Chileno Valley Ranch: Passionate about Habitat, Land Restoration, and Community

Fresh Growth

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Sally Gale, who along with husband Mike, operates Chileno Valley Ranch in Marin County California. She and Mike returned to the family ranch in 1993, restoring buildings, infrastructure, and the land. They planted hundreds of apple and pear trees and started a grass-fed beef business selling directly to the local community.

Sally discusses how they learned by reaching out to family ranchers, NRCS, ag extension, and the Marin Resource Conservation District to make progress on restoring the degraded land. About their work to restore eight creeks, improve pastureland, and expand wildlife habitat, she says they definitely didn’t work alone.

“I’m a believer in if you want to do something, you’ll find a way to do it.” Sally and Mike jumped in and now have a profitable ranch with restored creeks and habitat.

You’ll hear how they were successful by fencing off areas of the creeks, providing off-creek water sources for the cattle, planting native plants, and improving the soil through good carbon farming practices.

Sally now works in partnerships with RCD and Extension to help other ranches. She recommends always reaching out for assistance and getting involved in the community, as the land and waterways are all connected.

“Our land is not an island… we are all connected.”

Be sure to catch the ending when Sally discusses her work with the Chileno Valley Newt Brigade!

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