Summer 2008 Marin Agricultural Land Trust Newsletter

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    How can West Marins farmsand ranches sequester greenhouse gassesand help stop global warming? This is thequestion a group of researchers from UCBerkeley, Lawrence-Berkeley Laboratory,local ranchers, Marin Organic, andMALT are attempting to answer.

    Approximately two-thirds ofagricultural lands in West Marin havethe potential to store additional carbonthrough various grazing and plowingpractices, representing a large pool ofpotential carbon storage. To tap into thispool, MALT staff is helping collect soilsamples for the Marin Carbon Project(MCP). Funded by Nicasio residents JohnWick and Peggy Rathmann, MCP isunder the direction of ecosystem ecologistDr. Whendee Silver from UC Berkeley.

    The idea, according to John Wick,is to use existing local infrastructures todevelop replicable, scalable, and broadlyapplicable solutions to global warming. Myhope with this portion of the project is to scientifically support a suiteof best management practices that have benefits for the land manager,including biological services that include rain water harvesting andfiltration, soil fertility, as well as the capture of atmospheric gases.

    Recent legislation passed in California, the Global WarmingSolutions Act of 2006, will require emitters of greenhousegasses (GHG) to reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Onthe national front, the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Actof 2007 would require 20% emission reductions by 2020. Aside

    from mandatory reductions, a variety of opportunities exist tovoluntarily reduce GHG.Both mandatory and voluntary programs have created a demand for carbon

    credits, one likely to become even stronger in future years. A carbon credit represenone metric ton of atmospheric carbon dioxide or its equivalent. Emitters purchase

    carbon credits in amounts sufficient to meet the emitters reduction goal. Credits are purchased from parties that have implementeprojects or practices known to store additional amounts of carbon dioxide above some pre-determined baseline level.

    In the case of farmland, these practices frequently consist of soil cultivation and tillage techniques that reduce or eliminatebreaking up and turning over of soil, and/or specialized grazing strategies that increase the amount of stored soil carbon.Purchases typically are facilitated by third parties that determine the baseline carbon storage quantity, certify the effectiveness carbon storage practices, and verify the amount of additional stored carbon associated with each practice.

    The California Climate Action Registry (CCAR) serves as this third-party facilitator in this state. While the CCAR hascertified a variety of project types, it has not yet certified projects related to rangelands and other agricultural soils even though

    marin agricultural

    L A N D T R U S T N E W Sp r e s e r v i n g m a r i n c o u n t y f a r m l a n

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    Summer 2008 Volume 24 Number

    carbon creditsfrom farmland?malt Joins proJectto study local soils

    Christina Wong, a UC Berkeley eld technician and Jos Vazquez use augers anstrong backs to collect soil samples at the Barboni Ranch in Hicks Vall

    carbon fast factsTotal tons of carbon emitted annually by:Average passenger car 4.5 metric tonAverage person (worldwide) 4.5 metric tonAverage person (United States) 21 metric ton

    Approximate cost of carbon credits:United States (Chicago Climate Exchange) $5 6 / metric toEurope (European Climate Exchange) $23 25 / metric toAverage amount of land required

    to store 1 metric ton of carbon annually 0.67 acre

    Certain Grazing & CultivationTechniques May Help

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    Since its founding in 1980 as a partnership createdby dairywoman Ellen Straus and wetlands biologist PhyllisFaber, MALT has been successful in its mission to protect

    Marins family farms and ranches by extending that partner-ship to landowners and protecting more than 40,000 acresof farmland in West Marin. However, the collaborationdoesnt end there.

    MALT has other key partners: our members, whoprovide support for our annual operating budget and conser-vation easement program; Marin County, which maintainsstrong planning policies protecting farmland; Californiavoters, who have approved a number of key propositionsthat provide funding for conserving Californias naturalresources; private and family foundations; and lastly, a smallgroup of public agencies which provide critical funding forthe acquisition of agricultural conservation easements.

    Californias State Coastal Conservancy (SCC), the Department of Conservation California FarmlandConservancy Program (CFCP), and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Farm andRanchlands Protection Program all have awarded grants to MALT to help protect farmland.

    The Coastal Conservancy provided grants as far back as 1982, and CFCP since its creation in 1996. In the lasyear, MALT has partnered with: the Coastal Conservancy and FRPP to protect the Gene Poncia Ranch and theCoastal Conservancy to protect the Tomales Farm and Dairy West property; and CFCP to protect the CrayneRanch. These properties all are located near the town of Tomales. Together, the agencies provided $2,800,000 ofthe $4,020,000 cost of these projects. (MALT members and donors provided the rest.)

    Agency support for MALTs program is a direct reflection of MALTs success at competing for these monies,and of the statutory authority that created each program and the tremendous support from agency staff, manage-ment, or governing board. Each of these programs is unique and operates under different rules, but their supportfor protecting farmland through agricultural easements comes from a common understanding that farmers andranchers are stewards of a landscape that provides local, healthy food, offers soil and water quality that is vital tothe long-term health of agriculture and the environment and, in West Marin, provides treasured scenic viewshed

    The Coastal Conservancy was created in 1976 as a complement to the California Coastal Commission whichregulates development along the coast. The Conservancy has helped open more than 100 miles of coast and bayshores to public use, and preserved more than 300,000 acres of wetlands, wildlife habitat, parks, and farmland.MALT agricultural conservation easements funded in partnership with the Coastal Conservancy include:Tomales Farm and Dairy East & West, Straus Dairy, Robert Giacomini Dairy, and the Gale Ranch, to namonly a few.

    Jeff Stump (left) and Bob Berner (right) with Bridgett LuthDirector of the California Department of Conservat

    In 2008, MALTs Stewardship Assistance Program (SAP) begins its fifth year of assisting landowners on

    MALT-protected properties with a variety of ranch improvements. The grants vary, totalling up to $25,000 perlandowner. The program was initiated as a way to provide continuing financial benefits to MALT landowners,beyond the initial easement acquisition, and to encourage good land stewardship. MALT funds awarded throughthe SAP are frequently combined with grants from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and MarinResource Conservation District, along with investments of money or labor from the landowner to address impor-tant restoration efforts.

    Historically, the program has focused on projects intended to improve water quality. Typical projects haveincluded creek fencing and development of troughs, springs, and other water sources. For the first time in 2008, itwill fund a much wider variety of projects including invasive plant removal, creek fencing and restoration, methanedigesters, new animal feeding and handling facilities, and more. Interest in the revised program has been strongwith about 20% of MALT landowners applying for funding. For further information, contact Stewardship Direc-tor Matt Wacker at 415-663-1158, ext. 304 or [email protected]. Matt Wacker

    partnershipsin conservation: malt and public agencies

    stewardship grants help protect water Quality

    continued page th

    2 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

    mailto:%[email protected]:%[email protected]
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    Over the years,Ranches & Rolling Hills artists havevisited and found inspiration at 80 or more MarinCounty ranches, many of them protected by MALT

    agricultural conservation easements. As the coordinatorof the Ranches & Rolling Hills landscape art show sinceits founding in 1998 by Michael Whitt and the late RayStrong, Ive often had the pleasure of asking local farmersand ranchers permission for artists to visit for the purposeof painting or photographing for the art show.

    The answer has almost always been Sure barringsome emergency like a sick cow or a change in theweather that means the silage will be harvested a daysooner than originally planned.

    For Nicasio artist Tom Wood, one of the greatest benefitsof being in the show is meeting the people who own theland. He considers the farmers and ranchers partners in

    the process of creating the art as they show him aroundand point out the views they like. The dividend is to seetheir pleasure with the finished product, he says.

    Though some of the artists in the show work in thestudio from photographs or memory, others are plein airpainters. Once, I complimented Santa Barbara artist KarenGruszka on her ability to endure the elements for longperiods of time. She was sniffling, her cheeks were red withthe cold, and even though we were in a warm room by thattime, she still was buttoned into the pile-lined coat shed wornwhen she was outside painting. This is our work, she said without a moments hesitation. This is what we do.

    What they also do is get an education in the day-to-day operations of a working farm, something most peoplenever get a chance to observe. I can paint that, says San Rafael artist Christin Coy, and with my art, let othersget behind the fence, too.

    What MALT is doing is related to what Im doing, too, says Tom Wood. Im not only making art, butmaking a record. It fits hand-in-glovethis idea of painting the ranches and saving the ranches. I think peoplemake that connection when they come to the show. elisabeth Ptak

    The 11th annualRanches & Rolling Hills landscape art show and sale will take place on May 17 (25 p.m.) & May 1(10 a.m.4 p.m.) at the Druids Hall in Nicasio. Admission is free. Art sales help preserve Marin County farmland.

    paintingto preservethe land

    Plein air Artist Tom Wood is pictured with his easel in this phby Art Rogers entitled Hallock Creek Valley (Lafranchi Ran

    The California Farmland Conservancy Program is designed to ensure that the statesmost valuable farmland will not be developed. Shielding productive farm and ranch landfrom development pressure is one of the most important things we do at the Department of

    Conservation, says DOC Director Bridgett Luther. MALT has done amazing work in Marin County. Were proud to have been parof several of those projects and look forward to helping MALT protect the countys agricultural heritage and productivity in the futureTo date, CFCP has provided MALT with six easement grants, contributing about $4.5 million to help protect about 4,200 acres of

    high quality grazing land on the James Grossi, Zimmerman, Moore, Jacobsen, and Crayne ranches.MALTs newest public agency partner, the NRCS Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program, safeguards productive farmland

    by purchasing conservation easements to eliminate non-agricultural uses. Through a highly competitive grant process, NRCSpartners with state, tribal, or local governments, and nonprofit organizations such as MALT to acquire the easements or otherinterests in land from property owners. The Gene Poncia Ranch, protected by a conservation easement early in 2008, is the firstMALT project funded by NRCS.

    Funds are channeled through the Farm Security and Rural Reinvestment Act (the Farm Bill), last reauthorized in 2002 andcurrently the topic of heated negotiations in Congress. Conservation groups have been pushing to expand conservation funding ithe new Farm Bill, but the outcome is not yet clear. Jeff stuM

    partnershipsc o n t i n u e d f r o m p a ge t w o

    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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    they represent one of the most effective methods to store atmospheric carbon. Their tostorage potential is estimated at 200 million metric tons per year (about 12%14% of thUnited States total annual carbon dioxide emissions).

    MALT and its partners are working to collect samples representing a variety of soil types and rangeland management prac-tices across West Marin. Dr. Silver will analyze the soils in her lab to determine the total carbon content and to document anydifferences that can be attributed to management practices.

    This sampling process is a critical initial step toward developing a range-land soil carbon protocol as well as a robust local, statewide, and nationalmarket for agricultural soil carbon credits from Marin. Once this protocol isdeveloped and approved, Marins farmers and ranchers may be able to markecarbon credits and thus realize an additional source of income from theiragricultural operations. It also may provide a financial incentive for farmersand ranchers to implement practices designed to improve soil carbon stor-age and soil productivity. For moreinformation on this project, visit theMarin Carbon Project website atwww.marincarbonproject.org.

    Matt Wacker

    The Marin County Farms & Ranches map isa collaborative, county-wide effort of agricultural andeducational groups to raise awareness about Marinsfarms and the foods they produce. In 1999 the MarinAgriculture and Education Alliance (MAEA) gave birthto the Marin Agricultural Institute for Teachers and thFarm Field Studies program for students. Since then,more than one hundred teachers have been through thmulti-day, intensive institute, and thousands of childrenhave visited Marins farms and ranches.

    Published in 2007, the map is a tool for teachers andfarmers to illustrate which products are grown in our count

    The map shows all farmland in Marin: private landsboththose protected by MALT conservation easements andthose notand lands within Point Reyes National Seashorand Golden Gate National Recreation Area. An additionaoverlay shows all the lands that are certified organic.

    Marin has amazing agricultural richness, says MALTEducation Director Constance Washburn, but many wholive in east Marin are not aware of it. Our goal is to growa population that values our farms and ranches. Localagriculture is an important part of a sustainable future forus all. We think this map will help to illustrate that point.

    The Marin County Farms & Ranches map was funded by the Marin Community Foundation and MAEA. With help fromMarin County Office of Education, the maps have been sent to all public and private schools in the county. Additional copies canbe ordered by contacting Hope Ratner at 415-663-1158, ext. 300. MiaPelletie

    The 2008 Marin Agricultural Institute for Teachers training takes place June 1820. To register, contact Janice Alexander at U.C. Cooperativ

    Extension at 415-499-3041. Schools can book fall, 2008, farm visits through MALTs Farm Field Studies Coordinator at 415-868-0205.

    map gives Kidsafarm geography lesson

    carbon creditsc o n t i n u e d f r o m p a ge o n e

    PaigeGreen

    Marin Carbon Project eld staff

    Marin Agricultural Land Trust News is publishquarterly by Marin Agricultural Land Trust, a nonprotax-exempt organization.

    marin agricultural land trPO Box 809, Point Reyes Stat

    California 94956-0

    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

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    Due nging cncerns abu F-and-MuhDisease, we as ha individuas wh have visied farmsuside he U.S.A. up 10 days prir evens nparicipae in farm urs. Weaher can change quicyin Wes Marin. Bring a jace fr warmh, a ha fr pr-ecin frm he sun, and a daypac fr fd & drins.Mt t ae t apppate y cde.Pease chec wih MAlt. Fr mre deaied direcins a Hies & turs meeing pace, phne 415-663-1158,Mnday Friday, 9 a.m.5 p.m. r visi www.ma.rg

    Eay: Fa r very ie spe in adisance f ess han ne mie

    Mdeate:Varied, mid errain frneve mies

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    frmRanches & Rolling Hills:Art of West MarinA Land in Trust

    I wud ie sign up fr he fwing MAlt Hies & turs:Hies & turs ie # pepe dae cs

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    Regisrain is by mai ny. Space is imied, and urs up a differen raes. Pease encse a separaechec fr each ur, r charge urs & memberships yur VISA, Masercard, r American Express. Fupaymen is required, and a paricipans mus preregiser ve days prir even. Cnrmains wi besen. Refunds ny if MAlt cances a ur r if ur is aready fu. Pease be prmp. Evens are imedarund he farms r dairys wr schedues. Hies & turs are n privae prpery; yu have permissin ener fr he MAlt even y. Yu may n re-ener a anher ime. Abtey pet aed

    Peae cmpete te de m.

    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 Regisrain Fr

    PrE-rEgisTrATion rEquirED unlEss oThErwisE noTED

    Experience he ng days f summer in he cunryside n a ur f Wes Marin farmand r ge ha easy feeinga he Marin Winegrwers Assciain Pin Nir tasing in larspur r a he annua tase f Marin dinner

    which his year is par f Sw Fd Nain n labr Day Weeend. Jus wan aze arund? Pic up a cpy f he new b inspired byur annua andscape ar shw a ne f he specia b evens being hed arund he Bay Area, hen si bac, pu yur fee up, and enjy.

    MALTHIkES & toURS & tAlkSSUMMER

    2008

    Marin Agricultural Land TrustPs ofce Bx 809 Pin Reyes Sain, Caifrnia 94956 415-663-1158 [email protected] mat.

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    RANCHES & RollING HIllS:Artof West MArinA LAndin trust

    A handsome book that documents and celebrates ten years of MALTs annual art show with a collection of 135 color images that make it a treasure offine art and a historical record of land conservation and farmland protection in West Marin. Available atwww.malt.org and at bookstores, or by contacting

    Windgate Press at 415-332-0912.

    May 23: Cppereds Bs, PeaumaEnjoy an evening talk and book signing with author Elisabeth Ptak in conversation with ranchers and artists featured in thisbeautiful book. Time: 7 p.m. Where: 140 Kentucky Street, Petaluma

    June 7: ths. Mser Cabinemaers, San FranciscJoin us at a wine and cheese reception and booksigning at this elegant furniture showroom which also will feature an exhibitof paintings byRanches & Rolling Hills artists. Art and book sales will benefit MALT. Time: 2 6 p.m. Where: 3395 Sacramento Street at Walnut in San Francisco

    Juy 13: B Passage, Cre MaderaAnother chance to enjoy an evening talk and book signing with author Elisabeth Ptak in conversation with ranchers andartists featured in the book. Time: 7 p.m. Where: 51 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera

    CosT: All book events are free.

    http://www.malt.org/hp/hikestours.htmlhttp://www.malt.org/hp/hikestours.htmlhttp://www.malt.org/http://www.malt.org/shop/merchandise.htmlhttp://www.malt.org/shop/merchandise.htmlhttp://www.malt.org/hp/hikestours.htmlhttp://www.malt.org/
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    WESTERN WEEkENDhistoric point reyes tourSaturday, June 7

    Join West Marins favorite historian Dewey Livingstonfor a walking tour of Point Reyes Station to learnabout its colorful history. Visit historic buildings,including the old Cooperative Creamery, the PointReyes Emporium, the livery stable, and the formerNorthwestern Pacific Railroad engine house anddepot. Pre-registration required.Time: 10a.M. noonWhereTomeeT: MALT office, 145 A Street,

    Point Reyes StationWhatto Bring: Water, walking shoesCosT: $10 / $15 non-membersDegreeof Difficulty:

    MARIN WINEGROWERS ASSN.pinot noir tastinghistoric escalle winerya benefitfor maltSaturday, June 14This 4th annual Marin County pinot noir tastingis an inspired effort to preserve Marin Countyfarmland. Proceeds will benefit MALT. The limitedproduction Marin pinot noirs include somemarquee names and some of Californias mostpromising new faces: Corda Winery; Dutton-Gold-field Winery; Kendric Vineyards; Orogeny Winery;Pey-Marin Vineyards; Point Reyes Vineyards; SeanThackrey; Stubbs Vineyard; Thomas Fogarty

    Winery; Vergari Wines; Vision Cellars; and Willow-brook Cellars. A wide selection of locally-producedfoods will be offered. Dont delay, this fantasticevent sells out quickly. On-line registration only forthis event at www.malt.org.Time: 2 3 P.M.WhereTomeeT: Historic Escalle Winery, 771Magnolia Ave, LarkspurCosT: $50; valet parking & wine glass included

    STRAUS DAIRY FAMILY TOURThursday, June 19Celebrate Dairy Month with this family tour of theStraus Organic Dairy. Meet the cows, feed a calf,and make your own organic butter. Your family

    will learn where milk comes from and all about theproducts that are made from milk by tasting Strausproducts. The dairy will have bio-security protocolsin place to protect the animals. Children must be atleast 10 years old. Pre-registration required.Time: Noon 2 P.M.WhereTomeeT: Millerton Point Parking Lot, 5miles north of Point Reyes Station; carpool to farmWhatto Bring: Water, picnic, shoes that can

    get dirtyDegreeof Difficulty:

    CosT: $15 adult members / $ 20 non-members$5 children over 10 ($45 families of 5 or more)

    LOMA ALTA & SPIRIT ROCkSaturday, June 21

    Join MALT Land Steward Matt Wacker for astrenuous hike over gorgeous pasturelands andMALT-protected properties. Starting at Loma

    Alta Ranch, now owned by Lucasfilm, hiketo the summit for spectacular views of the Bay

    Area. While picnicking at the top, learn aboutMALTs stewardship program. Then follow theridge down to Spirit Rock Meditation Centerand tour the retreat center and meditation hall.Pre-registration required.Time: 11a.M. 5 P.M.WhereTomeeT: Spirit Rock Meditation Center,5000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, WoodacreWhatto Bring: Water, picnic, hiking shoesDegreeof Difficulty:

    CosT: $25 / $30 non-members

    MURPHY RANCH FAMILY DAY& ICE CREAM TASTINGSaturday, August 9

    Bring your whole family to spend the day ata working cattle ranch. Now operated by theMurphy family, the Historic A Ranch is theoldest of the historic ranches on the Point ReyesPeninsula. Collect eggs in the hen house, visit

    with the cattle, pet a horse, feed the sheep, take ahike, and taste a selection of ice creams produced

    with local milk Pre-registration required.Time: 11a.M. 3 P.M.WhereTomeeT: Take Sir Francis Drake Blvd.west to Inverness. Go 4 miles past Inverness,then turn left at the Estero Trail Rd. following itpast the trailhead to the end of the road.Whatto Bring: Water, picnic, shoes that canget dirtyDegreeof Difficulty:

    CosT: $15 / $20 non-members $8/$12 forchildren ( $55 per family of five or more)

    McEVOY OLIVE RANCHFridays, July 11Tour Nan McEvoys 550-acre organic olive ranch,

    where 16,000 olive trees thrive in a spectacularvalley near the Marin-Sonoma border. Walkamong the orchards, learn about olive-growing,and tour the pressing facility to see how olivesare transformed into oil. Afterwards, tasteand purchase olive oil and a variety of relatedproducts. Limited to the first 40 reservations

    received by mail. Pre-registration required.Time: 10a.M. noonWhereTomeeT: McEvoy Ranch, 5 miles southof Petaluma at 5935 Red Hill Rd. (aka D StreetPoint Reyes-Petaluma Rd.)Whatto Bring: Water, walking shoesDegreeof Difficulty:

    CosT: $20 / $25 non-member

    HOG ISLAND OYSTER CO. &STRAUS DAIRYThursday, July 17 & August 14

    Join local oystermen for a tour of an oyster-growioperation. Taste oysters fresh from Tomales Bay

    while enjoying great views. Eat your own lunch opre-order a made-in-Marin lunch from Tomales BFoods with your registration. Afterwards, carpoothe Straus Dairy where dairyman Albert Straus wtalk about his organic dairy operation. Learn abothe methane digester and other energy-producingand -conserving techniques used at the ranch.

    Watch the cows being milked in the dairy thatwas converted to organic in 1993. Pre-registratiorequired.Time: 11a.M. 3 P.M.WhereTomeeT: Hog Island Oyster Co., 2021Highway One, Marshall (10 miles north of PoinReyes Station). Carpool to dairy from there.Whatto Bring: Water, picnic, shoes that canget dirtyDegreeof Difficulty:

    CosT: $30 / $35 non-members ( $20 additionato pre-order made-in-Marin lunch.)

    ANNUAL TASTE OF MARINat slow food nationfort mason, san franciscoSunday, August 31MALT, Marin Organic, and Marin FarmersMarkets are teaming up this year with Slow FooNation (SFN), a project of Slow Food USA.SFN has received the support of Mayor GavinNewsoms office and the Fort Mason Foundatioto celebrate, explore, and educate about food this delicious, ecologically sustainable, and sociallyjust. Marins premier dining event will featurelocal farmers, Marin-grown and -produced foodand wine and a chance to rub elbows over dinne

    with Michael Pollan, Alice Waters,and other foopioneers before you dance the night away to livemusic. Pre-registration required. Go to www.tasteofmarin.org.Time: 6 8:30 P.M. followed by dancingWhereTomeeT: Herbst Pavilion at Fort MasoSan FranciscoCosT: $150

    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 h .

    name

    street

    city state zip

    telephone email

    card# expiration date

    signature

    Id also lie to become a MALT member.

    $250 Sponsor $100 Associate $75 Supporter $40 Individual Other $

    Separate checs for each tour are enclosed. Charge my credit card t e $

    ab w.

    Ma

    rgotDuane/www.planetmargot.com

    http://www.malt.org/hp/hikestours.html#junehttp://www.tasteofmarin.org/http://www.malt.org/hp/hikestours.html#junehttp://www.tasteofmarin.org/
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    In the last six months, Marin Agricultural Land Trust has received two verygenerous bequestsone from the estate of Edmund Brunswick and one from the estateof Carolyn Timmins, both long-time Marin County residents. Their bequests will have asignificant impact on our continued ability to preserve Marin County farmland.

    In the next year alone, MALT hopes to acquire easements on some 5,000 acres offarmland at a cost of about $13 million. The bequests will be used toward the acquisitionand stewardship of these easements and, ultimately, for the benefit of future generations ofresidents in Marin County and beyond.

    carolyn timmins beQuest

    A Greenbrae resident since 1981, Carolyn Timmins died at her home in Februaryof this year at the age of 73 after a long illness. A native of Oregon, she was an activeenvironmentalist. Not only did she support MALT, she was also on the Docent Councilof Audubon Canyon Ranch where she led many Bay Area school children on tours.

    Mrs. Timmins belonged to a Marin alumnae group of her social sorority, KappaAlpha Theta, whose members read and discussed books and attended movies, lecturesand other cultural events. She also was a fan of the San Francisco Symphony and Opera.

    While attending MALTs Taste of Marin event several years ago, she heard AliceWaters speak about the importance of local agriculture. Afterwards, she was inspiredto tell her brother Richard Colby that, Everything that MALT stands for, I believe in.Carolyn Timmins notified us a few years ago that MALT was one of several beneficiaries of her IRA. The estimated value of hebequest is $300,000.

    edmund brunswicK beQuest

    Edmund Brunswick owned a home in Tomales where he lived for more than 20 years. He left the bulk of his estate to MALTwhich he had supported for a remarkable 25 years. Mr. Brunswicks files included newspaper clippings and articles about MALTgoing back to its inception. He even had MALTs first newsletter which was published in 1982.

    We also were touched to find in his files a 1984 handwritten note from our co-founder Ellen Straus that included complimenton Mr. Brunswicks home-made pumpernickel! To quote Ellen: You are a great baker. Bill and I thought your pumpernickel wasdelicious. Would you invite me sometime when youre baking to watch? That is, if this isnt a secret recipe. We dont know if Ellenactually got the recipe, but it was just like her to want to keep in touch with MALTs donors in this way.

    The total value of the Brunswick estateis approximately $500,000. Mr. Brunswickspecifically designated that the money be used

    to purchase conservation easements and protectfarmland in Marin County, and the funds willgo directly to MALTs Ellen Straus FarmlandPreservation Fund. Like Mrs. Timmins, he hadbeen a donor to MALT since 1989.

    We will continue to remember both Mr.Brunswick and Mrs. Timmins with sincereappreciation as we continue our work ofpreserving Marin County farmland with theirgenerous help.

    ritacuMMings

    becomea partnerfor preservation

    You, too, can help preserve the beauty and productivity of Marin County forfuture generations. Please consider naming MALT as a beneciary of your estateor will, your IRA or 401(k) fund, or by setting up a Charitable Remainder Trust orCharitable Gift Annuity.

    Most planned gifts and bequests become part of MALTs Stewardship FundEndowment and go towards ensuring that MALT can continue its important worin years to come. Those who let MALT now of their estate planning intentions arerecognized as Partners for Preservation and are noted in our Annual Report, invitedto special MALT events and to our annual Partners for Preservation recognition eventNearly 130 donors have indicated that they have chosen MALT as a beneciary oftheir estate. We hope you will consider joining them.

    If youd lie more information on estate planning, visit www.malt.org/giftplanningor contact Development Director Rita Cummings at 415-663-1158, ext. 305, [email protected].

    Carolyn Timm

    two new beQuests create

    lasting legaciesfor farmland preservation

    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

    Everything that MALT stands for, I believe in.

    mailto:%[email protected]:%[email protected]
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    Boxed set of 10 full-color greeting cards with envelopes Boxes @ $20 =

    Ranches & Rolling Hills: Art of West MarinA Land in Trust Boos @ $50 = Published by Windgate Press of Sausalito 160 pages, 135 full-color art plates

    by Elisabeth Pta with essays by Jean Stern and Michael Whitt

    Shipping/Handling Cards: Add $5.00 per orderShipping/Handling Boos: Add $15.00 per boo

    Total

    Marin Agricultural Land TrustBox 809 Point Reyes Station California 94956

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

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

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    PAIDMarin

    AgriculturaLand Trust

    MALT BOARD OF DIRECTORSLoren Poncia, Chair Rancher, TomaLynn Giacomini Stray, Vice-Chair Farmste

    Cheese Producer, Point Reyes StatAnne Flemming, Secretary Commun

    Volunteer, RBob Bingham Treasurer Investment Advis

    San FranciSue Conley Artisan Cheesemaer, Point Reyes StatSam Dolcini Rancher, West MaPhyllis Faber Biologist, Mill VaTony Gilbert Lawyer, MarshJoe Gillach Businessman, San FranciStan Gillmar Attorney, InvernDominic Grossi Dairyman, NovSteve kinsey Marin County Supervisor, 4th DistRic Lafranchi Businessman, San AnselJim McIsaac Rancher, NovDoug Moore Businessman, San FranciSabin Phelps Conservationist, Stinson BeaBill Zimmerman Rancher, Marsh

    STAFFRobert Berner,Executive Directorkelly Brown, Development AssociateRita Cummings,Development DirectorChristine Harvey, Membership & Database ManagAllison kiehl, Stewardship Associate

    katie Medwar,Development AssociateMia Pelletier, Volunteer Program ManagerBarbara Petty,Director of Administration & FinanceElisabeth Pta, Associate Director/Director of OutreHope Ratner, Ofce ManagerNic Rohan,Accounting & Benets AdministratorJeff Stump, Easement Program DirectorMatt Wacer, Stewardship DirectorConstance Washburn, Education Director

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    Marinagriculturallandtrust

    Post Ofce Box 809

    Point Reyes Station, California 94956415 663 1158

    [email protected]

    .

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    signaturePrinted on rec ycled paper,containing30% post-consumer waste.

    Every MALT Shop purchase increases awareness of ourfarmland conservation efforts & raises funds for MALT.

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    Marin Agricultural Land Tru

    is a private, member-supported, nonprot orgzation created in 1980 by a coalition of ranchand environmentalists to permanently preseMarin County farmlands for agricultural use. Meliminates the development potential on farmlthrough the acquisition of conservation easemein voluntary transactions with landowners. MA

    also encourages public policies which support enhance agriculture.

    Ranches & Rolling Hills Collection

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