Keystone Awards and Annual Meeting Recap
Early October 2024, Siskiyou Land Trust Board & staff gathered with 160 community members and Land Trust supporters at Luginbuhl Ranch Preserve to enjoy the sunshine, eat tacos, and reflect on the past year’s accomplishments on the property that was the inspiration for the founding SLT. The event was especially meaningful as it took place at the very property that inspired the founding of Siskiyou Land Trust.
During the annual meeting, SLT had the honor of recognizing three 2024 Keystone Award recipients. The individuals and business receiving awards this year made exceptional contributions to SLT and our mission. The Keystone Award is named for the final stone laid in an arch that holds the entire structure together. In much the same way, SLT’s Keystone Award recipients hold up this organization. They are key to SLT’s heart and foundation.
SLT is proud to recognize these awardees generosity, dedication, and unwavering support that continues to strengthen the Land Trust’s ability to protect and care for our cherished lands for future generations.
Donor of the Year – John Brennan
With deep respect and gratitude, SLT presented the Donor of the Year Award to John Brennan.
John Brennan epitomizes the heart and soul of the Siskiyou Land Trust. His tireless dedication, countless hours, and unwavering commitment to all things conservation have left an indelible mark on the organization. John’s tenacity while on the Board, paired with his love of nature, was pivotal in shepherding SLT from a small, local initiative to a leading force in landscape-scale conservation. His committment to conservation and SLT carried forward well after his Board tenure – as lead volunteer and Hammond Pond steward, and then conservation easement donor. It is a rare gift to find someone whose determination is matched by such grace, care, genuine compassion, and action.
Together with his wife, Susan Brennan, John has helped build a lasting legacy of stewardship and conservation that serves as an inspiring example for others. They have shown us that by embracing bold, visionary efforts, the seemingly impossible can become reality. John’s leadership continues to drive SLT forward, transforming challenges into opportunities for the preservation of our most cherished landscapes.
John and Susan’s generosity is reflected in their incredible gift of a conservation easement that encompasses vital Shasta River riparian corridor and adjacent meadow. This selfless act ensures that this critical piece of land and its diverse ecosystems will be protected forever. Their commitment to conservation safeguards the beauty of California’s natural heritage demonstrates the profound impact we can all have by protecting the places we love.
When asked “Why SLT?” John responded:
“Land conservation is vital.
No water; no life.
No trees; no oxygen.
No farms or ranches; no food.
SLT does conservation well.”
John Brennan is a true champion of conservation. His and Susan’s legacy will continue to inspire all of us to protect and care for the land that sustains us.
Volunteer of the Year – Steve Suttell
With heartfelt admiration, SLT presented the Volunteer of the Year Award to Steve Suttell.
Steve approached SLT in early summer or 2023 with a kind donation of a SubPod worm bin to support food waste diversion in the SLT Garden and other education opportunities for the garden summer program with the Boys and Girls Club. Little did we know, Steve would become so much more than the “worm guy.” He has since been developing a deep relationship with the land and dedicating his precious time and energy to the stewardship of our Garden Greenway, Edible Alley way and Sisson Meadow. Steve has tended over 5 acres of invasive blackberry and planted over 80 California Native plants on his own time, Steve is always the first volunteer to show up and last one to leave, always tending the spaces with a kind, gentle and humble hand showing us all a true example land reciprocity. In fact, Steve is often out on SLT’s conserved properties around sunrise, long before staff show up at the office.
Steve shared that his motivation to volunteer for Siskiyou Land Trust has been a lifetime journey. “Now, in my twilight years, I have an opportunity to reflect on where I am now. I feel strongly that Siskiyou Land Trust is doing essential work. By volunteering, my hope is that I can free staff time and energy to accomplish all they possibly can.
By working on a project long enough, with dedication and purpose, I have found a sense of ownership and with that comes a sense of responsibility. I can’t imagine not continuing.
There is a strong emotional component to my volunteerism, it is my love of the land, the employees and this organization that motivates me.”
Thank you Steve for showing us what is possible with dedication, purpose, and care!
Business of the Year – Mount Shasta Title & Escrow Company
With great pleasure and appreciation, SLT presented the Business of the Year Keystone Award to Mount Shasta Title & Escrow Company.
As you may know, conservation easements and land purchases are complex transactions that take a lot of time (years) and patience. The 30+ years it took to bring the purchase of the Luginbuhl Ranch across the finish line is probably a record, but every project requires periods of heavy lifting.
While the team of land owner partners, appraisers, surveyors, funders shifts with each transaction, there is always one constant: Mt. Shasta Title Company. The title co. is always there to handle the title and escrow to take land protection projects across the finish line. Mt. Shasta Title Co staff consistently go above and beyond to support Land Trust conservation easement and land purchase projects.
The case of closing escrow on the Luginbuhl property was no exception – and meant weathering a big snow storm and opening the office after business hours to make sure SLT could close on time for this incredible property. Kate LuginBuhl had relocated to the Oregon Coast in advance of closing and had a few hours window of time on that Saturday when she could safely make the drive over to sign the documents.
Over the years, Sheila Judkins and the title department have helped us sort out twisty vesting issues, ancient clouds on title and countless title transfer challenges that would leave others scratching their heads. And the escrow department, led by Randi Gaeddert keeps our projects on track with an eye for detail and awareness of time sensitivity.
There is so much behind the scenes work that goes into securing and protecting the properties SLT stewards. Conservation takes a community, and we are so grateful for our relationship with Mt. Shasta Title! SLT is fortunate to have Mt Shasta Title Co. with people like Sheila and Randi helping lead the way.
