Steph grew up in an agricultural demonstration park in the Salinas Valley, where her dad was a ranger. She has a BA in Global Studies and History from UCSB and a JD and Masters in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law and Graduate School. She is the green sheep …
Prior to joining Ag + Open Space, Leslie was the Chief of the US Fish and Wildlife Service – California\Nevada Wildlife Refuge Planning Office. Leslie has worked in habitat restoration, flood control, trail building, preserve management, and prescribed fire work. She has worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers, …
This past year we really ramped into high gear. We closed several projects that conserve critical natural resources for future generations, deepened our commitment to our communities, and began to see the Vital Lands Initiative spring to life. We are ready to build upon this great work in 2024, but …
Meet our secretary Carrie Johnson, who has been with Ag + Open Space for two remarkable decades! With a rich background deeply rooted in agriculture, Carrie spent her early childhood years living with her mom and her maternal grandparents on their peach and walnut ranch in Gridley. It’s amidst the …
As we all gear up for the rainy season, we have some updates from our Oken property – home to 76 acres of gently sloping pastureland and an intermittent stream on Petaluma Hill Road. Oken has long been part of local agricultural heritage, and currently the Crane family, famous for …
SANTA ROSA, CA (November 15, 2023) – Sonoma County Ag + Open Space is proud to announce two projects that will together conserve nearly 700 acres between Forestville and Santa Rosa for habitat restoration, flood control, agriculture, and the scenic character of the county. By conserving the entirety of the …
Say hello to our Stewardship Assistant, Taylor Acosta. Taylor was born and raised in Humboldt County and attended Sonoma State University earning a degree in Geology while playing Division II basketball. Following graduation, she moved to Portland where she worked for Deschutes Brewery and also advanced her education earning a …
SANTA ROSA, CA (October 23, 2023) – “We want to be a part of keeping West County’s character alive and flourishing,” said Lorri Duckworth who along with her husband, Oscar, helped purchase Gillis Ranch Preserve with their colleague, Greg Gillis. “We’re honored to be able to work with Greg to …
Say hello to our newest team member, Simon Apostol. Simon comes to us after working as Natural Area Manager at the Columbia Land Trust in Vancouver, WA. At the land trust, he led several conservation, management, and restoration projects including acting as a lead for the Kwoneesum Dam removal project, …
SANTA ROSA, CA (September 25, 2023) – In partnership with the City of Cloverdale and the Lyda family, Ag + Open Space is proud to announce the permanent conservation of Soda Springs Ranch Open Space Preserve, a 209-acre property directly west of the City of Cloverdale. Soda Springs is another …