California Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Three finalists have been selected for the 2026 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 advocated 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:

Iron Horse Vineyards of Sebastopol in Sonoma County. At Iron Horse Vineyards, the Sterling family has built conservation into the way they farm, combining regenerative vineyard practices with ambitious work to protect water and wildlife. They use recycled water for irrigation and frost protection, restore Coho salmon habitat along Green Valley Creek, and improve soil health through cover crops, compost, reduced tillage, and precision farming. Their willingness to pair day-to-day stewardship with larger watershed and climate research efforts reflects a commitment to caring for their land and advancing more sustainable winegrowing.

Sardella Ranch of Sonora in Tuolumne County. Mike and Julie Sardella have focused on honoring the history and legacy of their ranch while ensuring it remains a healthy, working landscape for generations to come. Since 2015, they have opened the ranch as a live fire training and testing ground for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the Motherlode Prescribed Burn Association, helping refine strategies for fuels reduction and invasive weed control. Their 2013 conservation easement ensures this active stewardship, along with the ranch’s historic, cultural, and ecological resources, will be protected in perpetuity.

Spottswoode Estate Winery and Vineyard of Helena in Napa County. With more than 140 years of farming history, Spottswoode has endured by adapting without losing sight of its commitment to the land. After the unexpected death of founder Mary Novak’s husband in 1977 put the family business at risk, she chose to keep the vineyard going and helped set the course for decades of innovation, from early organic farming to today’s integrated regenerative practices. That land ethic is embedded across the operation, with vineyard, winery, and leadership staff all invested in continually improving how the business cares for soil, water, and wildlife.

California landowners were encouraged to apply, or be nominated, for the award. An independent panel of California agricultural and conservation leaders evaluated the applications. The award recipient will be recognized at the California Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in December. Stemple Creek Ranch of Tomales in Marin County received the award in 2026.

Sand County Foundation’s California Leopold Conservation Award 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, Bowles Farming Company, California Rangeland Trust, Farm Credit, and California LCA recipient alumni.

ACCOLADES

“Iron Horse Vineyards, Sardella Ranch, and Spottswoode Estate exemplify how thoughtful stewardship of working lands can strengthen the landscapes and communities around them,” said Josette Lewis, CEO of Sustainable Conservation, a co-sponsor of the award. “We hope their leadership inspires California’s growers and land managers of all kinds to keep raising the bar on conservation.”

“These exceptional farmers and ranchers demonstrate outstanding environmental stewardship through their daily farm and ranch practices, while continuing to provide safe, affordable food for Californians and consumers around the world. We deeply value our partnership and our shared commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture,” said Shannon Douglass, California Farm Bureau Federation President. 

“These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO. “Their dedication to conservation is both an inspiration to their peers as well as a reminder to all how important thoughtful agriculture is to clean water, healthy soil, and wildlife habitat.”

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the award recipients,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that exemplary conservation involves the land itself, the practices employed on the land, and the people who steward it. This award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

For more information, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.