Well, hey there, Land Trust listeners! And welcome to today’s episode of Learning the Land. We’re shaking things up and offering this episode both as a podcast AND video – so if you want to enjoy some fun maps, pictures, and footage that go with today’s discussion, head over to our youtube channel.

In this episode, we’re focusing on the Land Trust’s initiative to protect biodiversity throughout Santa Cruz County -  and specifically, its endangered wildlife protection work. Now, this is not a new focus area for the Land Trust – as you all know! 

We’ve shared a lot about the Land Trust’s completed wildlife crossing under HWY 17 and work to create a second crossing over HWY 101 to connect long-ranging species like the Santa Cruz Mountain Lion to the Gabilian range in the south…But did you know there is a THIRD wildlife crossing in the works to provide safe passage under HWY 1 for one of Santa Cruz’s most critically endangered species? No? Then take a listen to find out more!

The Land Trust recently launched its new Conservation Roadmap, which outlines our county-wide initiatives for the next five years!  The Roadmap is packed with projects that are aimed at addressing Santa Cruz County’s most pressing needs for wildlife, creating access to nature, and mitigating the drastic effects of climate disruption, which has hit our community hard over the last five years. 

In this episode, we interview Land Trust Executive Director, Sarah Newkirk, to learn more about the Land Trust's new focus areas and exciting undertakings (like TWO wildlife crossings!), which will take place from 2023-2028. 

Hey there, Land Trust Listeners! In this extended episode, we join up with Rangeland Scientist Larry Ford, Ph.D. to learn more about the science of the open range - and how grazing can help protect endangered species, create biodiversity, and provide new economic opportunity based in conservation!

 Did you know grasslands are as crucial as forests in sequestering carbon? Or that using site-specific native plants in restoration ensures the success of local wildlife? In this episode, we interview Matt Marshall at Central Coast Wilds to learn about the importance of native plants as well as the critical role Central Coast Wilds plays in ecological restoration efforts throughout the Bay Area. 

Welcome back, Land Trust Listeners! In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the Land Trust's Wildlife Connectivity work with Project Director Dan Medieros. Together we'll learn about the Land Trust's newest project and site of our second wildlife crossing, Rocks Ranch -particularly why this property is so critical in creating safe passage for the Santa Cruz Mountain Lions to the Gabilan Range.

Thinking about our legacy and what's been meaningful in our lives can take many forms. In this episode, Membership Manager Sarah McMurray interviews Donor Relations Manager Laura Dannehl-Schickman about the Land Trust's legacy program and why people might choose to honor their connection to the land as part of their legacy.

We're excited to introduce the Land Trust's new Executive Director, Sarah Newkirk!

In this episode, guest host and Development and Communications Director, Calah Pasley, interviews the Land Trust's new leader, Sarah Newkirk, about her previous work with The Nature Conservancy, the origins of her love for nature, and her plans for the Land Trust's future.  Get ready to be excited for what's coming next for our work in Santa Cruz County!

In this two-part series, we interview Land Trust Project Director Dan Medeiros about our wildlife connectivity work in Santa Cruz County.

Part 1 delves into our work to create a Highway 17 wildlife tunnel. This 10-year project has pioneered new partnerships with diverse organizations to create safe passage for our county's wildlife - particularly the Santa Cruz Mountain Lion! Together we'll learn about the history of the project, the upcoming groundbreaking, and how this first-of-its-kind project in California is helping pave the way for future crossings. 

Well, hey there, Land Trust Listeners! In today's episode, we're trying something new and exploring the history of one of our most beloved properties - Byrne-Milliron Forest.  We're joined by former Land Trust Stewardship Manager (and unofficial Byrne historian) Lynn Overtree to learn more about the property's fascinating history.

About Byrne-Milliron Forest: This magical, 400-acre wood was one of the Land Trust's first public access properties. Located in Corralitos, the forest is a lovely place to hike and explore, with panoramic views of the Pajaro Valley and Monterey Bay and a 1,000-year-old, 250-foot tall “Great White” redwood. But Byrne is more than a destination - it is also a working forest - an example of how sustainable selective timber harvesting can actually sequester more carbon and generate revenue to help offset the cost of maintaining the property. 

Hey there Land Trust listeners! This month’s episode of Learning the Land brings you a special interview with Lauren Snyder, PhD. of the Organic Farming Research Foundation. Together, we’ll explore how preserving open spaces and adopting organic farming practices can help mitigate climate change...and even potentially prevent future pandemics.