Charlie McIntosh is deeply inspired by working lands, conservation, and holistic resource management. He has been a farmer, an engineer, and is a born naturalist at heart. A diverse professional life has given him the opportunity to acquire a unique blend of on-the-ground experience and technical knowledge that makes him equally comfortable getting his hands dirty and discussing complex concepts.

Charlie graduated from CU Boulder with a degree in chemical & biological engineering where he led community workshops as president of the biodiesel student group and designed an innovative manure management system integrating anaerobic and aerobic digestion technologies. He has worked on environmental remediation projects culturing soil-dwelling cyanobacterial communities and water treatment systems targeting endocrine-disrupting compounds. For many years he helped develop educational resources, manage carbon credit certification, and coordinate large-scale biochar applications on agricultural lands throughout California. Biochar gave him the opportunity to collaborate with state and international regulatory agencies, biomass energy facilities, professional researchers, soil products manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, vineyards, dairies, and the organic waste management industry. 

Through direct experience working on, managing, and developing diversified farming operations, Charlie has hands-on experience implementing a wide variety of conservation practices, managing complex projects, and building effective working relationships with diverse partners. He is a graduate of the UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology's Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture and holds certifications as a Technical Assistance Provider, NRCS TSP, and Certified Crop Advisor in addition to completing courses in permaculture, natural building, and regenerative agriculture. 

From exploring the wild rivers of Missouri to the mountains in Colorado and living off the land in Oregon and Idaho, Charlie has made his home in the Sierra foothills on 10 acres just outside of Nevada City.  He is grateful for the opportunity to steward a small slice of land in this community and is passionate about empowering others to pursue their stewardship dreams.