Sheila Barry, a UC Cooperative Extension livestock and natural resources advisor for the Bay Area, has received the 2025 Conservation Impact Award from the California Rangeland Trust. The award recognizes individuals who are not ranchers but have made significant contributions to rangeland conservation in California.
Rangeland Trust CEO Michael Delbar said, “Sheila’s research has helped connect people from all walks of life to the land. Her leadership has strengthened collaboration between ranchers, conservationists, and communities, ensuring that rangelands remain a vital part of California’s landscape.”
Barry’s 30-year career with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) focused on research highlighting the ecological benefits of grazing, such as reducing wildfire fuels, supporting biodiversity, and maintaining healthy soils. She also studied public perceptions of grazing and developed outreach tools like interpretive train signs and educational programs to engage diverse audiences.
California Rangeland Trust noted in a handout: “Through her work Sheila has brought ranchers, conservationists and the public together, building trust and collaboration that strengthen the future of rangeland conservation. Her impact on California’s landscapes and communities is both profound and enduring.”
Barry received her award at A Western Affair 2025 event held by the California Rangeland Trust on October 4 at Rancho Santa Barbara near Santa Ynez in Santa Barbara County. The event gathered about 400 supporters, landowners, and partners to honor ranching heritage in California.
In another recognition related to UC ANR activities, Augustin Aguilar was honored by the San Mateo Resource Conservation District with its Nature Champion Award for his work implementing an Aerobic Static Pile composting system at UCCE Elkus Ranch Research and Extension Center in Half Moon Bay. This composting method uses air blown through perforated pipes to process several hundred pounds of manure weekly into soil-building material without regular mechanical turning. Funding for this project was secured through local collaborations under California Assembly Bill 2346.
More information about Aguilar’s award can be found at https://ucanr.edu/blog/organic-materials-management/article/nrc-nature-champion-award.
The Statewide Programs and REC Operations team visited Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center (REC) in September to learn more about ongoing projects. Andrea Rayray from Statewide Programs said presentations covered REC history as well as tours of active research sites. She noted that seeing projects firsthand helped staff understand their roles within UC ANR’s network of Research and Extension Centers.
UC ANR also participated in the annual meeting of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) held December 1-5 in San Jose. Vice President Glenda Humiston attended along with several area directors including Andrew Miller, Lauren Cartwright, Emily Freed, and Anne Megaro. Humiston stated: “I heard, again and again, CSAC attendees express great respect and gratitude for the UCCE advisors in their communities and for colleagues across UC ANR.” Cartwright added that they joined committee meetings on agriculture, environment, natural resources topics while connecting with local officials about federal funding impacts.
Freed commented: “I am so proud of the new connections the four of us made at the conference and the in-person conversations we were able to have with our existing county partners. Together, we strengthened the UC ANR and UC Cooperative Extension network across California.”
In Riverside on December 12th staff from UC Cooperative Extension offices serving Riverside, Orange, and San Bernardino counties held a holiday potluck featuring games such as an ugly sweater contest—a tradition aimed at fostering community among employees after a year where volunteers contributed nearly 100,000 hours valued over $3 million across these counties.