Land Protection Academy
A
bout the Program
California's land trusts are facing a significant transition, as many senior staff responsible for land protection are nearing retirement. In partnership with the Land Trust Alliance, the Sierra Cascade Land Trust Council and California Council of Land Trusts will be offering a Land Protection Academy (Academy) to help develop skills for emerging land trust staff that are critical for the future of conservation projects in the state of California.
The Academy is a two-year commitment using a semi-structured framework designed to foster professional development, leadership growth, and meaningful connections among land trust professionals. This Academy connects early- and mid-career professionals (apprentices) with experienced leaders in the field (mentors) to cultivate inclusive, cross-generational relationships and strengthen the broader land trust community while inspiring and training the next generation of leaders.
The program begins with a five-day immersive training retreat from October 20–24, 2025, at the UC Natural Reserve System’s Blue Oak Ranch Reserve near San Jose. Over the following two years, participants will continue their learning through structured mentorship, quarterly cohort meetings, and peer-to-peer exchange. Training topics include due diligence, landowner engagement, appraisals, transaction documentation, and other critical skills needed to independently manage acquisition projects following Land Trust Standards and Practices using course materials developed by the Land Trust Alliance. This curriculum has been developed using the Land Trust Alliance program currently being offered nationally.
Designed for those already familiar with land trust operations, the Academy will equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the land protection process, enabling them to manage transactions upon the completion of the Academy. Mentors and apprentices will be supported throughout the program with clear guidance, tools, and templates provided by the Academy. You’re not expected to have all the answers from the start - we’ll equip you with everything you need to build a meaningful and successful mentoring relationship.
This Academy emphasizes shared learning, leadership development, and network-building through consistent, intentional engagement and the exchange of diverse experiences and perspectives.
This program is generously funded by the Wildlife Conservation Board, and by the Land Trust Alliance through a Western Innovation Grant.
Questions?
If you have any questions or want to learn more about what to expect, please reach out to Sara Husby at coordinator@sierracascadelandtrustcouncil.org or Shelton Douthit at sdouthit@frlt.org.