Conn Creek Land Lab · with Element 28
2026 marked our move from planning into practice.
70+
Structures built (summer 2026)
1
Inaugural Fellow, Ellis Allen
A finished check-dam, one of 70+ structures now slowing and spreading water across the site.
Low-tech, hands-on work: stone by stone, reducing erosion and rebuilding riparian function.
A living classroom — landowners, practitioners, and volunteers learning the work together.
“Half of the world's habitable land is farmed. The people who work it are this century's largest lever for restoring it.”
Source: Ritchie & Roser, Our World in Data, drawing on FAO land-use data (updated 2024)
Who's behind it
Farmers and generational stewards, working alongside scientists and agencies.
Founded by Tod Mostero — Director of Viticulture and Winemaking at Dominus Estate since 2007 — and governed by a board spanning finance, public health, sustainable viticulture, and community leadership.
Meet the board
Get Involved
However you show up, it funds real, specific work.
Your gift funds real restoration work — materials, fieldwork, and the Fellowship.
$100
Field supplies for a workday
$500
A season of site monitoring
$2,500
Supports Fellowship housing
$5,000
Funds a month of Fellowship work
Join a workday
Next date: [add next scheduled workday]
Volunteer or share materials
Rocks, woody debris, and time — all useful.
Partner with us
Landowners, agencies, and funders welcome.