About Us
Working together to preserve what matters most
Photo: © Jerry Dodrill
Our Vision
Conservation – Preservation – Community
Photo: © Jerry Dodrill
Committed to Preserving Land and Supporting Communities
Dedicated to preserving and restoring land and its communities, BLT promotes the appreciation of human interaction with plants, animals, and other species by encouraging wise and caring land use practices. We engage with our community and draw from it in many of our activities. For Example, BLT organizes educational workshops, volunteer restoration events, and collaborative projects with neighbors and local schools to foster stewardship and awareness.
Maintain Agricultural Land and Family Farms
We encourage responsible land use, conservation, and restoration, with a focus on maintaining western Sonoma County’s family farms in agriculture and sustaining the rural scenic character of our landscape. We arrange visits to local farms as an important part of our Walks and Talks Series.
Protect Diverse Habitats, Resources, and Natural Viewshed for Future Generations
Western Sonoma County is resplendent with the scenic beauty of rolling pastoral landscapes and sweeping ocean panoramas. Coastal prairie, forested hills and clear running creeks abound in this rural agricultural area. Our coastal watersheds provide important habitat for threatened and endangered species, like Coho Salmon and Steelhead. We have an incredible biodiversity of plants and animals. We work to ensure that future generations can enjoy these treasures.
Agricultural and Conservation Easements
Bodega Land Trust helps to sustain our local resources through conservation and agricultural easements, restoration activities, education and community support.
Our History
Protecting Diverse Lands – Sustainable Use – Community Engagement
Photo: © Jerry Dodrill
Please read about our 15-year history of accomplishments in protecting diverse lands in our community, educating the public on sustainable land use, and providing landowners and the community with opportunities to engage their love of the land.
The Bodega Land Trust was formed in 1992 and received 501(c)3 tax-exempt status in 1997.
The founders, like Aldo Leopole, saw the realization of community in a shared love of the land. As new technologies increasingly influence the pace and patterns of our daily lives, Bodega Land Trust helps anchor us to a physical place – engaging us with the land and its natural and agricultural systems. Initially formed to encourage the preservation of agricultural open space, the forest and riparian corridors, the organization has evolved into a vital grassroots organization that encourages and supports community involvement in land stewardship.
Local volunteers monitor easements, conduct educational programs and restoration activities, and support community efforts. Protected land includes approximately two miles of riparian corridor, old growth redwood forests and coastal prairie. Most easements are located in the Salmon Creek Watershed, protecting important habitat for salmonids and other threatened and endangered species, and open space for visitors to the Sonoma Coast.
The Bodega Land Trust is a founding member of the California Council of Land Trusts, and a member of the Land Trust Alliance and the Sonoma County Farm Bureau.
Our Team
Dedicated People with Shared Purpose
Photo by Benedicta Justine
Bodega Land Trust Board of Directors and Staff
Bio
“With over 55 years in Bodega and extensive experience living and
studying in rural parts of northern California, Oregon, and Hawaii, I have developed a deep respect for environmental stewardship. My experiences of observing, listening,
and reflecting have led me to understand that humans constitute just one component within nature’s broader network of communities. I spent 41 years at California Human
Development, including 25 as Director of Disability Services, where I built leadership and organizational skills while empowering others. I earned a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Administration from the University of San Francisco McClaren School of Business.”
Board Member since 1997.
Bio
“My love and respect for the natural world came from growing up in
West County and being fortunate enough to explore awe-inspiring destinations across the world. In my professional life, I work to protect natural resources in coastal
northern California. I spend my free time frolicking in the surf, the mountains, and the woods. With over a decade of experience as an Environmental Scientist working on
habitat conservation in Sonoma County, I bring technical expertise in the flora, fauna, and the holistic function of our local ecosystems.”
Board Member since 2024
Bio
“From a very young age, the outdoors was my go-to haven. Nature
provided an overly active child endless opportunities for discovery: trees, flowers, birds, insects, reptiles, beaches – the flora and fauna fascinated me. In the 1950s,
no one suspected the natural world could imprint so deeply in one’s psyche.
Sonoma County has countless unique environmental areas, but they also require guardians of the land to steward, to protect them. Transitioning from a longtime BLT member, occasional event volunteer to a relatively new board member, I am
dedicated to ensuring West County lands remain thriving healthy habitats.”
Board Member since 2023
Bio
Susan Anderson, PhD, is a retired Adjunct Professor from UC Davis Department of Environmental Toxicology (Bodega Marine Lab) where she directed large scale studies related to coastal pollution. She also enjoyed linking science and policy as Ecological Group Leader at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and in the Planning Department at the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. After 30 years working on aquatic issues, she is learning about forests as a West County landowner.
Board Member since 2017
Bio
“My family has farmed in the Bodega area since before 1900, starting with dairy and draft horses before there were tractors, then pastured chickens and sheep. I grew up on a sheep ranch near Salmon Creek, enjoying fishing and rescuing stranded fish; I’m glad my cousins remain on the original property. Due to coyote predation, we now focus on cattle in the Freestone Valley Ford area. Financial sustainability is essential for local agriculture’s survival. My background in agricultural law, real estate, and civil engineering helps with reviewing Land Trust documents. I’m interested in forest health, managed grazing, creek health and maintenance, and want to pursue water releases from reservoirs to support salmonid fry during dry months. We use fire suppression grazing and appreciate our son’s expertise in forest and grazing management.”
Board Member since 2010
Bio
“I have always been drawn outdoors, with a deep appreciation for forests, wildlife, and watersheds. After a decade of service as a volunteer easement monitor with Bodega Land Trust, I was invited to join the board. With forty years of experience
in the public sector, I am mission-driven and understand my fiduciary responsibilities to the Trust. As a West County resident, I value our landscapes and all that nature offers. As a board member, I am committed to preserving our land for future generations.”
Board Member since 2024
Bio
“I am the Monitoring Coordinator for Bodega Land Trust. I have volunteered
with BLT for many years and was previously a BLT Board Member. I live in Occidental on a small, certified organic apple and pear farm that my husband and I own and operate. I love
photographing and learning about the natural beauty that surrounds us, especially the plants and wildlife. I am a Yoga Teacher and retired High School Spanish Teacher. As a resident of west Sonoma County for about 50 years, I especially appreciate BLT and the partnering landowners’ efforts to help steward and protect this precious local land and its natural beauty.”
Monitoring Coordinator since 2026
Bio
Susan has lived in rural Sonoma County for over 50 years. She enjoys
hiking locally and road trips whenever she and her husband can get away. Sue has been invaluable to Bodega Land Trust by managing our finances, and many other administrative records.
Bookkeeper since 2015
Bio
“I am an Occidental native who loves to work on the beautiful land all around me. I have a wonderful family, a big garden, plenty of bay area sports teams to root for, and ample volunteer opportunities around the community. See you on the trail!”
Bodega Land Trust Advisory Council
Harold Appleton
Registered Professional Forester, Certified Professional Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Specialist
Carl Blanco
Website administrator
Alastair Bleifuss
Director, Santa Rosa Creek Stewardship Program, former BLT Board member
Ann Cassidy
Board member, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District
Ellie Fairbairn
Academic Administrator, University of California Davis, Bodega Marine Laboratory; BLT Walks & Talks; former BLT Board member
Bob Fink
Former BLT Board member and Board Secretary
Hazel Flett
Shepherd; BLT Walks & Talks Program; BLT Journal editor
Cathy Connor Johnson
…
David Katz
Real State and Environmental Specialist, Past Executive Director of Farallones Institute and Sonoma Land Trust
Eric Koenigshofer
Former Chair, Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, former BLT Board member
Russ Pinto
Conservationist and environmental planner; former BLT board member
Robin Rudderow
President, Rancho Bodega Historical Society; Lawyer
David Shatkin
Salmon Creek Watershed Council
Nick Tipon
Native American educator