I am the director of a land trust; there are many conflicting opinions about what we do and our methods (mostly on a large scale - not necessarily my organization specifically) but I am well-prepared to engage in debate and conversation on the topic from all sides. My county at large is fairly 'environmental,' ranging from open-land holistic ranchers to hard-core "Cattle Free in '93" Sierra Club folks to active fly fishermen (i.e. Trout Unlimited), so at most events I attend, while most people might not know me directly, they are at least familiar with who my org is.

I was a house concert a few weeks ago and was sitting at a table with six long-time county residents, all of whom are retirees. One couple are active supporters of my group, so we've met and know each other well. The other two couples knew I worked in conservation, but otherwise simply thought I was just a Millennial living in the mountains who liked to listen to folk music on Tuesday nights.

There was a lull in the conversation and one of the men who didn't really know me asked, "What do you think of conservation easements?" He asked it like it was bait, to get me to open up a bit more or trap me in an argument. To preface: from where we were sitting on the porch we could see at least three of my easements, and I could easily identify at least two more from landmarks on the other side of the house.

Before I could answer, the couple I know laughed and said, "That's literally his job."

The guy got a shocked look on his face, and I clarified who I was and what I do. He and I chatted a bit more, but I could tell he backed off his initial "attack." Had he pushed back I'd've engaged just as well, but he seemed more startled than expected.