Protected Lands

Land for
Nature + Wildlife

7,000 acres of conserved habitat for
threatened and endangered species.

Ag + Open Space conserves wildlands and watersheds that offer vital habitats for local wildlife to thrive, while also providing our community with clean air, fresh water, and so much more.

A Naturally Wild Landscape

Sonoma County is home to a variety of habitats and ecosystems that make it one of the most biologically diverse areas of the world. The county’s unique natural landscapes include miles of undeveloped coastline, densely forested mountains, oak woodlands, chaparral, rolling grasslands, tidal marshes, freshwater lakes, streams, and vernal pools.

Protecting Vital Ecosystems

Our diverse landscape provides crucial habitats for unique plant and wildlife species while offering essential benefits to our communities. These natural areas filter and recharge our water, protect against floods, aid in crop pollination, and contribute to disaster resilience and climate adaptation.

Property Spotlight:

Modini Preserve

3,125 acres of diverse habitat in the Mayacamas Mountains

Property Spotlight:

Laguna de Santa Rosa

This 22-mile channel is the Russian River’s primary tributary

We have conserved 130 miles of Coho salmon and steelhead salmonid habitat

Safeguarding Natural Habitats

By conserving an extensive and diverse system of wild lands and watersheds across the county, we protect vital habitats that allow wildlife to thrive and roam freely. These efforts ensure that our local wildlife can adapt and flourish.

Featured Stories

Riparian Conservation Program

Ag + Open Space has launched a new program to expand its conservation efforts to protect – and in some cases enhance and restore – critical streamside and floodplain areas throughout Sonoma County. We are working with private landowners through ...

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Sonoma County Vegetation Mapping and LiDAR Program

Mapping Sonoma County’s diverse habitats, crops, and terrain using state-of-the-art technology and data will ensure the District and its partners protect the most important lands for water, wildlife, and people.

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Wildlife Cameras and the Importance of Wildlife Corridors

Recently, we embarked on an exciting endeavor at our Saddle Mountain Open Space Preserve – to start gathering footage of our dedication to conservation with the installation of a wildlife camera. Positioned strategically within the preserve, our camera has become ...

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