News + Features

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Continuing to steward the lands we own

While some aspects of our work have been limited due to the COVID-19 emergency, we have continued to complete several stewardship projects on our fee lands, the properties that we own and manage. From general maintenance to prepping these lands for wildfire season, our staff has been hard at work. …

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Parks, preserves, and public spaces accessible now

We’ve always known that our parks and open spaces provide significant mental and physical health benefits to our community, and the current COVID-19 crisis has only underscored the importance of these lands. That’s why we were thrilled to see the recent re-opening of all our local parks and open space …

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Protecting natural resources + preparing our lands for wildfire

Though many aspects of our lives feel as if they are on hold, our work to prepare our protected lands for the potential wildfire season ahead has continued over the last few months. From monitoring vegetation to conducting prescribed burns, our staff and local partners have been working diligently to …

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Wild and Scenic Gloeckner-Turner Ranch to be Protected Forever

3,364-acre ranch boasts significant natural resources and scenic values, offers climate change resilience SANTA ROSA, CA (May 29, 2020) – Sonoma County Ag + Open Space is pleased to announce the upcoming conservation of Gloeckner-Turner Ranch – a sprawling 3,364-acre property along Rockpile Road near Lake Sonoma – through the …

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Our work continues while we Shelter-in-Place

One month into this Shelter in Place Order and our hearts continue to go out to everyone in our community during these uncertain and unprecedented times. Even under challenging circumstances, our staff continues to work diligently to achieve our community’s vision to conserve vital working and natural lands. While our …

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Healthy lands support healthy economies

The Healthy Lands & Healthy Economies initiative, led by Ag + Open Space, provides information about the multiple benefits of land conservation – including the substantial economic benefits that the Sonoma County community derives from its long term investments in protecting our natural and working lands.  Working with respected natural …

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Modini Ranch: Preservation and discovery

Modini Ranch is a 1,725-acre property in north east Sonoma County. The original landowners, Jim and Shirley Modini, preserved their property in 2000, primarily for protection of wildlife habitat. Upon their passing, and in an act of great generosity, they donated the property to conservation non-profit, Audubon Canyon Ranch. The …

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Protecting wildlife on greenbelt properties

We care about local wildlife, both big and small! Ag + Open Space owns and protects several small greenbelt properties that help maintain urban boundaries, protect wildlife corridors, and can be utilized for grazing and other agricultural operations near our cities and towns.    Greenbelts can also aid in managing fire …

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Join us in welcoming Cieara & Louisa to Ag + Open Space!

Over the last several months we’ve welcomed two new staff to our team! Some of you may have already crossed paths with these great new additions, but we wanted to be sure to introduce them to all. Cieara McKetchnie-Stanley recently joined Ag + Open Space’s Administrative team. Her background is …

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Our conservation work in 2019: A year in review

As 2020 gets underway, we wanted to reflect on 2019 – a year where our community once again experienced flood and wildfire. And once again, our staff supported the emergency response to both disasters, and will continue to work with landowners affected by the Kincade Fire to aid in their …

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