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Phyllis Faber – Visionary Conservationist and MALT Co-Founder
Phyllis and Ellen came up with the idea that “certainty” was a critical element for ranchers. “It was really on a walk,” Phyllis says, “when we had yet another of many conversations about what could make a difference for agriculture in this county.” If the development potential were removed, the two women reasoned, there would be greater certainty that the land would remain agricultural. Ranchers could then more confidently invest in their farms, and their sons and daughters would see a future on the ranch. The Trust for Public Land offered to help create a land trust, a vehicle for buying the development rights on farmland. Ralph Grossi, chair of the Marin County Farm Bureau’s land use committee at that time, and Gary Giacomini, then Marin County Supervisor for West Marin, supported the idea, and MALT was established in 1980 Now—almost 30 years later—MALT has become a model for communities throughout the country. More than 38,000 acres of land on 58 family farms and ranches have been permanently protected for agriculture through the purchase of agricultural conservation easements. Although Ellen Straus died five years ago, Phyllis has kept their vision strong and remains as committed to preserving agriculture today as she did all those years ago. She is an active member of MALT’s Board of Directors and continues to be an inspiration to all of us. On October 31, she will celebrate her eightieth birthday. For the last three years, Phyllis chaired the board of the Buck Institute for Age Research. She is a founding member of Marin Discoveries and the Environmental Forum of Marin and has taught in the program for its 35-year-history. As a wetlands biologist, she has monitored restoration projects in San Francisco Bay for 20 years. She has written articles for Fremontia, the journal of the California Native Plant Society, and also served as its editor. She is currently Series Editor of the California Natural History Series for the University of California Press. What has been achieved from the vision of these two amazing women all those years ago is remarkable, but the challenges ahead are many. Continued development threats, “For Sale” signs, and the fragmentation of the farm economy make it clear that MALT’s work of preservation needs the community’s support and backing more than ever. MALT’s conservation easement program has already protected about one-third of the farmland in West Marin. Phyllis Faber’s wish is that in her lifetime MALT will have reached the 50% mark. In pursuit of that goal, we’re determined to safeguard at least 12,000 acres over the next five years. When asked what she hoped would be her legacy to Marin County, Phyllis answered, “Keeping agriculture alive and well and turning the tide on any threats to the loss of local farms in West Marin.” And she wants to make sure that ranches remain in business—not just for this generation, but for the next as well. “We are blessed that ranchers and farmers in this area want to stay in agriculture. Without their commitment to farming, our landscape in West Marin would be quite different,” says Phyllis. You may wish to consider joining the Phyllis Faber Circle.
The Phyllis Faber Circle honors our co-founder and provides an easy
and convenient way to support MALT. Members of the Phyllis Faber
Circle agree to an automatic monthly contribution to MALT by credit
or debit card. They help save paper and resources since they no
longer need membership renewal reminders. They are free to cancel
this program at any time if circumstances should change. To join the Phyllis Faber Circle,
contact Katie Medwar, Development Associate, at 415-663-1158, ext. 306 or kmedwar@malt.org.
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The notion of an agricultural land trust was a new concept in
the United States in the late 1970s when rancher Ellen Straus and
environmentalist Phyllis Faber began to worry that non-farm development
would soon threaten the historic tradition of farming in West Marin.