California Tree Farmers of the Year 1999
Jim and Betty Doerksen’s Tree Farm is called Rancho Mark West and they promote Tree Farm through visits by many different groups.  Each visit involves some education of Tree Farming.  As Jim Says, “It is always a good chance to spread the word.” There have been a number of Scout groups from young Webelos who planted trees to Boy Scouts with whom the Doerksens had a program to help them on their way to become Eagle Scouts.  One Kiwanis group has visited each year since 1971.  There is an excellent trail system around the Tree Farm with special signs prepared by Betty Doerksen.  Forest Landowners of California, sponsor of the Tree Farm Program in California, brought 120 members to their Tree Farm for a barbeque in October, 1998.  In addition, many weddings have taken place there.

Rancho Mark West has played a colorful and important part in the history of northern California.  The name, Rancho Mark West, comes from the infamous sailor and explorer, Mark West, who purchased part of the land in the 1840’s and planted the first grape vines in the region.  The coastal Miwok Native Americans and the inland Pomos made the land their home.  The Doerksen’s and previous owners have found numerous hunting points, scrapers, grinding bowls and other artifacts.  In 1834 the land became part of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo’s vast ranchero which at one time exceeded 300,000 acres.  The Doerksen’s home dates back to Vallejo’s time.

They have been the subject of numerous newspaper, radio and television interviews.  They work with their neighbors to promote better management.  They write letters to the Governor and Legislators on forestry and regulation issues.  They belong to numerous forestry-related organizations such as, Forest Landowners of California.