About Us
We Grow Potential
For 30 years, the Center for Land-Based Learning has built adaptive people and ecosystems by inspiring and training agricultural leaders focused on sustaining our natural resources.
1993
Craig McNamara founds the FARMS Leadership Program, welcoming high school students to his farm to connect with the land and learn about stewardship.
2001
The SLEWS Program begins, engaging high school students in habitat restoration projects on local farms and ranches.
2012
The California Farm Academy graduates its first class of the Beginning Farmer Training Program.
2020
The Center for Land-Based Learning moves to a 30-acre headquarters at The Maples Farm in Woodland.
Inspiring leaders • Cultivating opportunities • Educating innovators
our mission
The mission of the Center for Land-Based Learning is to inspire, educate, and cultivate future generations of farmers, agricultural leaders, and natural resource stewards.
Seeding a Vision
Today, the complexities farmers face are increasing, so our programs and services are more vital than ever before. The need for productive, resilient food systems is growing, but there aren’t enough producers to meet tomorrow’s needs. At the same time, many would-be contributors struggle to establish a foothold in the industry because they lack access to the land, education, relationships, and markets essential for success. But the solutions to these challenges exist and are within reach.
Cultivate the Future of Farming
Vital, impactful careers
We have set our sights on expanding youth and adult access to vital, impactful careers across the agricultural sector. California.
equitable, resilient communities
We work intentionally to overcome the policies, social barriers and economic challenges that limit minority access to land and meaningful careers in agriculture.
Regenerative, Integrated & Innovative Ecosystems
We promote shared educational opportunities, research, replicable model practices and scalable climate solutions.
learn more
Download our strategic plan and Seeding a Vision campaign overview for a deeper look at our plans for the future.