With over a million acres of land that stretch from the beaches and estuaries of the Pacific Ocean to the Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma County encompasses a tremendous range of stunning natural areas. The vast open spaces draw many residents and visitors and help define the character of the County. A wide variety of agricultural producers contribute to the vitality and diversity of the economy, and to the stewardship of these natural areas.

The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District is one of the top five farmland and open space preservation programs in the nation (Farmland Preservation Report) and the first special district established for the purpose of protecting agricultural lands. It is one of the few jurisdictions in the nation to use a sales tax for the purchase of conservation easements to protect agricultural lands and preserve open space.