Archives for “Latest News”

Property Milestone: Taylor Mountain Regional Park & Open Space Preserve

Panorama historical photo of Taylor Mountain. Its a view of green grass looking out at a city in the background.

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. From safeguarding critical wildlife habitat to preserving beloved open spaces and family farms, each property tells a story of conservation and …

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Property Milestone: Cooley Ranch

Historical photo montage of Cooley Ranch. It's three photos scanned together, showing a panorama of Lake Sonoma with gold hills in the background.

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. From safeguarding critical wildlife habitat to preserving beloved open spaces and family farms, each property tells a story of conservation and …

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Property Milestone: Marty Ranch

Historical photo of Marty Ranch. View of a golden hillside with green and brown oak trees in the distance.

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. From safeguarding critical wildlife habitat to preserving beloved open spaces and family farms, each property tells a story of conservation and …

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35th Anniversary Reflection: Wendy Eliot, Retired from Sonoma Land Trust

Photo of Wendy Eliot standing in a green field. She is wearing a tan hat, sunglasses, a blue scarf, white shirt, backpack, and using hiking poles. She's smiling at the camera.

Since retiring, after 20 years of land conservation work with Sonoma Land Trust, I’ve traded my desk and computer for hiking shoes and a water bottle and have time to explore and reconnect with the places protected by the Ag + Open Space District and its many partners. Last month, …

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35th Anniversary Reflection: Ryan Berger, Wildlands Conservancy Preserve Sonoma Coasts Manager

Photo of Ryan Berger, wearing a black shirt and brown pants. He's smiling at the camera while having one hand holding on to a large tree branch.

I have been a full-time resident of Sonoma County since 2015 and I have enjoyed much of the open space that the district has offered over the past decade. I am very grateful for the efforts to keep Sonoma County wild and the mental, emotional and physical benefits I receive …

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35th Anniversary Reflection: Mirella Ramos, Sonoma Land Trust Bilingual Programs Manager

Photo of Mirella Ramos, standing outside with people behind her raising their hands. Mirella is wearing a blue shirt with a black vest, and they are standing in front of a body of water.

Throughout my career, my passion to serve our community, create spaces of belonging, and foster connections with nature has been at the heart of everything I do. As the youth programs manager for Sonoma Land Trust, I have the opportunity to invest in what I care about most. With support from …

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35th Anniversary Reflection: Misti Arias, General Manager

Misti when she was younger, smiling and holding papers in her hand.

I have been a part of Ag + Open Space for nearly 30 of its 35 years of existence, working my way from an entry level Technician to the General Manager. I can proudly say that our organization has evolved over the years along with the priorities and needs of …

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From Vision to Impact Virtual Webinar Series

aerial view of jenner headlands

Have you ever wondered how or why Ag + Open Space was created? Are you familiar with our organization, but not exactly sure what we do or how we do it? Are you aware that a quarter cent of your sales tax goes to fund Ag + Open Space, but …

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Saddle Mountain Open Space Preserve Prescribed Burn

Fire Fighters doing a prescribed burn

On June 10, Ag + Open Space and CAL FIRE completed a prescribed burn at our Saddle Mountain Open Space Preserve. At 2.8 acres, this grassland burn was small but has the potential to have a big impact – its aim was to enhance habitat for a critically endangered plant, …

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Promoting Pollinators on Working Lands

Bee on a raspberry

Flowers, and bees, and crops, oh my! Whether it’s a farm, a ranch, or even your urban backyard garden, pollinators – and encouraging the habitats that attract and sustain them – are integral to agricultural operations, biodiversity, pest control, and so much more. To put into perspective the importance of …

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