News + Features

group of people hiking to the ocean

Our accomplishments from 2023: A year in review

Year in review collage

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 …

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Staff Spotlight: Carrie Johnson, Secretary

Carrie Johnson with family at the Grand Canyon

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 …

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Property Spotlight: Oken

Blue flag marking restoration sites as the intermittent stream filled with water in last winter's storms.

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 …

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Press release: Sweeping West County ranches conserved for agricultural heritage and diverse natural resources

Landscape view of wooden fence, green field, and trees and hills in the distance. The sky is blue but has large white and grey clouds.

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 …

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Staff Spotlight: Taylor Acosta (she/her), Stewardship Assistant

woman smiling with a cow

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 …

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Press Release: Ag + Open Space helps sustain West County creeks and marshland with conservation of 139-acre ranch outside Sebastopol

Aerial view of Gillis Ranch Preserve.

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 …

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Staff spotlight: Simon Apostol, Acquisition Assistant

Man with hard hat in forest speaking to a woman

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, …

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Press Release: Ag + Open Space and the City of Cloverdale conserve 209-acre property and set stage for new park

Looking up a dirt road, with residential houses and green trees in the background. At Soda Springs Open Space Preserve.

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 …

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Staff Spotlight: Carly Cabrera, Community Relations Assistant

Carly Cabrera with her dog

Help us welcome one of our new Community Relations Assistants, Carly Cabrera! Carly will be focused on our online communications, leading work on our website, social media, eNews, and more. Carly has worked for the County of Sonoma for 12 years, with stints at Sonoma Water, the Department of Emergency …

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Ag + Open Space gives major boost to urban parks and agriculture with $7.2 million in Matching Grants

A sign with a painted tree stands in front of rows of bare trees at Bounty Farm in Petaluma. There are apartment buildings and a blue sky in the background.

SANTA ROSA, CA (August 23, 2023) – With an agenda item that ended in applause, hugs, and even a few tears, Sonoma County Ag + Open Space is proud to announce that yesterday our Board of Directors awarded $7.2 million to support urban parks, trail development, and the sustainability of …

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