When we agree to protect land, either by owning it or by holding a conservation easement, we commit to taking care of it for the long haul. JMLT's ability to act as stewards of the land is critical for true, lasting protection of the special places under our care.
Our stewardship program helps ensure that the land is cared for and that often means putting in a lot of hard work to improve conditions to benefit both people and nature. Stewardship activities cover the gamut from clearing downed trees, keeping gates and fences in working order, doing biological assessments, monitoring for safety issues, fire abatement, and countless other tasks. At JMLT stewardship is conducted by our ranger, a position that requires an impressive range of skills.
Our longtime ranger, Glen Lewis, has just retired. Having grown up in Martinez means that Glen has a lifelong appreciation for the East Bay landscape and the special places he has so capably stewarded. Glen joined JMLT after a 25-year career as Fire Captain with the Moraga Orinda Fire Department, and a stint as a ranger with the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD).
We are extraordinarily fortunate to welcome James Wilson as our new ranger. After impactful careers in environmental interpretation and stewardship with EBRPD and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, James considers himself a naturalist in all respects. A lifelong resident of Martinez, James holds a BA in Environmental Studies and Science Communication from UC Santa Cruz.
It is our sincere hope that Glen will find time to volunteer for JMLT when he’s not at his cabin in the mountains and we’ll look for him hiking and bicycling out on our trails. Congratulations Glen, and welcome James!
How Stewardship Is Funded
We’re often asked how we fund all the work needed to maintain our properties, and the answer is you! Donations from the JMLT community make this possible. We rely on gifts not directed to specific acquisition campaigns to keep our special places open and safe for you to enjoy. If you appreciate JMLT properties, please consider supporting their ongoing stewardship.