May 2026
Remembering David Scheuring: Founding Director and Farmland Conservation Leader
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of one of the founding directors and early leaders of Yolo Land Trust. A respected local farmer, conservation advocate, and community leader, David Scheuring leaves behind a lasting legacy that continues to shape the future of farmland conservation in Yolo County.
As one of the individuals who helped establish Yolo Land Trust, David played an instrumental role in guiding the organization during its foundational years. Serving on the Board of Directors for 11 years, he provided thoughtful guidance and unwavering support as the organization took shape and began conserving farmland throughout the region.
Among his many contributions, David served as President of the Board of Directors, helping oversee some of the organization’s very first conservation easements — an achievement that laid the groundwork for protecting agricultural land, natural resources, and the rural landscapes that define Yolo County. His belief in the importance of preserving farmland for future generations was evident in both his professional leadership and personal values.
In 1996 and 2015, David and his family generously opened their beautiful farm in the Capay Valley to host Yolo Land Trust’s annual fundraising event, A Day in the Country, welcoming supporters onto their farm and helping create meaningful experiences that connected the community to local agriculture. Those gatherings reflected the warmth, generosity, and pride he carried for both farming and land stewardship.
In recognition of his service and lasting impact on local agricultural land preservation, David was honored with the Thomson Rominger Award by Yolo Land Trust in 2002. His commitment to conservation extended far beyond board meetings and easement transactions; it was deeply rooted in his love for the land and his desire to see agriculture continue in Yolo County for generations.
Our past Executive Director, Michele Clark, worked alongside David for several years and remembers his mark on the organization and community:
“David was instrumental in establishing Yolo Land Trust (YLT) as the primary agricultural conservation entity in Yolo County. I met David in 1995 when we worked together on conservation easements co-held by YLT and the City of Davis. He was a thoughtful negotiator and educator, willing to explain the ag side of every easement deal we handled together. As a farmer himself, David’s involvement with YLT demonstrated to other growers that they could grant an agricultural easement while continuing to farm. As a man of integrity, David garnered the trust of local and county officials about the competency of YLT.
After he left YLT, David continued to advocate for farmland conservation in Yolo County. YLT celebrated A Day in the Country at Gold Oak Ranch in 2015, a memorable event attended by David’s college friend, Governor Jerry Brown.
I am comforted knowing that David’s legacy will last as long as the conservation easements YLT holds as the result of his efforts – forever.”
Perhaps one of the greatest reflections of his legacy is the way he passed the importance of farmland conservation on to his family. His dedication to protecting agricultural land inspired future generations, including his son, Chris, who continued his father’s commitment to conservation through his own past service on the Yolo Land Trust Board of Directors.
We are deeply grateful for the leadership, wisdom, and generosity David shared over so many years. His impact can be seen across the conserved landscapes of Yolo County and within the enduring strength of Yolo Land Trust.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by his dedication to farmland conservation and kindness. He will be greatly missed, and his legacy will continue to live on through the land, the community, and the conservation work he helped inspire.
David Scheuring Obituary (Daily Democrat)
