Episode 3.12: 2024 Conservationist of the Year

Each year, the Rangeland Trust honors a landowner partner as the Conservationist of the Year, recognizing their commitment to voluntary conservation and dedication to preserving California's working landscapes. This year’s recipient is Ernest Bufford of Bufford Ranch, a former Los Angeles CHP officer turned first-generation rancher. Ernest’s conservation journey began in the early 2000s when he acquired over 500 acres in Kern County's Walker Basin. In 2013, he partnered with the Rangeland Trust to protect his 575-acre ranch through a conservation easement, laying the foundation for a remarkable legacy of stewardship and preservation.Since then, Ernest has expanded his efforts, using funds from the easement to conserve an adjacent stretch of land in 2016 and, with support from private donors, adding a 65-acre parcel in 2023. Today, he has safeguarded a total of 910 acres, protecting six diverse ecosystems and numerous plant and animal species. Ernest’s contributions extend beyond land preservation—through partnerships with a local tribe and California State University, Bakersfield, he has unearthed and preserved artifacts dating back over 3,200 years. His respect for the land’s history and the people who came before him drives his mission to honor and protect the land for future generations.In this episode, Rangeland Trust CEO and host Michael Delbar sits down with Ernest to discuss his journey into ranching, his conservation efforts, and what it means to be named Conservationist of the Year. Together, they reflect on the importance of preserving rangelands, honoring the past, and ensuring the land’s vitality for years to come.Want to learn more? Chat with us!Support the showLearn more about the work the Rangeland Trust does by following us on social media @rangelandtrust!