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Session Details
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DateTimeSessionRoomTrackSession TitleDescription
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Monday, March 31, 20257:30:00 AM - 5:00 PMRegistrationHotel Lobby
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8:00:00 AM - 4:00 PMField Trips Various
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6:00pm-8:00pmOpening ReceptionRestaurantWelcome Reception/Happy HourCome enjoy some light bites and s'mores for some welcome networking (no host bar).
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Tuesday, April 1, 20258:00am - 9amBreakfastSalon 1-3
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9am - 11:30amOpening Salon 4-5PlenaryCalifornia Land & Water Conservation Conference Opening SessionThe conference will be opened by Chairwoman Sandra Chapman from the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation with a welcome to their homelands, and the shared territory of Miwuk, Mono and Yokut people. We will then hear from CCLT Board President Bridget Fithian and Executive Director Caroline Godkin to celebrate the accomplishments in 2024 and look forward to 2025. Two visionary state leaders—Meghan Hertel and Dr. Jennifer Norris—will also share their perspectives on California’s innovative 30x30 initiative and more.
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1pm - 2:30pmBreakout 1.1Salon 4-5Partnership & Community EngagementPayahuunadü: WaterBack, LandBack, LifeBackThis presentation details the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission’s efforts to secure water rights, preserve cultural heritage, and promote social justice by examining Indigenous displacement, legal challenges, and the successful return of 5 acres, known as Three Creeks, to Indigenous stewardship.
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Breakout 1.2Counties (theater 100)Stewardship, Mitigation & RestorationPerpetuity: How do we get there?Planning for perpetual protection and management of conservation lands in California –whether in fee or with conservation easements – presents unique challenges for land trusts. This session will provide aggregate experience from decades of preparing the foundation legal documents, managing and defending conservation properties on the ground, and calculating and managing endowments to support stewardship and protection in perpetuity.
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Breakout 1.3Ponderosa/Evergreen (theater for 100)Conservation ForumConservation Forum: When the Commitments Are Forever, But the Land Trust Isn’t – Preparing for DissolutionLand trusts take on the mission of protecting and managing land forever. But like any organization, a land trust may eventually be faced with challenges that necessitate dissolution. Land trusts must be prepared to navigate a dissolution to ensure continued protections in perpetuity, even after the organization ceases to exist. This session will provide an overview of the dissolution process, addressing both legal and practical considerations.
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Breakout 1.4Sugarpine (rounds for 50)Admin and OpsRe: Branding – How to Evaluate Your Land Trust's IdentityBetween the accelerating impacts of climate change, a greater focus on equity, and the impacts of the pandemic, many land trusts have fundamentally evolved their approach to land conservation. As a result, they’re often left feeling like their 10+ year-old branding just doesn’t quite reflect the engaging work they’re doing for their communities today. Sound familiar? This can lead to an inclination for a rebranding – which is then itself met with the daunting realization of what a rebranding will require. But the challenges of a rebranding shouldn’t prevent you from asking tough questions about your existing brand. Join Bold Bison for a highly interactive workshop, where we’ll take a close look at what branding is (and isn’t); think through strategies to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your brand; and share perspectives on how to approach a brand update at your land trust.
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2:30pm - 3:00pmBreakFoyerNetworking Break
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3:00 pm - 4:30 pmBreakout 2.1Salon 1 (weds only - 130 at rounds)Development & CommunicationState Funders: Implementing the Climate BondThis session discusses what is next in the implementation of Proposition 4. We will recap what is included in Proposition 4 and then learn about the process from here, including the legislative process and the process within the funding agencies. This panel discussion will allow time for questions followed by an informal conversation with the panelists.
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Breakout 2.2Counties (theater 100)Stewardship, Mitigation & Restoration
Land Trusts Building Climate Resilience in their Communities		This session will provide an overview of three projects in which California Land Trusts have proactively engaged their communities to take concrete actions to manage the risks of flood, fire and drought; as well as a fourth project in which a land trust quantified the economic value of such projects. You'll hear about the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy's Rewild Ojai project, the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County's Beach Ranch farmland retirement and coastal restoration project, the Elkhorn Slough Foundation's Eucalyptus Fire Hazard Management and Biochar program, and the Land Trust for Santa Barbara's study of Economic Valuation of Resilience Action.
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Breakout 2.3Ponderosa/Evergreen (theater for 100)Conservation ForumConservation Forum: Commercial Use Provisions in Easement Drafting and InterpretationFor so long, conservation easements have categorically prohibited commercial activities. This approach certainly made for simpler drafting, but failed to consider whether the commercial nature of an activity made such activity inconsistent with the conservation purposes of the easement. Does the exchange of currency necessarily render an activity inconsistent with the conservation purposes? Or, rather, should we consider the effect of the activity on the land and its conservation values rather than whether the activity was commercial or not? When we consider perpetuity, prevailing wisdom now asks us to build in flexibility so that landowners are able to survive on the land while ensuring that the conservation values of the land are protected. This session will consider commercial uses both when interpreting existing easements and drafting new easements.
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Breakout 2.4Sugarpine (rounds for 50)Land ProtectionLand Protection 101This session is intended for anyone interested in learning (or reviewing) the basics of acquiring conservation land and easements. We will cover the major components of typical fee simple and conservation easement acquisitions, starting with project evaluation and continuing through negotiation, transaction due diligence, and closing. Attendees are encouraged to come with questions and interesting project examples to participate in Q&A and discussion.
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Breakout 2.5Salon 4-5Partnership & Community EngagementReturning Cultural Fire to yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribe homelandsLearn about the unique state-local-Tribal relationship that supported the return of cultural fire to yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribe homelands and on property owned by the City of San Luis Obispo. Speakers will share the process and various planning pieces that helped enable this project and the continued efforts and resulting opportunities.
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4:30pm - 6:00pmHappy HourFoyerNetworking Happy Hour
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6:00pm - 8:00pmAward DinnerSalon 1-3California Conservation Award Dinner(Separate ticket required)
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8am - 9amBreakfastFoyer
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Wednesday, April 2, 20259am - 10amBreakout 3.1Salon 1 (weds only - 130 at rounds)Partnership & Community EngagementLand Protection in Partnership with Indigenous PeoplesHow can land trusts and CCLT catalyze more enduring and effective solutions to both the environmental challenges we face and the systemic exclusion of Indigenous Peoples in land stewardship? Join this discussion about the barriers and opportunities for greater Tribal engagement, and learn about one concrete opportunity to get involved.
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Breakout 3.2Salon 2 (weds only - 130 at rounds)Land ProtectionCalifornia Land Trusts & WaterCalifornia land trusts are working on land and water conservation projects across the state. This session highlights four land trusts working on the Ventura, Upper Salinas, Upper Sacramento tributaries, and the Scott River, and showcases their respective approaches to multi-benefit projects that enhance stream flow, restore habitat, and protect salmon and/or steelhead. Organizational strategies to acquire fee interest or conservation easements will be discussed, as well as emerging voluntary agreement tools such as forbearance and the related issues of longer-term funding for monitoring, verification, and enforcement. Panelists will discuss voluntary v. regulatory strategies and their experience working with a range of water and conservation experts, including specialized "water trust" partner organizations and different state and other public funders.
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Breakout 3.3Salon 3 (weds only - 130 at rounds)Partnership & Community EngagementMariposa Creek ParkwayThe Mariposa Creek Parkway Project showcases the transformative potential of cross sector partnerships working together to conserve, restore, rematriate and help connect and heal land and people in the heart of the Mariposa community. Project elements include Tribal partnership work creating access and programs that return Indigenous stewardship and principles to the land including fire, co-creation of management plans & establishing tending and gathering spaces; partnering with local government in multi-benefit planning and implementation efforts that integrate conservation, restoration, trails and housing; and engaging communities in conservation through art & education partnerships.
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Breakout 3.4Counties (theater 100)Policy and Gov RelationsLand Trust Alliance National Policy UpdateLori Faeth, Senior Director of Government Relations for the Land Trust Alliance will provide a comprehensive update on the new federal landscape as it relates to land trusts and conservation efforts. This session includes a briefing on executive actions and Congressional priorities developments impacting land conservation at the federal level; insights into advocacy efforts and opportunities to influence federal policy to advance voluntary private land conservation; and practical guidance on leveraging federal programs and resources to advance your conservation goals. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed on critical issues shaping the future of land conservation.
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Breakout 3.5Sugarpine (rounds for 50)Partnership & Community EngagementCreating Agricultural CE handouts in Spanish & English: Lessons learned and process with CA FarmlinkSan Benito Agricultural Land Trust will present their agricultural conservation easement handout that was created with California FarmLink in both English and Spanish. The project was funded by DOC's Working Lands and Riparian Corridors Program in 2019, and is geared toward the new and/or underserved agricultural landowner.
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Breakout 3.6Ponderosa/Evergreen (theater for 100)Development & CommunicationBuilding Capacity for StewardshipAn interactive session to consolidate a common understanding of funding needs, barriers, and opportunities related to improving long-term stewardship of conservation lands managed by Land Trusts across the state. We will explore barriers to success, effectiveness and efficiency including funding, workforce/capacity, policy, legal, and other constraints. The ideas and recommendations gathered in this workshop will be used by CCLT to identify and prioritize challenges and opportunities for land trusts and our partners and to use this information in shaping public policy and funding streams that will increase capacity and funding for better land stewardship and biodiversity outcomes.
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10:00am - 10:30amBreakFoyerNetworking Break
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10:30am - 1:00pmBreakout 4.1 (Peer Circle)Salon 1 (weds only - 130 at rounds)Land ProtectionPeer Circle: Land ProtectionJoin us for a dynamic peer learning circle on land protection, where practitioners will share insights, challenges, and strategies for navigating appraisals, negotiations, purchase agreements, due diligence, funding, and more. This interactive session is designed for those engaged in conserving land to exchange lessons learned, troubleshoot common hurdles, and explore innovative approaches. Bring your toughest questions and real-world challenges—whether you're new to the field or a seasoned expert, come ready to learn, contribute, and strengthen your land protection toolkit!
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Breakout 4.2 (Peer Circle)Sugarpine (rounds for 50)Peer Circle: Executive DirectorCheck-in with your fellow Executive Directors for candid conversations about your role and responsibilities, and how CCLT can support you. The Potrero Group will lead a number of facilitated breakouts around how to navigate these challenging times with your teams, your partners and your board.
Note: this session is for Land Trust Executive Directors only, please
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Breakout 4.3 (Peer circle)Salon 2 (weds only - 130 at rounds)Stewardship, Mitigation & RestorationPeer Circle: Stewardship, Mitigation & RestorationThis session promises to be a rich source of information and collaboration, addressing strategies for maintaining project momentum in the face of federal administration funding and staffing cuts, exploring how to best communicate and share new and effective restoration methodologies that are currently being implemented in various ecosystems, advocacy for sustainable stewardship funding for land protection projects that are contributing to the state’s 30x30 conservation goals, and how the CCLT Action Fund is actively advocating for appropriate expenditure of Climate Bond funding, which was approved by voters to support new climate resilience projects.
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Breakout 4.4 (Peer Circle)Ponderosa/Evergreen (theater for 100)Partnership & Community EngagementPeer Circle: Partnerships & Community EngagementThis interactive workshop will delve into the "how" of creating, funding, and implementing successful community-based programs through effective partnerships. We'll explore diverse strategies for community engagement, highlighting best practices for inclusivity and collaboration.
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Breakout 4.5 (Peer Circle)Counties (theater 100)Admin and OpsPeer Circle: Admin & OpsMeet other administrative and operations staff who are passionate about supporting their organizations' conservation missions. Together we will share and hear best practices and solutions to enhance your work in HR, finance, IT, Board administration, and more
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Breakout 4.6 (Peer Circle)Salon 3 (weds only - 130 at rounds)Development & CommunicationPeer Circle: Communications & DevelopmentThis session will be divided into two separate topic areas. The first part of the session will be focused on Communications: Chaos Comms; the second on Development: Think Like a System. Chaos Comms: Communicating directly to amplify your reach and sustain your wellbeing. These are wild times for world changers. Join Erin Fogg, Founder and Principal of Spoke Consulting, for a crash course in communicating with confidence and efficiency to achieve the impact your organization needs... without burning out. We'll begin with an overview of concrete comms tools and tips, followed by small group work sessions to kickstart your comms evolution. Development: Think Like a System, Act Like a Network, Lead Like a Movement. Given all that's happening right now, development professionals are more important than ever and they must be ever more resourceful and creative in their approaches. In this interactive session we'll discuss ways to build more prospects at higher levels through new approaches to engaging your community and constituents. We'll spend lots of time working in small groups and work together to solve problems and inspire new approaches.
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1:00pm - 1:30pmBreakFoyerNetworking Break
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1:30pm - 3:00pmBreakout 5.1Salon 3 (weds only - 130 at rounds)Partnership & Community EngagementCultural BurningCultural burning vs prescription fire. Highlighting the importance of cultural resilience.
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Breakout 5.2Ponderosa/Evergreen (theater for 100)Partnership & Community Engagement
Building Strategic Partnerships, Increasing Stewardship Capacity, and Amplifying Land Conservation through Birds		Conserve birds and enhance your land trust's effectiveness. This session introduces Cornell Lab's Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative, offering tools, funding opportunities, and partnerships to maximize your conservation efforts. Discover how eBird data and interactive maps can guide land prioritization and management, and explore a case study on integrating bird monitoring with wildfire resilience strategies.
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Salon 2 (weds only - 130 at rounds)Stewardship, Mitigation & RestorationLessons Learned from Major Fires in CaliforniaFour land trusts reflect on how major fires have impacted their conservation projects, organizations and communities served, and the lessons they have learned that can benefit land trusts facing fire in the future.
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Breakout 5.4Salon 1 (weds only - 130 at rounds)Policy and Gov RelationsLessons Learned from State and Local Ballot MeasuresHear about some lessons learned from two successful voter propositions at the state and local level. The leaders of these successful campaigns will talk about the challenges, strategies for a winning proposition, and how to understand the legal requirements of this type of work.
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Breakout 5.5Sugarpine (rounds for 50)Development & CommunicationCCLT Project Advancement Grants: Lessons Learned and Looking Forward
Come learn about CCLT’s Project Advancement Grants Program! Hear about lessons learned from the first round awards, how to create a compelling and complete application, and have your questions answered by the grant review team. Bring your project ideas. You’ll leave the workshop with an understanding of how your project(s) fit with the goals of the program, program updates, and next steps for submitting a proposal.

Project Advancement Grants Program are generously supported by the Wildlife Conservation Board.
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Breakout 5.6Counties (theater 100)Stewardship, Mitigation & RestorationWorking Together to Protect and Restore Wildlife ConnectivityThousands of miles of built infrastructure impede the California landscape that wildlife navigates in their daily and seasonal movements, as well as their ability to shift ranges in response to environmental change. Improving habitat connectivity is critical to conserving California’s biodiversity and ecosystem resiliency. In this session, we will discuss (1) recently enacted state laws, policies, and programs, (2) case studies where land trusts are integral to connectivity conservation efforts, and (3) opportunities for technical support and capacity building.
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3:15pm - 4:00pmCCLT Film FestSalon 4-5PlenaryWelcome to the Second Annual California Council of Land Trusts Film Festival #CCLTFilmFestCCLT's Second Annual Film Fest is a short video contest that provides an opportunity for land trusts to showcase their work and connect with a community passionate about conservation, preservation, and restoration. The top videos will be screened, and awards will be presented in the "Most Popular", "Most Inspiring" and "Most Entertaining" video categories. Follow CCLT and #CCLTFilmFest on social media platforms to engage with video submissions.
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4:00pm - 4:45pmClosing PlenarySalon 4-5PlenaryCalifornia Land & Water Conservation Conference Closing PlenaryBeth Pratt is a renowned conservationist and accomplished author, known for her book, When Mountain Lions Are Neighbors, which explores the complexities of human-wildlife interactions. Her new book, Yosemite Wildlife: The Wonder of Animal Life in California’s Sierra Nevada will be released later this year. Beth serves as the California Regional Executive Director for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), and her leadership and dedication to wildlife conservation serve as a beacon of hope for the future of wildlife in urban environments. Her work exemplifies how community engagement and innovative solutions can lead to meaningful change, inspiring others to take action in their own communities. One of the most notable projects under her leadership is the #SaveLACougars campaign to build the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, a groundbreaking project across the 101 freeway in Agoura Hills that will reconnect the Santa Monica Mountains for a multitude of native plant and animal species. Beth will discuss the importance of connectivity—both ecologically and socially—in our collective work, as well as the power of storytelling to unite us around solutions.
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