The Roots Program enhances wildlife habitat and supports biodiversity across California's working landscapes through community-based restoration projects on farms and ranches. Funded by a $26 million California Wildlife Conservation Board block grant, the program has successfully implemented 115 projects across 38 counties, providing critical habitat for native pollinators, migratory birds, amphibians, aquatic species, and threatened wildlife. The most common wildlife habitat enhancement practices include native plant hedgerow, oak woodland enhancement, native pollinator and monarch butterfly plantings, and riparian restoration. Building upon the expertise of the Working Lands Partner Biologists and STRAW (Students and Teachers Restoring A Watershed) initiative, the program guides landowners through developing and implementing wildlife-friendly restoration projects tailored to the species and habitats present on their properties. A monitoring component is collecting data on how bees respond to pollinator plantings, to help fine-tune planting palette decisions for restoration projects. The program prioritizes outreach to historically underserved communities, including beginning farmers, ranchers and tribal partner groups, ensuring that conservation benefits reach communities often overlooked by traditional funding streams. Through collaborative partnerships and accessible funding mechanisms, the Roots Program engages California's diverse land management community to become active participants in statewide wildlife conservation efforts.

Grant serves as a Partner Biologist with Point Blue Conservation Science. Since joining the organization in 2017, Grant has collaborated with California farmers, ranchers, NGOs, and agencies to develop holistic conservation plans that prioritize wildlife habitat, soil health, and economic sustainability. A UC Davis graduate with a degree in Evolution and Ecology, Grant brings years of field experience from Point Blue’s rangeland monitoring network to his work on diverse projects throughout the state.