History of Western Land Logic

Started in southwest Colorado in the spring of 2019, originally named Solstice Sown Designs LLC, this work has led me to design dozens of gardens, larger landscape restoration projects, and into caretaking of farms and ranches throughout North, Central, and South America.

For over ten years now, I have been on a mission to learn how to be a better steward of the environment through studying landscape ecology, conservation science, farm and orchard work, livestock and grazing management, regenerative design, holistic management, and most recently finance and ranch real estate.

Since 2019, I have had great opportunities to contribute to land stewardship.

Here are some highlights:

•Project design, planning and construction of custom
gardens, orchards, and ranches, serving collective
landowners of over 100,000 acres.

• Advised over 50 clients of landowners across the western hemisphere on soil health, soil testing and fertility management, specialty crop production, pasture management, water-wise irrigation, tree planting, integrated pest/weed management, season extension, and regenerative agriculture principles.

• Developed educational design products such as the “Holistic Site Analysis and Development Plan”- a 10-15 year plan for sustainable land development and rural business enterprise development.

• Developed project budgets and organized timelines for landowners to incrementally invest in appreciating assets on their land.

• Planned and hosted a 3-month apprenticeship program for training young land stewards with hands-on experiential projects with a focus on leadership development.

•Apprenticed with Ben Falk, of Whole Systems Design in Vermont.

•Regenerative Practitioner Certified through the Regenesis Group.

•Awarded small business innovation grant from Regis Innovation Challenge.

•Awarded the Wild Gift Fellowship for Environmental Entrepreneurs

•Published in the New Farmer's Almanac on Design

Currently, my time is dedicated to property management as on-site caretaker for a high value ranch property.

Michael McMillan

Founder,

Lead Designer & Consultant

Phone:

303-842-9264

Email:

westernlandlogic@gmail.com

About me

Leadership, service to others, and ecological literacy education are core to my life. I am a dedicated land professional and educator. I have served collective landowners over 100,000 acres, started my own profitable land and ranch planning business, while also giving back to several conservation and agriculture education non-profits across Colorado.

An avid outdoorsman and Eagle Scout, I was raised backpacking in Colorado, and am a dedicated bow elk hunter. Colorado landscapes, wildlife, and strong family bonds formed who I am.

Jesuit education at Regis University was formative for me and deepened my commitment to social justice and community service. I was awarded the “excellence in Spanish language” for my graduating class and have always naturally excelled in cross-cultural exchanges. I continue to travel and maintain strong ties with friends and families in rural areas and of indigenous heritage.

I have a growth mindset, having learned from mentors who have helped me develop a strong work ethic and persevering character. I have demonstrated experience in extremely physically demanding jobs and a proven passion for land stewardship and ranching. I have experience in all aspects of ranch management and a strong work ethic to take on any challenges that may arise. I bring more than five years of experience in landscape design, project planning, budgeting, and management, developing client relationships, and training and leading a construction crew.

I find purpose and joy in supporting others to connect with the land and become more responsible stewards.