Connor Gilmartin

Hello all!

My name is Connor. I am a lover of the outdoors, an active gardener, and a music enthusiast. I care about doing meaningful work that has a positive impact on our shared environment and community.

I was born and raised in Northern California and have been living, learning, and working in Chico, California for the last seven years. I work at CSU, Chico’s 7,835-acre Ecological Reserve, and help as a farmhand at a friend’s small-scale organic farm.  I graduated from CSU, Chico in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management and Event Management. Since graduating, I’ve spent my free time backpacking around the Sierra Nevada’s, gardening, and enjoying the wonderful community here in Chico.

I first heard about Rancho Mastatal in February of 2020 while working as a staff member at Envision Festival in Uvita, Costa Rica. At that point in time, I knew I wanted to further my education beyond my bachelor’s degree, but the thought of applying to and participating in a “traditional” master’s program didn’t sound ideal. Fast forward 550 days (give or take) and now I’m preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime!

I am enthusiastically interested in regenerative land management, creative event production, as well as the social and ecological aspects of permaculture. I am deeply excited to learn more about the macro-planning aspects of designing a space with regeneration, soil health, and diversity in mind. I see this apprenticeship as a phenomenal opportunity that will help me grow towards my career goals – which include but are not limited to: Doing meaningful ecological work that provides people the opportunity to connect with each other and the natural environment through learning opportunities, work-play, and artistically-focused participation.

I am so excited about this opportunity and cannot wait to live and learn with the Rancho Mastatal team! Somos el cambio!

“Without love in the dream it will never come true” – Robert Hunter / Jerry Garcia