California Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Three finalists have been selected for the 2024 California Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In California, the $10,000 award is presented with Sustainable Conservation and the California Farm Bureau Federation.

The finalists are:

Bowles Farming Company Inc. of Los Banos in Merced County. For generations the Bowles and Lawrence families actively managed 640 acres of wetland habitat and restored key riparian corridors. They provide habitat for beneficial insect pollinators and participate in rigorous crop certification programs for tomatoes, corn, herbs, garlic, and cotton. About 1,800 truckloads of green waste from surrounding cities are converted into a source of high-quality soil amendments annually. Converting to drip irrigation has reduced their water usage and the risk of runoff.

Hat Creek Grown of Hat Creek in Shasta County. Henry and Pam Giacomini raise more than 1,000 head of beef cattle, manage more than 60,000 acres of leased, private, and federal lands. They also raise a goat herd used to control invasive weeds that is rented to other landowners. They educate others on how properly managed grazing can improve soil health. To improve water quality, they have participated in stream temperature monitoring with the University of California. They have also demonstrated how grazing and improve rangeland and riparian areas.

Stemple Creek Ranch of Tomales in Marin County. Loren and Lisa Poncia take great pride in building their soil’s health and providing wildlife habitat, while raising grass-fed beef cattle. The Audubon Society certified the ranch as bird-friendly for planting trees, sustainable grazing practices, and protecting riparian areas that attract migratory birds and critically endangered species. They regularly host ranch tours for consumers, ranchers, and soil scientists to learn about regenerative agriculture and carbon sequestration.

California landowners were encouraged to apply, or be nominated, for the award. An independent panel of California agricultural and conservation leaders reviewed the applications. The award recipient will be recognized at the California Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in December. Park Farming Organics of Meridian in Sutter County received the award in 2023.

The Leopold Conservation Award in California is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Sustainable Conservation, California Farm Bureau Federation, The Harvey L. & Maud C. Sorensen Foundation, Sand County Foundation, Farm Credit, McDonald’s, and California LCA recipient alumni.

ACCOLADES

“On behalf of the California Farm Bureau, we extend our congratulations to this year’s finalists for the Leopold Conservation Award. These outstanding farmers and ranchers exemplify exceptional environmental stewardship through their daily management of their farm and ranch operations, all while providing safe and affordable food for Californians and consumers worldwide. We value the continued partnership between our organizations and the shared commitment to sustainable agriculture,” said Shannon Douglass, California Farm Bureau Federation President.

“Working lands are where environmental solutions succeed or stumble, and dedicated land stewards make a big difference for our ecosystem and community health,” said Ashley Boren, CEO of Sustainable Conservation, which has co-sponsored the award since its launch in California more than a decade ago. “The Bowles, Giacomini, and Poncia families go above and beyond good practices to protect the resources upon which we all depend. We’re honored to help spotlight each family’s exceptional stewardship, and each are deserving of the award.”

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust, celebrates the hard work and dedication of the California award finalists,” said John Piotti, American Farmland Trust President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

“These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.

For more information, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.