In the rolling hills of Mendocino County, where oak savannahs stretch toward the horizon and dense forests whisper tales of ancient ecosystems, Amy Rathbone is forging a profound partnership with the land. Her collaboration with Mendocino Forestland is not just a project—it’s a testament to her commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and a deep respect for nature’s rhythms. At ForestHaven, we’re thrilled to share Amy’s story, a narrative that intertwines human ingenuity, ecological mindfulness, and a touch of culinary inspiration drawn from the land itself.
A Partnership Rooted in Respect
Amy Rathbone and her husband purchased a 160-acre parcel in Mendocino County in 2020, naming it Momo Oka—Japanese for “Peach Hill”—a nod to the land’s gentle slopes and vibrant spirit. From the outset, Amy approached land ownership with a philosophy that transcends traditional notions of possession. “We don’t own this land,” she explains. “We’re in partnership with it. It’s about collaboration, not control.” This ethos caught the attention of Mendocino Forestland, a regional initiative dedicated to sustainable forest management and ecological restoration. Together, they are working to preserve the delicate balance of Momo Oka’s ecosystems while inspiring others to rethink their relationship with the natural world.
The parcel itself is a microcosm of Mendocino’s diverse landscapes: 75% oak savannah, dotted with gnarled oaks and vibrant wildflowers, and 25% dense forest, where madrone, manzanita, and encroaching firs create a rich tapestry of biodiversity. For Amy, every tree, every blade of grass, is a teacher. “Momo Oka has changed how I see the world,” she says. “It’s taught me to slow down, to observe, to move at the speed of care.” This mindset aligns perfectly with Mendocino Forestland’s mission to foster sustainable practices that honor both the land and its human stewards.
The Collaboration: A Vision for Sustainability
Amy’s collaboration with Mendocino Forestland began with a shared goal: to manage Momo Oka in a way that enhances its ecological health while serving as a model for other landowners. Mendocino Forestland, supported by local foresters, educators, and conservationists, provides Amy with resources and expertise to implement sustainable practices. These include selective thinning to reduce fire risk, invasive species management, and the restoration of native plant communities.
One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership is the Forest Stewardship Workshop, a program Amy has embraced with enthusiasm. Organized by Mendocino Forestland and the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, the workshop brings together landowners, ecologists, and community members to share knowledge and strategies for sustainable land management. Amy, a regular participant, describes these gatherings as “a meeting of minds and hearts.” She’s learned from foresters about the science of soil health, from neighbors about traditional land practices, and from educators about the cultural history of Mendocino’s forests.
The workshops have also inspired Amy to experiment with innovative projects on Momo Oka. For instance, she’s working with Mendocino Forestland to create a “food forest”—a permaculture-inspired system that integrates edible plants, native species, and sustainable water management. Imagine oak acorns ground into flour for rustic breads, wild blackberries woven into preserves, and native herbs like yerba buena steeped in teas. These culinary connections not only nourish the body but also deepen the bond between people and place. “There’s something magical about eating what the land provides,” Amy says. “It’s like tasting the story of the soil.”
Beating the Mendocino Heat: Lessons in Resilience
Mendocino’s summers can be unforgiving, with temperatures soaring and wildfires posing a constant threat. Amy’s collaboration with Mendocino Forestland has equipped her with strategies to mitigate these challenges. Through the partnership, she’s implemented fire-smart landscaping, creating defensible spaces around Momo Oka’s structures and planting fire-resistant species like ceanothus and toyon. These efforts not only protect the land but also enhance its beauty, with bursts of color from toyon’s red berries and ceanothus’s blue blossoms.
Amy’s approach to heat and drought reflects her broader philosophy of resilience. “The land teaches you patience,” she notes. “You can’t rush a tree’s growth or force a stream to flow. You adapt, you listen, you collaborate.” This mindset has led her to explore water conservation techniques, such as rainwater harvesting and mulching, which she’s learned through Mendocino Forestland’s workshops. These practices ensure that Momo Oka remains a thriving oasis, even in the face of climate challenges.
A Culinary Connection to the Land
At ForestHaven, we believe that food is a bridge between people and nature, and Amy’s work on Momo Oka embodies this idea. Her experiments with the food forest are not just about sustainability—they’re about celebrating the flavors of Mendocino. Drawing inspiration from the region’s culinary heritage, Amy has begun incorporating native and foraged ingredients into her meals. Acorn pancakes, flavored with a hint of wild honey, evoke the oak savannah’s earthy essence. Salads of miner’s lettuce and purslane, gathered from Momo Oka’s meadows, burst with freshness. These dishes are more than sustenance; they’re a dialogue with the land, a way of honoring its gifts.
Amy’s culinary explorations also reflect her collaboration with Mendocino Forestland’s community. At workshop potlucks, she’s shared recipes and swapped stories with other landowners, discovering how food can unite people in their shared love for the land. “There’s a recipe for blackberry jam that’s been passed down through generations here,” she says. “When you taste it, you’re tasting history.” By integrating these culinary traditions into her work, Amy is helping to preserve Mendocino’s cultural heritage alongside its ecological richness.
Advice for Aspiring Land Stewards
Amy’s journey with Momo Oka and Mendocino Forestland offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in land stewardship. Her first piece of advice? “Listen to the land.” Before making changes, she spent years observing Momo Oka’s seasons, noting which plants thrived and which struggled. This patient observation informs every decision, from planting to fire management.
She also emphasizes the importance of community. “You don’t have to do this alone,” she says. “Mendocino Forestland has shown me the power of collaboration. Reach out to foresters, neighbors, local organizations. Their knowledge is a treasure.” Finally, Amy encourages aspiring stewards to embrace the joy of the process. “Move at the speed of enjoyment,” she advises. “This work is hard, but it’s also deeply rewarding. Celebrate the small victories—a new sapling, a thriving meadow, a shared meal.”
A Legacy of Connection
Amy Rathbone’s collaboration with Mendocino Forestland is more than a partnership; it’s a legacy in the making. Through her work on Momo Oka, she’s demonstrating how humans can live in harmony with nature, fostering ecosystems that thrive for generations. At ForestHaven, we’re inspired by her vision—a world where land stewardship is a collaborative, creative, and deeply human endeavor.
As Amy continues her journey, she’s inviting others to join her. Whether through workshops, shared meals, or simply walking the trails of Momo Oka, she’s building a community rooted in respect for the land. “This isn’t just about one parcel,” she says. “It’s about showing what’s possible when we work together, with the land and with each other.”
In Mendocino’s forests, where the oaks stand tall and the wildflowers dance, Amy Rathbone is writing a new chapter—one of connection, resilience, and hope. And at ForestHaven, we’re proud to tell her story.
Keywords: Amy Rathbone, Mendocino Forestland, Momo Oka, forest stewardship, sustainable land management, oak savannah, food forest, culinary heritage, fire-smart landscaping, community collaboration, ecological restoration, native plants, Mendocino County, ForestHaven.
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ForestHaven Team
At ForestHaven (foresthaven.space), we’re passionate about celebrating the beauty and wisdom of nature. Our team is dedicated to sharing stories of environmental stewardship, sustainable living, and the culinary arts inspired by the land. From forest conservation to farm-to-table recipes, we aim to inspire a deeper connection with the world around us. Join us on this journey to honor the earth’s gifts and build a more sustainable future.