In Memoriam
Doug McConnell
"How can I help?" — the question he always asked, and always answered.
As the longtime host of Bay Area Backroads and OpenRoad, Doug spent decades introducing audiences to the remarkable places across the region — ridge trails, working farms, tidal marshes, and oak woodlands that define what it means to live here. He brought those places to life with warmth, curiosity, and an infectious love for the outdoors.
He was funny. He was genuine. He was the kind of person who listened as carefully as he spoke. And he turned a passion into a career that moved hundreds of thousands of people off their couches and into the outdoors.
"He told inspiring stories and lifted our spirits. His authentic, warmhearted dedication to conservation made a significant impact throughout our region."
— Linus Eukel, Executive Director, John Muir Land Trust
Doug McConnell, host of Bay Area Backroads and Open Road
John Muir Land Trust had a close and lasting relationship with Doug. He told our stories on camera, hosted our events, and showed his audiences why protecting the East Bay's hills, farms, marshes, and shoreline matters. His work helped build the culture of conservation that makes this region exceptional.
Every time we spoke with Doug, the conversation ended the same way: "How can I help?" He passed away January 13, 2026. He is deeply missed.
Doug's Work & JMLT's Land
Selected episodes of Open Road featuring John Muir Land Trust's places and conservation work.
OpenRoad
June 2025: A marsh reborn and the Bay Area Water Trail
Follow the journey of the John Muir Land Trust’s inspiring efforts to transform Pacheco Marsh from a sandy wasteland into a thriving wetland.
OpenRoad
Episode 90: Celebrate conservation milestones with Santa Clara County Parks and John Muir Land Trust
Explore an open space corridor in John Muir’s old stomping ground, the realization of a 35-year dream to connect Martinez all the way to the bay.
Open Road
Episode 62: John Muir Land Trust
Celebrate the expansion of the John Muir National Historic Site all around Muir’s historic home in Martinez.
His Legacy Lives Here
The places Doug filmed — the hills above Martinez, the wetlands of the Bay Delta, the oaks at Mount Wanda— are the places JMLT is committed to protecting forever. His work helped more people understand why that matters.
The best way to honor what he did is to keep doing it: getting outside, paying attention, and making sure these places remain for the next generation to discover.