Acre by Acre Awards

Land Trust Honors Dario Sattui with 2024 Acre by Acre Award

The Land Trust of Napa County is proud to recognize Dario Sattui with the 2024 Acre by Acre Award—an annual honor that celebrates extraordinary commitment to land conservation in Napa County. Through a visionary pledge and five conservation easements, Dario has permanently protected nearly 600 acres of Napa Valley land—preserving vineyard landscapes and vital natural habitat and ensuring that his properties remain undeveloped for future generations.

By working with the Land Trust to complete five separate conservation easements on five of his properties, Dario Sattui has permanently protected nearly 600 acres of his land in Napa.  This includes properties that are in vineyards as well as land with significant natural habitat.  Furthermore, Dario has pledged to protect all his properties during his lifetime, ensuring their preservation for generations to come.

“Thank you, Dario, for your dedication to the protection of Napa’s rural character and scenic beauty by permanently protecting your land,” said Doug Parker. “These donations of easements are tangible demonstrations of your commitment to ensuring the beauty of Napa for generations to come.”

  “Over the last six decades I have seen the erosion of the Napa County environment. As more people have moved to Napa County and as buildings, cement and asphalt replace farmland and vineyards. I wish to do my part to stem this growing tide by putting all V. Sattui and Castello di Amorosa Winery lands into the Napa County Land Trust so that they will never be built upon, ever.” Said Dario.     

Land Trust Honors Bruce Phillips and the Phillips Family with 2023 Acre by Acre Award

The Land Trust of Napa County is proud to recognize Bruce Phillips and the Phillips Family with the 2023 Acre by Acre Award—an annual honor that celebrates extraordinary commitment to land conservation in Napa County. Through their enduring generosity, leadership, and vision, the Phillips Family has made a lasting impact on the region’s natural heritage, from protecting their family property at Vine Hill Ranch to strengthening the Land Trust’s capacity to preserve land for generations to come.

The Phillips family’s involvement in conservation has been ongoing for many years.  The family donated a conservation easement to the Land Trust to permanently protect much of their property at Vine Hill Ranch.  Bruce Phillips also served on the Land Trust board for seven years, where he served as both Vice Chair and then Chair. During his time as Chair, Bruce helped complete a strategic plan for the organization that continues to provide guidance on conservation priorities for the Land Trust.

Additionally, Bruce was also the founder of the Cornerstone Society, the Land Trust’s principal giving circle which has been integral to developing critical philanthropic support for the organization. Vine Hill Ranch hosted the very first Cornerstone Society dinner in 2014.

“Having protected almost 20% of Napa County’s rich agricultural, open space and biodiverse resources since in founding in 1976, the Land Trust of Napa County continues to advance its mission to perpetually protect Napa County’s singular agricultural lands, water resources, wildlife and wildlife corridors, scenic open space and unique biodiverse resources for future generations. My family is proud to continue to support the Land Trust’s efforts annually through our membership in the Cornerstone Society” said Bruce.

Since the formation of the Cornerstone Society in 2014, the Land Trust has protected over 40,000 acres across Napa.

“Thank you so much Bruce,” said Doug Parker, CEO of the Land Trust, “for your leadership and for all your efforts toward the permanent protection of land across Napa.”

Land Trust Honors Richard Seiferheld with 2022 Acre by Acre Award

The Land Trust of Napa County is proud to recognize Richard Seiferheld with the 2022 Acre by Acre Award—an annual honor that celebrates extraordinary commitment to land conservation in Napa County. For more than four decades, Richard has been a tireless advocate for preserving Napa’s natural beauty—serving as a longtime volunteer, committee member, board trustee, and conservation easement monitor. His dedication has left a lasting impact on both the land and the Land Trust community.

“Richard has made countless efforts over the past four decades to protect the beauty of Napa,” said Land Trust CEO Doug Parker. “He has served as a Land Trust volunteer for over 35 years and has directly helped protect and steward important properties countywide.”

“While it is always gratifying to be recognized for one’s efforts or accomplishments,” said Richard, “the real reward for me is knowing that I have made some contribution to the mission of the Land Trust and the greater good of protecting our environment.”

Since 1982, Richard has served on multiple committees for the Land Trust, from the Project and Protection committees to the Board of Trustees. He has also served as a volunteer monitor of conservation easements, visiting most of the 155 easements held by the Land Trust.

Land Trust Honors Phelps Family and Joseph Phelps Vineyards with 2019 Acre by Acre Award

The Land Trust of Napa County is proud to recognize the Phelps family and Joseph Phelps Vineyards with the 2019 Acre by Acre Award—an annual honor that celebrates extraordinary commitment to land conservation in Napa County. Their landmark 1999 donation of a 480-acre conservation easement not only preserved a treasured landscape but also played a pivotal role in shaping the Land Trust’s legacy and demonstrating the power of voluntary land protection.

In December 1999, Joseph Phelps donated a 480-acre conservation easement to the Land Trust. It was not only a significant, generous and lasting accomplishment by itself, but was important in the history of the Land Trust.

“It was one of the largest conservation easements the Land Trust had received up to that point,” said Doug Parker, CEO of the Land Trust, “helping to build the credibility of easements as an effective tool for conservation, and Joe Phelps’ example helped motivate other landowners to protect their land through easements.”

The family’s commitment to conservation continued beyond the original donation in 1999 as Joe’s son Bill Phelps served on the Land Trust board from 2000-2006 and Joseph Phelps Vineyards has continued to host gatherings for the Land Trust and yearly hikes on the property. Joe’s daughters, Laurie Anderson and Lynn Finch, along with their husbands, attended the event and accepted the award on behalf of their family.

“Not only was it an honor to attend the dinner and accept this estimable recognition of our father, but an added benefit was learning more about the Land Trust and discovering the large impact that it has and all that it has to offer,” said Laurie Anderson.

“Laurie and I were extremely honored to personally accept the Acre by Acre award on behalf of our father and our family,” said Lynn Finch. “All of us supported our dad’s granting of the easement in 1999, and have enjoyed, over the last 20 years, many proud moments as a result of that decision.”

Land Trust Honors Jake Ruygt with 2018 Acre by Acre Award

The Land Trust of Napa County is proud to recognize Jake Ruygt with the 2018 Acre by Acre Award—an annual honor that celebrates extraordinary commitment to land conservation in Napa County. As a botanist who has worked in Napa for over four decades, Jake’s deep expertise in native flora has been instrumental in shaping conservation strategies across the region. His scientific contributions, volunteer leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Land Trust have made a lasting impact on Napa’s natural landscape.

“Napa is a hotspot nationally for biodiversity,” said Doug Parker, Land Trust CEO, “and having worked as a botanist in Napa County for over 40 years, Jake is the acknowledged expert on our native flora.  The botanical surveys he conducts help the Land Trust determine priorities and, once we protect a natural area, his surveys are critical to developing our long-term management plans.”

Ruygt has been a member of the Land Trust for over 30 years, served on its Board of Trustees from 1999-2005 and is also a long-time volunteer easement monitor.

“I’m grateful to be a part of the Land Trust’s important work in protecting the environment for our future,” said Ruygt.

During his multi-decade career, Ruygt discovered, in Napa, three plant species that are new to science: Napa Checkerbloom, Mead’s Owl’s Clover, discovered at Mead Ranch, a property protected through a Land Trust easement, and Napa Blue Curls (Trichostema ruygtii), named for Jake Ruygt.

Land Trust Honors Warren and Barbara Winiarski with 2017 Acre by Acre Award

The Land Trust of Napa County is proud to recognize Warren and Barbara Winiarski with the 2017 Acre by Acre Award—an annual honor that celebrates extraordinary commitment to land conservation in Napa County. As pioneering advocates for agricultural preservation and longtime partners of the Land Trust, the Winiarskis have played a pivotal role in protecting Napa’s rural character, contributing to the permanent conservation of nearly 200 acres of vineyards and natural lands.

In 1990, as owners of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Warren and Barbara placed 46 acres of cabernet sauvignon vineyard into a conservation easement. This easement was a landmark, becoming the Land Trust’s first pure agricultural easement. The easement also protected a renowned vineyard – the vineyard that produced the grapes used by Warren to make the wine that won the historic Paris Tasting of 1976.

“Barbara and I are much honored by this award, and we thank the Land Trust for the recognition. We were hoping the donation of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars land that grew the award-winning Paris Tasting cabernet would spur others to protect their land,” said Warren. “It would be wonderful if more people would think of it this way – that by protecting their land, they would be making a contribution to a natural and national treasure, the Napa Valley.”

In 2008, as the owners of Arcadia Vineyards, Warren and Barbara placed another 60 acres into a conservation easement. The vineyards and natural lands in these areas lie adjacent to the Land Trust’s Foote Botanical Preserve at Mt. George. The Foote Preserve protects most of Mount George, the most prominent peak east of the City of Napa. The preserve, combined with adjacent easements now protects over 1,000 contiguous acres.

“Warren and Barbara are longtime supporters of conservation with significant land protection accomplishments,” said Doug Parker, CEO of the Land Trust. “In addition to all their other efforts to protect the beauty of Napa, in total, they have completed six conservation easements, permanently protecting almost 200 acres. And their example has motivated other landowners to protect priority sites across Napa Valley.”

Through the Winiarski Family Foundation formed in 2007, Warren and Barbara have made generous donations to many conservation efforts, including those of the Land Trust of Napa County, the Napa County Open Space District and the Jack L. Davies Napa Valley Agricultural Preservation Fund.

Warren and Barbara are also among those who campaigned in support of the historic 1968 Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve, the first land protection ordinance of its kind in the nation, which continues to protect the scenic beauty of Napa and maintain it as one of the most rural places in the Bay Area.

Land Trust Honors Joel and Kathy Tranmer with 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award

The Land Trust of Napa County is proud to recognize Joel and Kathy Tranmer with its 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award—an honor that celebrates exceptional, enduring contributions to land conservation and the long-term success of the Land Trust’s mission in Napa County. Together, Joel and Kathy have been deeply involved in some of the organization’s most significant milestones, offering leadership, vision, and a heartfelt commitment to protecting Napa’s natural beauty for future generations.

“It is an honor and a privilege for all of us at the Land Trust to present this award to Joel and Kathy for all of their incredible efforts over the years,” said CEO Doug Parker. “They have been directly involved in some of the organization’s greatest achievements.”

Joel and Kathy have both served the Land Trust in immeasurable ways throughout much of the organization’s 40 year history. They share a great love of the land, nature and the beauty of Napa County. Joel was born into the Land Trust – his father Harry Tranmer was one of the founders.

“Our family has spent many years in the great outdoors and have learned to respect the land and what Mother Nature has provided for us. It is important that we protect what we can for future generations,” remarked Joel and Kathy.

Joel served on the Land Trust Board of Trustees for six years and as Board Chair for two years. He later worked on staff as the CEO from 2008-2013. During Joel’s time as CEO the Land Trust became a nationally Accredited Land Trust through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.  In the 1970s Joel founded a company that made home insulation out of recycled newspaper; a green product before its time. His commitment to the environment has always guided him.

Kathy also served on the Land Trust Board of Trustees.  She volunteered for many years and chaired two of the largest annual fundraising events for the organization.

Land Trust Honors Chip Bouril and Penny Proteau with 2015 Acre by Acre Award

The Land Trust of Napa County is proud to recognize Chip Bouril and Penny Proteau with the 2015 Acre by Acre Award—an annual honor that celebrates extraordinary commitment to land conservation in Napa County. Longtime volunteers, conservation advocates, and community leaders, Chip and Penny have each dedicated more than two decades of hands-on service to the Land Trust, embodying the spirit of stewardship through their time, expertise, and unwavering passion for the natural world.

Chip and Penny are longtime land preservation advocates and avid contributors to their community.  Both are volunteers of approximately 20 years who average 200 hours of volunteer time annually for Land Trust of Napa County (LTNC) in various capacities.

Chip is a professional in natural resource management and environmental consulting, serving as an advisor to landowners with Natural Resources Conservation Service and a consultant for LSA Associates, Inc. He has been a member of the Land Trust since 1984 and served on the board of trustees twice in the last 22 years, both for six year terms.  He helps lead at least four hikes each year, conducts several annual monitoring visits, is an active member of numerous committees, and coordinates multiple stewardship days on the Linda Falls Preserve annually.  In addition to his commitment to LTNC, he also donates his time to other organizations including the Napa Valley State Parks Association, the California Native Plant Society, the Napa County Regional Parks and Open Space District, and the Sierra Club.

Penny has been a member since 1984 and is a generous volunteer and ambassador for LTNC. She has a deep love and appreciation for her hometown as a Bay Area native.  Penny started volunteering for LTNC in the mid 1990’s. She participates on the Field Trip Committee and leads four to eight hikes per year as well. She has also served on the Connolly Ranch Committee and helps with events and in any other capacity she can.  Beyond her service to LTNC, she actively donates her time volunteering for the Master Gardeners of Napa County, Napa Valley State Park Association, the California Native Plant Society, and the Napa Vine Trail.

The impact of Chip and Penny’s conservation efforts, advocacy, and generosity benefits the entire Napa County community now and for future generations.

Land Trust Honors Andy and Betty Beckstoffer with 2014 Acre by Acre Award

The Land Trust of Napa County is proud to recognize Andy and Betty Beckstoffer with the 2014 Acre by Acre Award—an annual honor that celebrates extraordinary commitment to land conservation in Napa County. As visionary leaders in agriculture and generous stewards of the land, the Beckstoffers have permanently protected over 400 acres of farmland through nine conservation easements, helping to preserve the rural character and agricultural legacy of Napa Valley for generations to come.

The award was presented to Andy and Betty at the inaugural dinner for the Land Trust’s new Cornerstone Society on Saturday, June 14.

Following the award, the Beckstoffers were presented with a Congressional Resolution by U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson. “There are no two people more deserving of the Napa County Land Trust’s Acre by Acre Award than Andy and Betty Beckstoffer,” said Thompson. “Because of their generosity and their commitment to our county, more than 400 acres of land will be protected forever. Congratulations to both Betty and Andy on this much deserved recognition.”

Beckstoffer is founder and owner of Beckstoffer Vineyards and its subsidiaries: Winegrowers Farming Company in the Napa Valley; Mendocino Vineyard Company in Ukiah; and Red Hills Vineyard Company in Kelseyville. Beckstoffer Vineyards owns approximately 1000 acres of vineyard land in Napa County, 1000 acres in Mendocino County, and 1000 acres in Lake County.

“We started as farmers, then became grape growers, and now are stewards of the land,” Beckstoffer has said. The Beckstoffers’ easements include: The Missouri Hopper Vineyard (formerly Vineyard X) along Highway 29 south of Oakville; the Carneros Creek and Las Amigas conservation easements protecting rural viewshed and watershed areas in the Carneros; three easements in Georges III Vineyard, spanning Silverado Trail to Conn Creek Road and Skellinger Lane; and two conservation easements in historic To Kalon I and II that were originally planted to grapes in the 19th century. “These nine conservation easements are an excellent example of the use of conservation easements to preserve the agricultural and natural values of land while eliminating future development for residential and commercial purpose,” said Parker.

Beckstoffer served on the Land Trust Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2011. He worked with Thompson on legislation to conserve agricultural lands, as a result of which he received the Wine Award from Copia, and Grower of the Year from Napa Valley Grapegrowers, both in 2006. In 2007, he was named Agriculturist of the Year by the Napa County Farm Bureau, and given the award for Wine Industry Leadership by the U.S. Congressional Wine Caucus.

Andy and his wife Betty continue to be generous hosts and attendees at Land Trust events and major donors to the organization. The Beckstoffers most recently hosted a Poker for the Preserves event in April which raised money to further the Land Trust’s mission.

In addition to the Land Trust, Andy has also been a member of the Napa County Planning Commission; president and founder of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers; president and founder of the Rutherford Dust Society, and a board member of the California Association of Winegrape Growers.

The impact of the Beckstoffers’ conservation efforts, advocacy, and generosity benefits the entire Napa County community now and for future generations.

Land Trust Honors Four Families with 2013 Acre by Acre Award

The Land Trust of Napa County is proud to recognize Bruce and Martha Atwater, Francis Ford and Eleanor Coppola, David and Nancy Garden, and Ted and Laddie Hall with the 2013 Acre by Acre Award—an annual honor that celebrates extraordinary commitment to land conservation in Napa County. Together, these four families have permanently protected 1,588 acres of contiguous open space in the Mayacamas Range west of Rutherford, forming the largest block of conserved land on the western side of Napa Valley.

Four families have collectively protected 1,588 acres of contiguous land in the eastern hills of the Mayacamas Range, west of Rutherford on the northern flanks of Mt. Saint John. Generously donating easements over this broad stretch of land, these forward thinking couples have protected the largest contiguous area of land along the western side of Napa Valley in perpetuity. This vast easement includes rolling open grasslands, mixed hardwood and conifer forests, waterfalls, view shed, agricultural lands and significant portions of the Bear Creek and Heath Creek watersheds, collectively representing much of the beauty within Napa County. The work of these individuals together has made a tremendous impact on the Napa Valley. They are:

• Ted and Laddie Hall (Long Meadow Ranch), who donated 336 acres in three contiguous easements of forested hillside and agricultural open space, with organic vineyard and olive groves, above Rutherford.
• Bruce and Martha Atwater, who donated 263 acres of open space, plantable vineyard and forested watershed lands;
• Francis Ford and Eleanor Coppola (Neibaum-Coppola), who donated 382 acres of near-pristine, undeveloped forest lands and the Bear Creek watershed in the western hills near Rutherford;
• David and Nancy Garden, who donated 607 acres of forested hillsides and open grasslands in the Heath Creek watershed;

Thanks to the foresight and generosity of these individuals, these lands are forever protected for the visitors, residents, and wildlife of Napa County, now and for future generations.

Land Trust Honors Harold Kelly with 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award

The Land Trust of Napa County is proud to recognize Harold Kelly with its 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award—an honor celebrating exceptional, enduring contributions to land conservation in Napa County. A true pioneer of the Land Trust movement locally, Harold’s visionary leadership and lifelong advocacy have helped shape the landscape of conservation across the region.

Harold Kelly is an icon for land conservation and environmentalism in Napa County. Harold’s involvement with the Land Trust began as a founding board member for the organization; he continued to serve on the Board of Trustees for 18 years. He served as Treasurer in 1975 and President for two terms, 1982-86 and again in 1991. He is the Land Trust’s longest continually active member since its inception.

As a Land Trust friend to Peggy Connolly, Harold was an essential conversation partner for her as she decided to donate the Connolly Ranch to The Land Trust. His constant advocacy and creative vision helped establish and maintain the Connolly Ranch Education Center.

In addition to his work with the Land Trust, Harold was also a key catalyst for the creation of the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District in 2006. He currently serves as a publicly-elected member of its Board.

Harold’s dedication has resulted in countless acres of permanently protected land, robust regional parks and open space throughout Napa County. The impact of his life’s work will continue to benefit this valley and its people long into the future.

Land Trust Honors Randy and Lori Dunn with 2012 Acre by Acre Award

The Land Trust of Napa County is proud to recognize Randy and Lori Dunn with the 2012 Acre by Acre Award—an annual honor that celebrates extraordinary commitment to land conservation in Napa County. Longtime residents of Angwin and passionate preservation advocates, the Dunn’s have played a transformative role in shaping the landscape of conservation in Napa through both land protection and philanthropic leadership.

Randy and Lori Dunn are longtime Angwin residents and true land preservation advocates.  In 2004, the couple purchased Sentinel Hill, located just as you drive into the town of Angwin and donated a conservation easement to the Land Trust.  The property consists of 64 forest acres and is very scenic encompassing the northwest side of Sentinel Hill.  Thanks to the Dunn’s foresight and generosity these acre are protected in perpetuity for the entire Napa County community.

If Sentinel Hill was not enough, in 2006 the Dunn’s made a principal leadership gift to the Napa Valley Wild! Campaign to preserve and protect Wildlake and Duff Ranches.  Their $5 million dollar gift, the largest gift in Land Trust history from individuals, would inspire several other leadership gifts from the community and help raise over $25 million.

Today, the 4,000 acres that are Wildlake and Duff ranches are a dramatic swath of permanently protected land that spans the Napa Valley’s eastern horizon – over 15 miles of protected landscape beginning east of the Palisades and stretching nearly to the town of Angwin. Elevations range from 600 feet to 2,800 feet. The higher elevation promontories provide unparalleled views of the Napa Valley and Mt. St. Helena to the north, Mt. Tamalpais to the west, Mt. Diablo to the south, Pope Valley and, on a clear day, the Sierra Nevada to the east. Over 95% of the Bell Creek watershed remains intact, securing one of the sources for the municipal water supply of St. Helena. Supporting 10 habitat communities hosting 369 native vegetation species, including 11 rare or endangered species, the Wildlake Ranch and Duff Ranch preserves present the longest “development free” view-shed on any of the surrounding ranges in the Valley.

Land Trust Honors Ann Taylor Schwing with 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award

The Land Trust of Napa County is proud to recognize Ann Taylor Schwing with its 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award—an honor that celebrates exceptional, enduring contributions to land conservation in Napa County and beyond. A deeply committed conservationist, legal expert, land donor, and tireless volunteer, Ann’s work has shaped local stewardship efforts, advanced land trust policy statewide, and influenced national standards for permanent land protection.

The impact of Ann Taylor Schwing’s conservation work is many-fold and can be felt locally in Napa County as well as nationally.

To begin, Ann and her family donated the 380-acre Archer Taylor Preserve (ATP) to the Land Trust of Napa County in 1989.  The unique preserve includes a century-old redwood forest in the Redwood Creek watershed west of Napa. In 1989, Ann founded ATP’s volunteer-led preserve management committee and continues to volunteer today.   In fact, she and her husband, Charlie Schwing, travel from Sacramento to Napa every Saturday to help maintain the preserve’s extensive trail system and help the Land Trust manage the property (i.e. evasive plant removal).

Ann’s conservation leadership has had an organization-wide impact as well.  From 1997 to 2001, she served on the Land Trust’s Board of Trustees, with three years as a Board President.  She has served on the protection committee, which ensures all conservation agreements are properly honored, since its inception and chaired the committee from 2002-2008.  And for the past 15 years she has served on the Project Committee, which analyzes all lands projects for the organization.

She did substantial pro bono work on two lawsuits resolved successfully for the LT.  In addition she has done pro bono work for the California Council of Land Trusts.

On a national level Ann sits on the Land Trust Alliance’s (LTA) Accreditation Commission and serves as Secretary.  The 13-member appointed commission is charged with operating the LTA’s accreditation program for land trusts nation-wide.

She was selected by the Land Trust Alliance to be a charter member of the Accreditation Commission and to be its secretary. She has since been nominated to a second term.

Ann has published extensively on conservation easement law and most recently in the Harvard Environmental Law Review.