Leopold Conservation Award

Rewarding California Landowners for Sound Stewardship

There's one vital group of Californians that perhaps gets praised the least for promoting a healthy environment across the state: landowners.

Because more than 50% of all land in California is privately owned, how these folks manage their properties has a dramatic and lasting effect on the environment - from climate change, to clean air and water, to wildlife. They are the front-line defenders in protecting the quality of our air and water, landscapes that protect people and wildlife alike, and ensuring a healthy climate for the state. Moreover, the fate of imperiled species, 90% of which make their homes on private land, largely rests in these individual's hands.

Leopold Comes to California

That's why in 2006 we teamed up with the Sand County Foundation - a Wisconsin-based nonprofit that works with landowners to improve wildlife and habitat nationally - and the California Farm Bureau Federation to co-sponsor the first-ever Leopold Conservation Award in California. Advancing sustainable land stewardship is something we've been championing for nearly two decades.

Dedicated to the spirit of world-renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold (author of A Sand County Almanac), the Leopold Conservation Award celebrates the extraordinary efforts of California farmers and ranchers to protect and restore the natural resources they preside over. Having become a resounding success in seven states - and here in the Golden State - the award also aims to inspire other would-be conservationists and promote a better understanding among the public about the important role landowners play in sustaining a healthy planet.

Keepers of the Land

Despite major challenges like incentives to develop their properties, the 2006-present Leopold Conservation Award winners and finalists below prove that promoting a healthy environment and a thriving farm and ranching economy can go hand in hand.