The LandPaths Story, by Francis Lee, Development Director
Our guest speaker for September 17, 2026 was Frances Lee of LandPaths. Frances is a nonprofit fundraising and communications leader with 17 years of experience supporting Bay Area community-based organizations, including Girls Leadership and Girls on the Run. She has a deep connection with the outdoors from camping and hiking with her family and at summer camps as a camper and counselor. She joined LandPaths in June 2026 as the Development Director.
LandPaths is celebrating is 30-year anniversary this year. Its main objective is to get people outdoors. Its mission is to foster a love of the land in Sonoma County. LandPaths believes that equity, inclusion, and justice are an inseparable part of its identity. Historically marginalized communities are faced with systemic barriers to connecting with nature. LandPaths is a leader in public access, land stewardship, and environmental education. Landpath’s footprint extends from the Lafferty Ranch in Petaluma to Healdsburg. Most of its properties are not open to the public except through LandPaths-guided programs and appointments. One property, the Grove of the Old Trees, is available for public access.
LandPaths has 3 core initiatives: Rooting Youth in Nature is a school-based program that seeks to reduce barriers so that kids can get outside and experience nature – the programs include In Our Own Backyard and Inspired Forward. In Our Own Backyard gives students time to explore and connect with natural spaces. Inspired Forward is for teens and young adults. The 2nd core initiative is Branching Out Conservation for Everyone, which includes Vamos Afuera (let’s go outside) and is primarily for helping members of the Latino community, and especially families, explore various LandPaths facilities. The 3rd core initiative is Growing Community With Nature, which fosters forging care and connection between people and the land. Owl Camp is part of this initiative; it’s a weeklong day camp for kids aged 6 to 13 at various LandPaths location. The initiative also includes stewardship days and conservation workforce training. LandPaths also operates community gardens at Bayer Farm and Jeff’s Garden. One of the newest LandPaths programs is Stand for the Land, which gets kids that have been involved in violence out into nature through monthly outings. Most of the kids who participate in this program are referred by the Family Justice Center or the City of Santa Rosa.
Thank you Francis for the presentation and for your work with LandPaths. LandPath’s has been a favorite Sunrise program for many years. In fact, we held Past President Peter Hoberg’s debunking at Bayer Farm! LandPath’s annual Harvest Festival is on September 26 at Bayer Farm from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s free and a great place to have fun and learn more about LandPath’s programs.
