Archives for “Latest News”

Vegetation Management across the County

A group of people in yellow fire safety jackets and hardhats clearing vegetation by hand and with prescribed fire.

Following the 2020 wildfire season, which included the devastating Glass Fire, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors established the Sonoma County Vegetation Management Grant Program to provide resources and grant funding for vegetation management in areas at high risk of wildfire.  In its four grant funding cycles, the Vegetation Management …

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Crane Creek Trail Connection Gets Underway

Speaker talking at a podium

Many will remember the iconic words, “If you build it, they will come.” In the case of the Crane Creek Regional Park Expansion and Copeland Creek Trail Extension project, it’s more like, “If they come, we will build it.” A project that has been in the works for over 15 …

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Southeast Greenway Project Honored for Land Acquisition Success

Greenway Panorama

We’re proud to celebrate a major milestone in the journey of the Southeast Greenway – a project that just received the Merit Award for Acquisition from the California Council of the American Society of Landscape Architects! This prestigious award recognizes the collaborative efforts that have brought this transformative project closer to reality, with Ag …

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Remembering Sue Jackson: A Legacy of Excellence and Laughter

Sue Jackson

Sue Jackson was more than just an exceptional administrator—she was a cornerstone of Ag + Open Space, a fierce advocate for her colleagues, and a source of endless laughter and support. She first joined our staff in 2009, bringing with her a meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment …

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35th Anniversary Reflection: Don McEnhill

Photo of Don McEnhill wear a tan hat, blue shirts, and sunglasses on his hat. He's looking to the left ands smiling.

Don McEnhill Deputy Director, Russian Riverkeeper  My day job is working for Russian Riverkeeper, which works to protect and restore our watershed environment for the benefit of current and future generations. For much of the past 25 years we’ve worked to reduce pollution and habitat destruction in the watershed. One of the things I …

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Caring for Jenner Headlands Preserve

Jenner Headlands

Jenner Headlands Preserve is a stunner – with over 5,600 acres of coastal prairie, oak and redwood forests, and views that truly awe and inspire. Running for 2.5 miles along the Pacific Coast Highway, the Headlands is part of the historical lands of the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, and …

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Vegetation Management Plans are cool!

Ag + Open Space staff removing an invasive species at Saddle Mountain Open Space Preserve.

While planning may not sound like the most exciting endeavor, it’s an essential step in caring for conserved lands. Early conservationists focused their plans on leaving the land alone as a response to less-than-ideal land management techniques like aggressive forestry, land conversion, and fire suppression. But over time it’s become …

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A Glimpse into 2024: Highlights of Conservation and Community Impact

Aerial view of the laguna

As we begin 2025, we reflect on a year of meaningful progress in our mission to preserve Sonoma County’s agricultural, natural, recreational, and scenic lands for future generations. This year, we conserved critical lands that enhance biodiversity, protect water resources, and support sustainable agriculture. Our stewardship efforts have deepened through …

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Celebrating 35 Years of Conservation

Cake with frosting that says "AG + Open space Happy 35!"

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. …

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Staff spotlight: Rosie Clark (she/her), Secretary

Rosie Clark

Rosie was raised in Sonoma County and attended Sonoma State University obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation. Her love of animals has taken her from studying Spinner Dolphins on the Big Island of Hawaii, to studying sloths in the jungles …

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