Reviews of Saving the Marin-Sonoma Coast

“More than a good story, Saving the Marin-Sonoma Coast has valuable lessons to convey to others who are embarked on similar journeys to protect natural and wild places. Marty and his collaborators developed their methods as they went along; after all, the 1960’s and 1970’s, in particular, were a time when ‘environmentalism’ was nascent, more often than not equated with radicalism and even anarchism by the development and political establishment. In retrospect, five important lessons emerge from Marty Griffin’s 40-year account, lessons that still apply in these days when everyone claims to be an environmentalist in some degree and strategies may have become more sophisticated. These lessons can be summarized as follows: ‘Research and diagnose the problem thoroughly’ (medical sleuth at work); ‘Plan strategically, especially land acquisitions’ (the linking of knowledge of ecosystems with study of the Assessor’s parcel books); ‘Flash the cash and jump in with both feet!’ (the legacy of Mrs. Livermore); ‘Persist at all levels, from land-owner to legislator’  (a lesson learned from hard experience); and ‘Recruit and train the troops to carry on’ (best exemplified by the troops of Audubon Canyon Ranch volunteers and Environmental Forum Trainees). Marty’s book will renew every reader’s resolve!”

— Nona Dennis, The Environmental Forum of Marin
(founded by Audubon Canyon Ranch in 1972)