The Land Ethic Mentorship is a free opportunity for historically underserved farmers and ranchers who would like access to a conservation mentor to help answer questions about land management. Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award recipients serve as program mentors and look forward to helping participants navigate state and federal agricultural conservation programs.
Are you a beginning farmer or rancher who would benefit from a conservation mentor? Tell us about you and your operation to find out how you can become part of our free mentorship program for underserved farmers and ranchers.
Meet the Mentees:
Carla Kenney
Jean Lam
Carmen McKee
Dolores Miller
Tiffany Schilling
Meet the Mentors: click here.
Want to sponsor or participate in the program? Contact Nikki D'Adamo-Damery at nikki@sandcountyfoundation.org.
Read Nikki's observations on the Land Ethic Mentorship's farm tour and discussion in California.
Read USDA NRCS's Partner Spotlight about the Land Ethic Mentorship.
Land ethic mentorship profile: Jon Bednarski, James Burch, & Soonnyoung Min
Land Ethic Mentorship Profile: Ron Brooks, Archer Meier, and Marlo Stein
Paul Muller of Full Belly Farms in California shares his commitment to conservation mentorship
“Historically underserved farmers and ranchers face many challenges. Knowing someone to ask about a conservation practice can build confidence and have a lasting impact,” said Dick Cates, a Wisconsin farmer who received the Leopold Conservation Award in 2013.
A $250,000 Conservation Collaboration Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) funded Sand County Foundation’s two-year pilot project in 2020 to promote conservation outreach by its award recipients. A 2022 grant from the USDA NRCS Outreach and Partnerships Division provided additional funding to build upon the program’s momentum. The “Conservation Outreach: Equity through Cooperative Agreements” grant will amplify the program’s initial reach and impact.
Partners & Sponsors
