Meet Ben Gelderloos, Acquisitions Assistant

Ben joined NCRLT in June 2025, funded through a Department of Capacity grant, administered by California Council of Land Trusts.

Ben is excited to be part of an organization that prioritizes community-focused land conservation. Ben graduated from Colorado College with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and has dedicated his career to safeguarding natural spaces. Before joining NCRLT, he supported the U.S. Forest Service with Wilderness Character Monitoring projects, assessing and preserving the integrity of California’s wilderness areas. He also previously worked as a mountain bike guide, leading multi-day trips across the West, an experience that deepened his appreciation for protected landscapes and reinforced his commitment to conservation. His favorite ecosystem is mixed conifer forests, and he has been appreciating the new-to-him Sierra Nevada and Southern Cascades. Originally from Boulder, Colorado, Ben enjoys exploring wild spaces whether on two feet backpacking with his partner, by any sort of bicycle, or alongside his four-legged furry friend. He is excited to build strong relationships with landowners, support sustainable land management, and help shape a future where communities remain deeply connected to the landscapes they love.

As Acquisition Assistant, Ben works to ensure the permanent conservation of new properties through meaningful partnerships with landowners, utilizing conservation easements and fee title acquisitions to protect vital landscapes. This involves site visits, conservation planning research, preparing recommendations, drafting narrative responses for grant applications, mapping, coordinating with NCRLT’s Lands’ Committee - and a lot of learning along the way. You might see Ben soon at Farmer’s Market, at Family Day on the Ranch, or on a trail in the greater Chico area as he explores his new home!

Welcome, Ben!