During the Glass Fire, which is now thankfully 100% contained, Saddle Mountain Open Space Preserve burned almost entirely. The Preserve is closed at present to volunteer patrollers as we assess and mitigate hazards so that community members can safely visit again. Our first priorities are to address bulldozer line and culvert repair, …
In response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Sonoma County agricultural community, Sonoma County Ag + Open Space commissioned an economic study to examine the effects of the pandemic on food-producing businesses in Sonoma County from 2020 to 2023.
Through our Public Outings and Youth Education program, we help support Sonoma Ecology Center’s EnviroLeaders program that provides Sonoma Valley teens with the opportunity to gain essential job and life skills through practical, environmentally-focused training. The semester-long, paid work experience focuses on sustainable agriculture, community building, and park stewardship. Through …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …