From left to right: Ulla, Scott, and Brian Park of Park Farming Organics, 2023 California Leopold Conservation Award recipients. Photo: Paolo Vescia.
Are you a California farmer, rancher, or forestland owner who improves soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on your working land? Apply for the 2024 California Leopold Conservation Award®
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the 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.
“As we weather a second year of winter rains, community flooding, and property damage, we have to boost long-term climate resilience. A sustainable future starts with experienced conservation leaders, and California landowners are on the frontlines of managing for ecosystem health and economic stability. The Leopold Conservation Award honors these dedicated families each year, and we hope farmers, ranchers and foresters come forward this year to be recognized.” – Ashley Boren, Sustainable Conservation CEO
Reading your conservation stories is one of the true highlights of our year, and we can’t wait to learn about more amazing land and resource stewards across California. The application deadline date is July 18, 2024. Email applications to [email protected]. Please contact us if you’d like to mail in your application: [email protected]
For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org. If you have any questions about the process, including specific application questions, please feel free to reach out: [email protected]
The first California Leopold Conservation Award recipient was selected in 2006. Park Family Organics of 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, Sand County Foundation, The Harvey L. & Maud C. Sorensen Foundation, Farm Credit, McDonald’s, and California Leopold Conservation Award recipient alumni.
SAND COUNTY FOUNDATION Sand County Foundation inspires and enables a growing number of private landowners to ethically manage natural resources in their care, so future generations have clean and abundant water, healthy soil to support agriculture and forestry, plentiful habitat for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 40,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of more than 5.5 million Farm Bureau members.
SUSTAINABLE CONSERVATION Sustainable Conservation helps California thrive by uniting people to solve the toughest challenges facing the state’s land, air and water. Since 1993, it has brought together business, landowners and government to steward the resources that all Californians depend on in ways that are just and make economic sense.
AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST American Farmland Trust’s mission is to save the land that sustains us by protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land. Since 1980, AFT has pursued this mission at both the national and regional state levels.
SAND COUNTY FOUNDATION
CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
SUSTAINABLE CONSERVATION
AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST