News + Features

group of people hiking to the ocean

Continuing to grow our Public Outings + Youth Education program

People on a hike

 “These field trips were absolutely amazing! All the staff knew so much about the ecosystems they were in and were able to answer questions while in the field… After the first lesson my students were already asking about when we would be having more! – 7th grade science teacher, Santa …

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Staff Spotlight: Irma Cuevas (she/her/ella), Community Relations Assistant

A selfie of Irma Cuevas, where she is standing in front of coastal rocks and blue Pacific Ocean. She is wearing a black baseball camp, and large dark sunglasses, and smiling at the camera.

Join us in welcoming one of our new Community Relations Assistants, Irma Cuevas. Irma comes to us from the City of Santa Rosa, but spent most of the last two decades at Sonoma County Regional Parks in various roles ranging from Park Ranger Assistant to Environmental Educator to Community Engagement …

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Ag + Open Space partners with local nonprofits to run public outings and youth education programs on conserved lands

students on a field trip

Ag + Open Space partners with local nonprofits to run public outings and youth education programs on conserved lands SANTA ROSA, CA (July 11, 2023) – Today, the Sonoma County Ag + Open Space Board of Directors approved $1.7M for the next three years of our Public Outings + Youth …

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Staff Spotlight: Jen Kuszmar, Acquisition Manager

Jen Kuszmar

This month we get to hear from Jen Kuszmar, our Acquisition Manager! Jen was raised in Georgia and after attending college at the University of Georgia for two years, transferred to Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt) where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry. Jen has had the …

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OUT in the Wild at Sonoma County Pride

Ag + Open Space staff pose at the Sonoma County Pride festival. They are smiling at the camera, holding signs with rainbow background that say Out in the Wild and have the Ag + Open Space logo.

This year we had the exciting honor of joining Sonoma County’s Pride Parade and Festival as a sponsor. We were thrilled to show our solidarity and contribute to this joyful celebration of our queer community.  The Pride theme this year is COMMUNITY! and these celebrations are, in the words of …

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Press Democrat Editorial: Preserving a Sonoma Coast treasure

wonky rock

THE EDITORIAL BOARD THE PRESS DEMOCRAT | June 11, 2023 Sonoma County’s world-class coastal beaches and parks are poised to grow this summer when the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District buys Chanslor Ranch. The 378-acre ranch, just north of Bodega Bay and on the east side of …

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Press Release: Ag + Open Space and Regional Parks Partner to Conserve 378-Acre Chanslor Ranch near Bodega Bay

southern views of bodega bay

Ranch boasts significant ecological, recreational, and scenic values; builds climate resilience. SANTA ROSA, CA (May 25, 2023) – Sonoma County Ag + Open Space and Sonoma County Regional Parks are pleased to announce the upcoming conservation of Chanslor Ranch – a 378-acre property along Highway One near Bodega Bay. Though …

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Staff Spotlight: Michelle Nozzari (she/her/ella), Administrative Aide

Michelle Nozzari

This month we heard from Michelle Nozzari, our new Administrative Aide. Before joining Ag + Open Space, she worked for the UC Cooperative Extension as an Administrative Aide, and in the Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner’s office as a Program Assistant. Michelle is a great addition to our administrative team, all of …

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Helping the land flourish at Hayfork Ranch

View of a green field with a wooden fence running through it. This is post-wildfire so there are burned trees interspersed with green trees on a hill in the background.

“In the springtime it’s so roaring that it can sound like someone with a power-saw, but it’s the birds chirping in masses,” says Alma O’Brien, owner of Hayfork Ranch just northeast of Santa Rosa.  Hayfork is a 216-acre ranch nestled next to our Saddle Mountain Open Space Preserve, and both …

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Staff Spotlight: Kendall Gutt (she/her), Stewardship Technician

Kendall looking at the camera, while resting her chin on her palm, while lying in the grass next to her dog.

This month, we got a chance to check in with Kendall Gutt, one of our awesome new Stewardship Technicians. Prior to working with us, Kendall worked for both Regional Parks and Sonoma Land Trust, where she focused on land stewardship and environmental education – including Park Preview Days on some …

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