News + Features

group of people hiking to the ocean

2025 Year in Review: Protecting What Matters, Together

2025 Year in Review collage

As we look back on 2025, we’re struck by just how much this work is shaped by people: landowners, partners, volunteers, community members and staff who care deeply about Sonoma County. From protecting new lands to caring for the places already conserved, 2025 was about steady progress and meaningful relationships. …

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Strengthening Community Connections Through Spanish-Language Outreach

Hikers walk along a grassland trail

At Ag + Open Space, our mission has always centered on protecting the lands that sustain our way of life, from working farms and ranches to natural areas that safeguard clean water, wildlife habitat and scenic beauty. But just as important as protecting the land is ensuring that everyone in …

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Estero Americano Coast Preserve: Open for Exploration

Image of grasslands overlooking the ocean with hikers on a trail.

At the place where Marin and Sonoma Counties meet, the Estero Americano Coast Preserve protects 547 acres of some of the North Coast’s most striking and ecologically important landscapes. Located just south of Bodega Bay, this remarkable property represents the power of partnership in conserving lands that define Sonoma County’s …

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Property milestone: Modini Preserve

Modini Preserve with hillside of trees and clouds in the sky.

Nestled in the Mayacamas northeast of Healdsburg, Modini Ranch is a 1,725-acre property made up of two Ag + Open Space conserved properties – Modini Ranch and McCord Ranch North. The preserve was originally conserved through the efforts of former landowners Jim and Shirley Modini, who wanted to protect the …

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Property milestone: Camozzi Dairy

View of Camozzi Dairy from hilltop

In January of 2000, Ag + Open Space staff had the pleasure of working with the Robert Camozzi family to conserve their 256-acre dairy on Pepper Road northwest of Petaluma. Protected primarily to preserve its agricultural and scenic open space values, this multi-generational dairy is still in operation today.  With …

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Property Milestone: Fitch Mountain Park and Open Space Preserve

Fitch Mountain Park & Open Space Preserve

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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Marsh Silverpuff: A Rare Flower in California’s Wetlands

Marsh Silverpuff flowers

Marsh Silverpuff: A Rare Flower in California’s Wetlands Recently, our partners at the Laguna Foundation made an exciting discovery of Marsh Silverpuffs thriving at our Haroutunian South property in Santa Rosa. This finding highlights the importance of protecting and managing local open spaces that support sensitive and imperiled species. The …

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Major investment in productive and sustainable local agriculture made by Sonoma County Ag + Open Space with conservation of McClelland Dairy

Landscape view of a diary barn with a green gras field in front. From McClelland Dairy.

Over several decades, landowner George McClelland has led by example in melding productive agricultural practices with thoughtful natural resources management SANTA ROSA, CA (September 22, 2025) – In partnership with landowners George and Dora McClelland, Sonoma County Ag + Open Space is proud to announce the conservation of the nearly …

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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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