All Land is Beautiful

Marshall Gorham
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Nature
  • Updated Monthly

A series of conversations around the obvious, and not so obvious, natural beauty of California and beyond.

  1. May 28

    E30: Landed: The Next Hands on the Land, with Brooks Lamb (American Farmland Trust)

    In this episode, I sit down with American Farmland Trust’s Brooks Lamb to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing agriculture today: the impending transition of 300 million acres of working lands to the next generation of farmers and ranchers. From aging farmers and skyrocketing land costs to succession planning, conservation easements, and the future of working lands, this conversation dives deep into the emotional and economic realities shaping rural America. Brooks shares stories of struggle, resilience, and innovation from farming communities across the country — and explains why protecting farmland isn’t just about food production, but also about wildlife habitat, community identity, and the future of conservation itself. We explore: Why America is at risk of losing millions of acres of working lands The emotional weight behind succession planning How conservation can help keep farms and ranches intact The rise of regenerative agriculture and next-generation stewardship Why community connection matters more than ever What all of this means even if you’ve never stepped foot on a farm This episode is a powerful reminder that the future of land, food, and community are deeply connected — and that saving farms starts one conversation at a time. If this episode resonates with you, be sure to check out AFT’s LANDED Podcast. The prologue is out now, and the first full episode drops June 2nd!

    1h 16m

  2. Apr 23

    E29: The Million-Acre Man - Shelton Douthit: How Land Actually Gets Protected

    On this episode I sit down with a man who’s helped protect over a million acres of land. But before you picture sweeping landscapes and pristine wilderness, let me stop you—because this story isn’t just about nature. It’s about deals. Contracts. Legal puzzles. And the kind of detective work that happens long before a trail ever opens to the public. From scrambling through decades-old land records, to uncovering buried hazards in the middle of nowhere, to closing high-stakes, high-speed conservation deals—This is the not-so-glamorous behind-the-scenes world of land protection that almost nobody sees. Because every park you’ve hiked, every open space you love…there’s a story behind how it was saved. And chances are its way more complicated than you think. This time on All Land is Beautiful I dive into that story with Shelton Douthit, the Million-Acre Man—a guy who didn’t set out to become a real estate expert but ended up mastering the art of conservation deals at a scale most people can’t even imagine. This is about how land gets saved—one negotiation, one title report, and sometimes, one hundred thousand acres at a time.

    1h 17m

  3. Mar 26

    E28: They Held On, Someone Stepped In: Bringing Back the California Red-Legged Frog, with Rob Grasso (Yosemite NP)

    In this episode, I sit down with Yosemite National Park Aquatic Ecologist, Rob Grasso, to unpack the unlikely comeback of the California red-legged frog—a species that nearly vanished from the Sierra Nevada. From a childhood spent watching wetlands disappear in New Jersey to leading one of Yosemite National Park’s most ambitious restoration efforts, Rob shares the winding path that led him to this work—and the moment he realized there may be hope for these frogs after all. What follows is a story of persistence, partnership, and a bit of luck. We dig into the surprising history behind the frog’s decline, from overharvesting during the Gold Rush to invasive species and habitat loss, and explore how a hidden population in the foothills became the key to bringing them back. With the help of unlikely collaborators—including private landowners, the Yosemite Conservancy, and the San Francisco Zoo—thousands of frogs were carefully reared and reintroduced into Yosemite after a 70-year absence. But success wasn’t guaranteed. Rob walks us through the risks, setbacks, and small wins that defined the project—from the first frog released into the wild to the moment they realized the species was breeding again on its own. At its core, this episode is about more than just one frog. It’s about what happens when a species holds on just long enough for us to notice—and what it takes for us to step in and help it recover.

    1h 15m

  4. Feb 26

    E27: The Dirt on Saving Dirt, with Erin Tarr of the Bear Yuba Land Trust

    In this episode, I sit down with Erin Tarr, Executive Director of the Bear Yuba Land Trust, to explore how community-driven conservation is shaping the future of the Sierra foothills. From our conversation in Grass Valley, we dive into the challenges and opportunities of protecting land in a rapidly growing region where rural landscapes, outdoor recreation, and development pressures collide. Erin shares how the land trust’s work goes far beyond protecting open space — from building connected trail systems and securing farmland for local food production to preserving wildlife habitat and responding directly to community needs. We explore the evolving role of modern land trusts, the importance of access to nature, and how conservation can strengthen local economies, support farmers, and create lasting community spaces. The conversation also unpacks the realities behind conservation work: building trust with landowners, navigating limited funding, balancing recreation with habitat protection, and acting quickly when opportunities arise. Along the way, we discuss Forever Farms, trail connectivity, cultural partnerships, and a bold vision to connect landscapes between the Bear and Yuba River watersheds. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how local conservation happens — one project, one partnership, and one community conversation at a time. In this episode, we discuss: • How land trusts are evolving to meet community needs • The power of trails and access to nature in rural communities • Protecting local farms and securing food systems • Balancing development pressures with habitat conservation • Building connected landscapes for wildlife and people A thoughtful conversation about conservation, community, and the lasting impact of protecting the places where we live.

    1 hr

  5. Jan 29

    E26: Small Land Trust, Big Landscape with Ellie Routt of the Mother Lode Land Trust

    In this episode, I sit down with Ellie Routt, executive director of the Mother Lode Land Trust (MLLT), to explore the unique character and on-the-ground work of a land trust serving some of California’s most rural counties—Tuolumne, Alpine, Calaveras, Amador, and El Dorado. Ellie offers a look into the organization’s distinct, community-driven approach to conservation and how it shapes both the land and the people who depend on it. We talk about their flagship property, the C & C Ranch—more than protected open space, it’s a community hub that hosts programs and partnerships ranging from biking and gardening, to art and outdoor education. Ellie also highlights MLLT’s commitment to preserving the region’s cultural and historical heritage, ensuring these landscapes remain vital to local identity. Unlike many land trusts that transfer conserved properties to public agencies, MLLT retains direct stewardship, allowing them to manage, restore, and protect these lands with long-term continuity. Looking ahead, projects like their planned acquisition near Kirkwood Ski Resort aim to expand public access and educational opportunities while safeguarding important natural areas. This conversation underscores the power of locally led conservation and the outsized impact small land trusts can have in strengthening communities, protecting landscapes, and keeping regional heritage alive.

    1h 1m

  6. Jan 1

    E25: Flocks and Footnotes: Discussing Prescribed Grazing with Mark Gutierrez of Pilot Creek Ranch

    In this episode, I sit down with Mark Gutierrez of Pilot Creek Ranch to explore the intricacies of running a prescribed goat and sheep grazing operation in Northern California. Working across landscapes from El Dorado County to Napa, Mark shares the practical realities and challenges of managing land through targeted grazing. Raised on a citrus grove and shaped by a family legacy of experimenting with sustainable practices, Mark traces his path into the grazing world and how those early experiences informed his approach today. Together, we ruminate (pun very much intended) on the methods and multifaceted benefits of prescribed grazing from enhancing fire resilience and habitat quality, to managing vegetation in vineyards and orchards. Mark also discusses how he integrates prescribed fire as a complimentary tool for land management. Throughout our conversation, he emphasizes the balance between running a practical, adaptable business and pursuing long-term ecological goals, highlighting the value of strong partnerships and a willingness to keep learning. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the work of modern grazing operators, underscoring the dynamic interplay between livestock management, land stewardship, and building a viable forward-thinking enterprise. Hope you enjoy.

    59 min

  7. 08/26/2025

    E24: Advice from the Golden State Naturalist, Michelle Fullner

    In this episode, I chat with Michelle Fullner, aka, the Golden State Naturalist, to discuss the convergence of conservation and effective communication through the lens of the All Land is Beautiful perspective and the work of land trusts. The overarching theme of this conversation, at least what I can best summarize, is the inherent opposition between the values of the natural world and those of the technological. We use Michelle’s origin story in becoming the Golden State Naturalist as a backdrop to discussing the importance of things like  understanding the behind the scenes work of protected lands, what responsibility we have in respecting and giving back to the places we love, as well as the balance between idealistic and pragmatic conservation approaches. Through sharing her journey toward reconnecting with nature, we delve into narrative storytelling's role in social media to make conservation efforts engaging and relatable, how that relates to environmental organizations, and Michelle’s efforts in providing resources for those tasked with, or trying to communicate important conservation stories. I’m so appreciative of Michelle taking the time to meet me in person, and on a side note, glad that I was able to grant her her first underground podcast interview, in a wine cave, due to a last minute location change.

    1h 5m

  8. 07/29/2025

    E23: Securing Our Fertile Future, with John Currey (Executive Director, Yolo Land Trust)

    In this episode of All Land is Beautiful, I sit down with John Currey, Executive Director of the Yolo Land Trust, for a deep conversation about the agricultural richness and enduring beauty of Yolo County.  We explore Yolo County’s long-standing farming traditions and how advancements in agricultural technology have transformed operations—improving both efficiency and sustainability. John discusses the critical importance of protecting the county’s irrigated cropland and how these lands are central to the region’s identity, economy, and food security. A key part of our discussion focuses on California’s complex water management systems and how they impact farming. John also shares the story behind the founding and success of the Yolo Land Trust, which has played a major role in preserving farmland and preventing urban expansion through conservation easements and partnerships with local farmers. Looking to the future, we examine pressing challenges such as succession planning in a time when many farmers are aging out of the profession. John emphasizes the need to support the next generation by making land more accessible to beginning farmers and providing mentorship and education opportunities. This episode provides a thoughtful and informative look at farmland conservation, the role of technology in modern agriculture, and how Yolo County serves as a powerful example of balancing growth with sustainability. Whether you're passionate about land stewardship, farming, or rural policy, this conversation offers valuable insight into the evolving landscape of American agriculture. Hope you enjoy.

    1h 4m
See All (31)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

A series of conversations around the obvious, and not so obvious, natural beauty of California and beyond.

Information

  • Creator
    Marshall Gorham
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    All Land is Beautiful

You Might Also Like