-
Press Release: Ag + Open Space launching re-envisioned Matching Grant Program to increase access, equity, and transparency
March 5, 2024
Posted in: Press Releases
SANTA ROSA, CA (March 5, 2024) – Today, the Ag + Open Space Board of Directors approved the re-envisioned Matching Grant Program, a two-year pilot including an updated application process and resources set to go live on March 25th. Now …
-
Staff Spotlight: Jake Newell, Stewardship Supervisor
February 28, 2024
Posted in: People & Places
Jake grew up on the urban edge of Red Bluff, CA on a small suburban street constructed in the dwindling expanse of valley oak savannah. He spent his playtime wandering the savannah, listening to birdsong, watching out for rattlesnakes and …
-
Press release: Ag + Open Space and Regional Parks Welcome Visitors to Newest Regional Park & Open Space Preserve
February 14, 2024
Posted in: Press Releases
SANTA ROSA, CA (February 13, 2024) – Sonoma County Ag + Open Space is pleased to announce the purchase of Chanslor Ranch – a 378-acre property along Highway 1 near Bodega Bay, which is now the county’s newest regional park …
-
Press release: Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway takes one big step forward with Ag + Open Space support
February 7, 2024
Posted in: Press Releases
SANTA ROSA, CA (February 7, 2024) – Yesterday, the Sonoma County Ag + Open Space Board of Directors voted in favor of allocating up to $1 million, over half of the purchase price, in Matching Grant funds to support the …
-
Staff spotlight: Steph Tavares (she/her), Sr. Acquisition Specialist
January 24, 2024
Posted in: People & Places
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 …
-
Staff spotlight: Leslie Lew (she/her), Natural Resources Specialist
December 28, 2023
Posted in: People & Places
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. …
-
Our accomplishments from 2023: A year in review
December 20, 2023
Posted in: News Articles
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 …
-
Staff Spotlight: Carrie Johnson, Secretary
November 29, 2023
Posted in: People & Places
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 …
-
Property Spotlight: Oken
November 20, 2023
Posted in: News Articles
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 …
-
Press release: Sweeping West County ranches conserved for agricultural heritage and diverse natural resources
November 16, 2023
Posted in: Press Releases
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 …