Center for Land-Based Learning Named Non-profit of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2025
Press Contacts:
Mary Lynne Vellinga
Office of Sen. Christopher Cabaldon
Marylynne.vellinga@sen.ca.gov
Dan Poggetti
Development & Engagement Manager
Center for Land-Based Learning
dan@landbasedlearning.org
Center for Land-Based Learning Named 2025 Non-profit of the Year for Senate District 3
Woodland, CA — The Center for Land-Based Learning has been named the 2025 Non-profit of the Year for California’s 3rd Senate District by Senator Christopher Cabaldon, in recognition of its local leadership in agricultural education, workforce training, and environmental stewardship. For more than 20 years, the Center has provided transformative, hands-on experiences that inspire and equip individuals—especially youth—to pursue meaningful futures in agriculture and natural resources. From restoring native habitat to preparing the next generation of farmers, CLBL’s programs serve thousands of students, beginning farmers, veterans, and adult learners across 27 counties in California.
“The Center for Land-Based Learning connects people directly to the food they eat,” said Sen. Cabaldon. “It also offers a viable training pathway for young people to become farmers even when they have no experience or resources beyond a desire to learn how to nurture the land and grow healthy food for others to enjoy.”
The non-profit has deep roots in Senate District 3. Its Riverfront Farm was founded in West Sacramento in 2017 and pioneered the practice of using parcels awaiting development as temporary farms that could be used to train a new generation of people interested in farming. CLBL runs a farmer apprenticeship program in Yolo County, operates a mobile farmers market, and a FARMS Leadership Program that connects high school students to hands-on agricultural education and career pathways.
“We are incredibly honored to be selected as Non-profit of the Year of District 3,” said Mary Kimball, CEO of the Center for Land-Based Learning. “There are so many outstanding nonprofits doing life-changing work, which makes this recognition even more meaningful. Our mission is rooted in helping people—especially young people—find their place in agriculture, conservation, and community leadership. This award reflects the power of that mission and the dedication of our entire team and partners.”
To learn more, visit: https://landbasedlearning.org
About the Center for Land-Based Learning
The Center for Land-Based Learning’s mission is to inspire, educate, and cultivate future generations of farmers, agricultural leaders and natural resource stewards. To do this, we inspire and motivate people of all ages, to promote a healthy interplay between agriculture, nature, and society through their actions and as leaders in their communities. It began in 1993 as the FARMS Leadership Program, out of concern for the growing disconnect between people, their food supply and the land. In 2001, programs expanded and CLBL was created as a501(c)(3). Today, CLBL operates five distinct programs that advance our mission. One is California Farm Academy, including a beginning farmer training program and a farm business incubator.
About Senate District 3
Senator Christopher Cabaldon represents the 3rd Senate District which includes the cities of Oakley and Brentwood in Contra Costa County; American Canyon, Calistoga, Napa, Yountville, and St. Helena in Napa County; Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Suisun City, Vacaville, and Vallejo, in Solano County; Cotati, Rohnert Park, and Sonoma in Sonoma County; Davis, West Sacramento, Winters, and Woodland in Yolo County; as well as Isleton in Sacramento County.