Striving to change the world Community Sun

Here is what volunteer Gail Truman wrote about her volunteer experience:

My volunteer gig is all about saving the farm lands from development out here in the California SF Bay area. But in so doing I get to have tons of fun - visiting dairies, olive ranches, oyster farms (yumm!) and going hiking -- for free! Except for my time as a chaperone.

The Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) is a private, member-supported, nonprofit organization created in 1980 by a coalition of local ranchers and environmentalists to permanently preserve Marin County farmlands for agricultural use. MALT acquires agricultural conservation easements on farmland in voluntary transactions with landowners, and so far has permanently protected more than 40,500 acres of land on over 60 family farms and ranches.

MALT raises money and awareness in part by giving tours that the public (like you!) can sign up for. That's where volunteers come in. We work with the farmer/rancher who is giving the tour, to make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event. The attendees get a great insight into local farming, and us volunteers get to talk to them about MALT and generally enjoy the afternoon or morning.

If you're interested in taking your family to a farm, a hike, some hands-on learning about Urban farming - or  more - visit MALT.org and check out what's on offer. And please buy local, organic produce and meat; it all helps keep these farmers here. And their land for us to enjoy.