On November 2nd, we celebrated two decades of innovation, collaboration, and achievement at the California Farmland Trust. What an unforgettable milestone it has been! Our 20th Anniversary event was a momentous occasion, bringing together founding members, partners, and supporters for an evening filled with reflection, excitement, and anticipation for the future.
There was no better way to celebrate our achievements in farmland conservation than by hosting the event at the historic barn owned by founding board members and steadfast supporters, Tim and Suzanne Byrd, in the Wood Colony area of Modesto—an area rich in agricultural production yet under intense development pressure for conversion to housing and shopping centers.
The evening began with a warm welcome from Board President Sam Zanutto, followed by a salute to the American flag and an invocation led by Vice President Theresa Kiehn. Chef Ann Ensley of Greens on Tenth curated a tantalizing five-course dinner featuring locally sourced farm-raised products. Guests enjoyed passed appetizers and a charcuterie station, paired with wines from Bokisch Vineyards, Bogle, and Gallo. Seated at farm tables adorned with locally sourced greenery, attendees savored a harvest salad, butternut squash soup, and a choice of main entrée paired with autumn vegetables and a chive risotto cake. The evening concluded with a delightful apple galette served with vanilla gelato and warm butterscotch sauce.
Guests explored an exhibit showcasing key milestones, innovations, and behind-the-scenes moments from the past two decades. The timeline featured photos and stories highlighting pivotal events that have shaped our journey.
Our 20-year history began with three foundational organizations and one working group, later joined by another important land trust. A commemorative video illustrated our deep history of collaboration and passion, setting the stage for a panel discussion. Holly King, formerly with the Great Valley Center and instrumental in uniting the initial groups, served as the panel’s master of ceremonies. Joining her were Ken Oneto (Sacramento Valley Ag Land Conservancy), Jeani Ferrari (Stanislaus Farmland Trust and Merced County Farmland and Open Space Trust), Markus Bokisch (San Joaquin County Working Group), and Patrick Johnston (Brentwood Ag Land Trust). Together, they shared stories about our past and reflected on how we’ve continued to adapt and innovate in an ever-changing landscape.
While we took time to honor our past accomplishments, we also focused on the future. There is still work to be done to ensure farmland remains productive in California. With the growing interest of landowners and farmers, we are more inspired than ever to continue this vital work. Our journey is far from over, and we are deeply grateful to have such an incredible group of supporters alongside us.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of our journey. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or joined us recently, your contributions have made this achievement possible. Here’s to 20 years of growth and many more to come!
Cheers to the past, the present, and the future of the California Farmland Trust!
Thank you again for celebrating this special occasion with us. We couldn’t have done it without you. To view the videos and photos from the evening, please visit www.cafarmtrust.org/20th.
