for more information.
Companies must donate at least 1% of their taxable income to qualified charities to be eligible for charitable deductions. A corporation earning $10 million in taxable income would need to donate at least $100,000 to maintain deduction eligibility.
w NO CHANGE TO QCDS
Donors 70½+ can continue to give directly from an IRA to charity (called a Qualified Charitable Distribution) to reduce their taxable income.
WHAT IT MEANS
These changes make generosity more rewarding. Whether you’re a first-time donor or a longtime supporter, your contributions will continue to make a difference—and may now come with extra tax benefits.
Note: This information is not intended to be tax or legal advice; talk with your financial advisor to learn how to make the most of these new opportunities to give.
WELCOME NEW STAFF
Katy Berg, Community Events Specialist
Katy Berg grew up in Elk Grove, California, where her passion for agriculture was shaped through years of involvement in local 4-H and FFA programs. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Marketing after studying at Arizona State University and Sacramento State University. Katy brings a unique blend of event planning expertise and a deep appreciation for California’s ranching heritage to her role as Community Events Specialist at the California Rangeland Trust.
In her role, Katy leads the planning and execution of the Trust’s signature events, including A Western Affair, creating meaningful experiences that connect people to the land and the ranching families who steward it. She is dedicated to building lasting relationships and strengthening support for the organization’s mission of conserving working rangelands across California.
Sarah Leal, Conservation Technical Assistant
Originally from California and now based in the northeastern part of the state, Sarah Leal holds a Bachelor of Science in Forest and Rangeland Stewardship from Colorado State University. Her most recent experience includes working as a partner employee with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), where she supported landowners in implementing conservation practices that benefit wildlife, working lands, and surrounding communities. Sarah joins the Rangeland Trust as our Conservation Technical Assistant, a new position dedicated to helping our landowner partners secure grant funding that supports long-term stewardship of the land. She will work directly with ranching families to identify opportunities, complete applications for NRCS programs, and assist with project deliverables.
Conserving the land is only the first step in fulfilling our mission. Ensuring ranchers have the support and resources they need to keep the land healthy and productive for future generations is just as vital, and Sarah is here to help make that possible. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys exploring California’s diverse landscapes with her dog, Sky.
Elaina Niederer, Programs Outreach Coordinator
Elaina Niederer is from a ranching family in southwestern Idaho and is part of the Basque community, instilling in her an early appreciation for working lands and the people who care for them. She graduated from Seattle University in 2025 with a degree in Communications and Media and brings a strong interest in the connection between food, land, and community.
Elaina joined the Rangeland Trust in August as the Programs Outreach Coordinator, where she helps support the Programs Department by connecting landowners with information and opportunities to support their work on the land. Her role focuses on building relationships and ensuring ranching families have access to resources that strengthen stewardship and long-term success on California’s rangelands. Outside of work, Elaina enjoys cooking and baking from scratch and loves exploring how food links back to the land and the people who tend it.
REFLECTIONS FROM THE RANGE: MY INTERNSHIP WITH THE RANGELAND TRUST
My name is Jazmin Rodriguez, and I recently graduated from the University of California, Davis, where I majored in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. I grew up in California’s Central Valley, though I did not have a strong personal connection to agriculture beyond living near dairies and almond orchards. My passion for agriculture began in high school when I joined FFA and discovered a bright future for myself within the industry. To continue nurturing this passion, I pursued experiences at UC Davis, including serving as an Aggie Ambassador, working at the Student Farm, and seeking opportunities to expand my understanding of the agricultural landscape.
As I explored my post-graduation goals, I knew I wanted to combine my interests in leadership, producer engagement, and advocacy. When I discovered the Rangeland Trust, I realized the organization embodied all these elements and more through its six-month general internship, funded by the Grand National Rodeo Foundation. This program provides hands-on experience across five departments, and I was eager for an opportunity that would allow me to apply and grow my skills.
Since beginning my internship over the summer, I have gained experience in nearly every area of the organization. I started with the Programs Department, where I helped organize resources and funding opportunities to help soon launch a hub of resources, which will serve as a centralized platform designed to connect ranchers with grant opportunities, educational materials, and industry experts. Though the department is relatively new, it is already making programs more accessible to ranchers and reducing barriers to information. This work plays a key role in advancing the Rangeland Trust’s mission of ensuring healthy and sustainable working lands for future generations. Following my time with Programs, I transitioned to Conservation and Stewardship, where I learned about the core processes behind conservation easements. I participated in site visits to meet landowners interested in easements, reviewed applications, and joined monitoring visits to ensure the perpetual terms of easements are upheld. Through this department, I saw the foundation of the Rangeland Trust’s work: building strong, lasting relationships with landowners to support successful conservation partnerships.
As I write this article, I am wrapping up my time with the Communications Department. My work here has focused on exciting events, including A Western Affair and preparing for documentary screenings. I have seen a different side of this organization, centered on building and maintaining community. These events honor and celebrate landowner partners and showcase their commitment to protecting working lands, while also bringing awareness to the stories behind its mission. Next, I will continue my internship in the Fund Development and Finance departments to round out my experience across all areas of the organization.
As I reflect on my experience so far, I have truly enjoyed playing a small part in such an impactful organization. In each department, I developed a new skill or strengthened an existing one, but most importantly, I gained a newfound appreciation for ranchers. I learned ranching goes beyond livestock; it is maintaining a healthy relationship with the environment and complementing what has long existed. The fluffy cows are also a plus! Although I have been aware of the challenges faced by producers in the agricultural industry, understanding the ranching perspective broadened my view of how these issues affect daily operations. My biggest takeaway is: Keep ranchers ranching!
EDITOR/ LAYOUT
ALYSSA ROLEN
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
KATY BERG, STEVE BLANK, CAROLYN CAREY, MICHAEL DELBAR, BRENT DUKA, SHANNON FOUCAULT, MADISON GOSS, SARAH LEAL, ELAINA NIEDERER, JAZMIN RODRIGUEZ, ALYSSA ROLEN
PHOTO CONTRIBUTIONS
KATY
3900 Lennane Dr., Suite 210
Sacramento, CA 95834
www.rangelandtrust.org
TUNED IN TO THE LAND: STORIES FROM CALIFORNIA’S WORKING RANGELANDS
Tune in to Tuned in to the Land, our monthly podcast that brings you real stories from the people and places at the heart of California’s working landscapes. Hosted by CEO Michael Delbar, each episode dives into a new perspective on stewardship and connection to the land — from veterans finding peace and healing on open rangelands, to wildfire experts helping communities become more resilient, to ranching families protecting wildlife habitat, supporting healthy ecosystems, and preserving Western heritage for future generations.
Whether you work the land every day or simply love California’s wideopen spaces, this is your backstage pass to the stories, challenges, and inspiration shaping the future of our rangelands. Join us as we get tuned in to the land!
Podcast available on the listening platforms below.
