Celebrating the Wild and the Working: Boots & Birkenstocks 2024
Photos by Jose Quezada
This year’s Boots & Birkenstocks Annual Celebration at the Fortuna River Lodge on October 12th solidified once again that our community comes together for conservation. Even amidst politically polarizing times, it is wonderful to celebrate our shared values, our commitment to neighbors helping neighbors, and our deep care for the lands that sustain us.
The evening was a heartfelt tribute to the landowners, supporters, and volunteers whose dedication makes this work possible. We were proud to honor Gloria Cottrell and family of Butte Creek Ranch, and Zachary Johnson and family of the Wagner Conservation Forest, for their commitments to responsible land management. Zachary generously presented to attendees about his family’s legacy, and the importance of a conservation easement that was completed in partnership with NRLT in 2023.
Together we enjoyed a delicious dinner from Dorris and Daughter Catering, local beef grilled by Pete Bussman and Aleda Cloud, and locally caught tuna donated by Dennis Rael and Fulkerson’s Tuna and grilled to perfection by the fish BBQ crew (Duncan McNeil, Vicki Ozaki, and Thomas Dunklin). Additional thanks to Buttermilk Floral, Humboldt Grassfed Beef, Fulkerson’s Tuna, Humboldt Auction Yard, and Foggy Bottoms Boys.
The evening’s live auction was led by Lee Mora and Jen Rice and featured unique items and experiences donated by local businesses and supporters which showcased the beauty and bounty of our region.
Thanks to all who contributed, we raised an incredible $65,000 for our conservation programs. These funds will support the protection of critical habitats, working landscapes, and watersheds that sustain our communities.
We are deeply grateful to all the landowners, farmers, business partners, board members, volunteers, staff, and supporters who make this work possible. You are the heart of what we do, and your support ensures that future generations will continue to benefit from these irreplaceable lands. Thank you for standing with us to protect our region’s beautiful and bountiful landscapes.
Thanks to our 2024 Annual Celebration Sponsors: American AgCredit, Green Diamond Resource Company, Humboldt and Mendocino Redwood Companies, Hunter, Hunter, & Hunt LLP, Michael Love & Associates, North Fork Lumber Company, Points West Surveying Company, RWE, Vineyard Offshore, Wildberries Marketplace, PG&E, Harbers Insurance, Omsberg & Preston, Hubbard’s German Auto, Stillwater Sciences, Erin Kelly and Randy Terra, Hjerpe Law, LLP, Humboldt Area Foundation, Planwest Partners, and Redwood Capital Bank. Thank you for supporting and celebrating local land conservation!