“Although I’ve now been involved in conservation for 35 years, my initial involvement was serendipitous,” Berner remembers. “I was finishing graduate school and expecting to work in banking or business when I answered an ad in the Wall Street Journal for someone with my background. It turned out to be The Nature Conservancy, which offered me a job. That experience led to a career in conservation.
“I feel extraordinarily fortunate to have been able to work for MALT [Marin Agricultural Land Trust] for the past 25-plus years,” he continues. “I’m most proud, among other things, of being able to work with and support the ranching and farming families who continue to make West Marin such an extraordinary and unique place.”
How did you become involved with MALT?
I’d recently resigned as executive director of San Francisco Heritage (it was called The Foundation for San Francisco’s Architectural Heritage when I was there) and was interested in returning to land conservation. An employment ad led me to MALT, where I’ve been since late 1984.
Where do you call home?
I live in the small, rural community of Nicasio, which is about the geographic center of Marin County. In the late 1800s, I believe it was considered a possible county seat.
Do you have a big family?
My wife, Barbara Garfien, and I have three daughters of whom we’re very proud. Our oldest just started service in the Peace Corps, and the other two are twins who are in the middle of their college careers.
Are you more of a dog person or a cat person?
Definitely dog—I’ve never had a cat. Golden retrievers are our family dog of choice. We have a 6-year-old male and 5-month-old female. They’re wonderful family dogs and companions.
Do you live by any motto or rule?
Treat others respectfully and civilly. That may seem trite, but the rampant absence of civil discourse in politics today is too common among the rest of us.
If you could look into the future to find out one thing, what would you want to know?
That the world has righted itself somewhat (wars, global warming, environmental degradation) and that my children are safe, well and happy.
Share magical childhood moments.
When I was very young, it was spending a few weeks every summer with my grandparents. And in my early teens, I enjoyed summers at Lake Wawasee (in Indiana) with my other grandparents.
Do you have a pet peeve?
Messiness.
What’s your favorite holiday tradition? What meaning does it have for you?
For us, Thanksgiving is a time for family, wonderful meals and acknowledging how fortunate we are.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
Most days, I ride a motorcycle to work. I live about 20 minutes from my office in Point Reyes Station, and it’s a great ride on rural roads with little traffic.
What’s something people do in traffic that really bothers you?
Text and talk on cell phones.
What’s your favorite question to ask?
“Been anywhere interesting on vacation lately?”
What’s your favorite question to answer?
“How/where are your kids?”
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in life, and who taught it to you?
My father taught me the importance of personal responsibility.
Where would your dream vacation be?
Riding my motorcycle in the Alps, Spain or South America…or Colorado, Idaho, Utah and New Mexico. Or the Northwest. Almost anywhere!
