Celebrating 35 Years of Conservation
This year, Sonoma County Ag + Open Space proudly celebrates 35 years of preserving and protecting the lands that make our region so unique. Since our founding, we’ve conserved over 12% of the county, protecting vital natural resources, supporting local agriculture, and creating opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.
From farms and forests to parks and waterways, our work over the past three and a half decades speaks for itself. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve accomplished together:
- 77 Farms and Ranches Conserved: Over 98% of the agricultural lands we’ve protected are still in active operation, ensuring local farming and ranching can continue to thrive for generations.
- 75,000 Acres of Forests: Redwood and oak woodlands enrich our air, water, and biodiversity. Did you know two healthy, medium-sized trees can produce enough oxygen for one person for an entire year?
- 45 New Parks and Preserves: We’ve also conserved over 95 miles of trails, providing access for everyone to explore and connect with nature.
- 99 Miles of Streams: These waterways are home to endangered salmon and trout, whose presence enriches habitats and sustains countless other species.
While we celebrate these milestones, our mission grows even more critical in the face of climate change. California has set an ambitious goal to conserve 30% of the state by 2030, and Ag + Open Space is leading the charge locally. Our Vital Lands Initiative outlines key conservation priorities to support this goal, focusing on agriculture, greenbelts, parks and preserves, water, and wildlands.
Conservation is about more than protecting land—it’s about building a resilient future for all. Protected forests, grasslands, and pastures can sequester carbon, helping to mitigate climate change. Conservation easements reduce development in areas prone to fire or flooding, enhancing public safety. Preserving open spaces near urban centers provides recreational opportunities, supports local food systems, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by concentrating development in cities.
Looking ahead, we’re focused on protecting lands that ensure both people and wildlife can adapt to environmental changes. From rising sea levels to warming temperatures, the lands we conserve today will help Sonoma County weather the challenges of tomorrow.
As we reflect on the past 35 years, we’re inspired by what we’ve accomplished together and energized for the work ahead. Thank you for supporting our mission to protect Sonoma County’s natural and working lands—for everyone, now and forever. Here’s to the next 35 years of conservation!
35th Anniversary reflections
Read reflections below from our General Manager and friends from across the years about what Ag + Open Space means to them:
- Read Misti’s reflection
- Read Don’s reflection
- Read Mirella’s reflection
- Read Ryan’s reflection
- Read Wendy’s reflection
Milestones over the last 35 years
As we celebrate 35 years of protecting the natural and working lands of Sonoma County, we reflect on the incredible milestones made possible through community partnerships and shared commitment. Explore our blog posts focused on some of our milestone projects: