Preserving the Wild: A Vision for Sonoma County with Craig Anderson of LandPaths
Craig Anderson
Co-Executive Director, Landpaths
In our latest episode, we go into the heart of Sonoma County conservation with Craig Anderson, the co-executive director of LandPaths. For nearly three decades, Craig has lived by the philosophy of "paying his rent to nature," spearheading the protection of thousands of acres and fostering a radical new model for how we interact with the wild.
From the high-stakes acquisition of the historic Calvi Ranch to the "people-powered" movement transforming land management, Craig shares why the future of our landscapes depends on community stewardship and indigenous wisdom.
Paying Rent to Nature: Craig Anderson’s Journey
Craig’s path to LandPaths didn’t start in a boardroom; it began on the fire roads of the Santa Monica Mountains and the rugged Sierra Nevada. An Eagle Scout and lifelong naturalist, he honed his skills as a mountain guide and kayak instructor before taking the helm of LandPaths in 1997.
Reflecting on his early days, Craig recalled how he was inspired by the idea of an organization at the confluence of nature and people. This personal, hands-on approach earned him the title of Bay Nature’s Local Hero for Conservation in 2014.
The Calvi Ranch: A 90-Year Legacy Protected
The highlight of 2025 was the landmark acquisition of the Calvi Ranch—a 69-acre ecological treasure west of Occidental.
The Deal: A $2.5 million partnership involving private donations and a generous contribution from brothers Gene and David Calvi, whose family had owned the land since 1935.
The Treasure: The ranch protects old-growth redwoods and is a vital habitat for steelhead trout and mountain lions.
Future Access: LandPaths is currently working through the conditional use permit process to allow passive public access, with guided outings expected to begin as the management plan evolves.
People-Powered Parks & Indigenous Wisdom
LandPaths differs from traditional park models through its "People-Powered Parks" initiative. Rather than seeing people as passive visitors, LandPaths invites them to be active stewards.
Collaborative Stewardship: Working alongside the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, LandPaths integrates indigenous land management—including the Good Fire Program—to restore the landscape.
Cultural Permaculture: Craig discusses drawing wisdom from both indigenous peoples and multi-generational ranching families to create a "cultural permaculture" that sustains both the land and its community history.
Empowering the Next Generation
Through programs like In Our Own BackYard (IOOBY) and Inspired Forward, LandPaths is dismantling barriers to the outdoors for marginalized communities.
IOOBY: This award-winning program provides students from Title 1 schools with multi-visit field trips, turning local open spaces into living classrooms.
Inspired Forward: Born out of a commitment to teen mental health, this program uses nature-based mentoring to build leadership and a sense of belonging.
Craig’s Insider Guide: Best Hikes in Sonoma County
We asked Craig for his "world-class" local recommendations for 2026:
The Hidden Gem: For solitude, explore the Grove of Old Trees in the quiet morning hours.
The Recharger: Craig frequently returns to the Stillwater Cove to reconnect.
Family Favorite: The Bayer Farm in Santa Rosa is a perfect "people-powered" hub for families to see community conservation in action.
Winter Waterfalls: Look toward Sugarloaf Ridge State Park & Willow Creek Trail after a heavy rain for seasonal spectacles.
Listen to the full interview to hear Craig’s rapid-fire tips for the best sunset spots and dog-friendly trails in the county!
Would you like to join a "people-powered" stewardship day at Calvi Ranch or another LandPaths preserve? Check the latest schedule on the LandPaths Outings Calendar.
🍺 Post-Hike Pour
Inspired by Craig’s love for Sonoma County’s open spaces, I took his advice out onto the Kortum Trail — and earned a beer after.
Big Trees Pale Ale from Adobe Creek Brewing (5.4% ABV) was the perfect match: piney, lightly hazy, and packed with grapefruit and berry notes from Strata, Amarillo, and Citra hops. Crisp, refreshing, and ideal after time in the trees. Found at Wilibees or at Adobe Creek’s taprooms.
