News + Features

  • Remote monitoring: A new way to “visit” conserved lands

    September 28, 2022

    Posted in: News Articles

    Conservation easements run with the land forever. As the easement holder, Ag + Open Space works with landowners to ensure the conservation values defined by the easement – agriculture, habitats, watersheds, and more – remain healthy and thriving. To support …

  • Staff Spotlight: Mary Chambers, Agricultural Specialist

    September 28, 2022

    Posted in: News Articles

    In our latest Staff Spotlight, we chatted with Mary Chambers, our Agricultural Specialist. Mary grew up in the East Bay, hiking, camping, and eating as many fruits as possible at her hometown farmers market. She studied agriculture at Stanford University and …

  • Recovery and resilience at Modini Preserve

    September 28, 2022

    Posted in: People & Places

    In October of 2019, the Kincade Fire swept through large swaths of Sonoma County, impacting several Ag + Open Space-conserved properties. In the northeast part of the county, the 3,125-acre Modini Preserve burned in almost its entirety (the only spots …

  • Staff Spotlight: Pierre Ratte, Acquisition Specialist

    August 25, 2022

    Posted in: People & Places

    In this month’s Staff Spotlight, we’re tuning in with Pierre Ratte – one of our Acquisition Specialists, and the newest member of the Ag + Open Space team. Before joining us, Pierre earned a Masters in Regional and Environmental Planning …

  • Restoration and growth at Oken

    August 23, 2022

    Posted in: News Articles

    We have inspiring news from Oken, one of the greenbelt properties we own and manage in southeast Santa Rosa! Greenbelts are open space lands that act as community separators to limit urban sprawl, to retain the rural and open character …

  • Strengthening our local ag community 

    July 28, 2022

    Posted in: News Articles

    We’re back with more ASAP Emergency Matching Grant program updates! Read on to hear about how we supported the development of CAFF’s Small Farm Tech Hub, which offered technical support to local ag producers, and how our funds helped Lennie …

  • Staff Spotlight: Fraser Ross, Stewardship Specialist

    July 28, 2022

    Posted in: News Articles

    This month we’re catching up with Fraser Ross, one of our Stewardship Specialists, to hear more about his work at Ag + Open Space. Fraser moved to Sonoma County from Scotland in 2014 and has been working with Ag + …

  • Beautiful 289-acre El Recreo property in Sonoma Valley protected for future generations

    June 23, 2022

    Posted in: Press Releases

    Conservation of vital greenbelt property ensures protection of water, wildlife, and local character SANTA ROSA, CA (June 23, 2022) – Through a vital partnership with the Bucklin, Tilt, and English families, Sonoma County Ag + Open Space is proud to …

  • Staff Spotlight: Cieara McKetchnie-Stanley, Administrative Assistant

    June 23, 2022

    Posted in: News Articles

    For this month’s Staff Spotlight, we’re checking in with Cieara McKetchnie-Stanley, one of our Administrative Aides. Cieara joined Ag + Open Space in 2019, and has a degree in technical theater and design. She also loves painting in her free …

  • Staff Spotlight: Amy Ricard, Community Resources Manager

    May 26, 2022

    Posted in: People & Places

    This month’s Staff Spotlight is on Amy Ricard, who was recently promoted to lead our newly formed Community Resources team! Amy was hired as a Community Relations Specialist in 2014 to oversee community engagement activities, and to develop and execute …