News + Features

  • Ag + Open Space Board Approves $5.8 Million for Community-Led Open Space Projects Countywide

    March 23, 2021

    Posted in: Press Releases

    Ag + Open Space Board Approves $5.8 Million for Community-Led Open Space Projects Countywide Funding will go towards new and enhanced parks, trail connections, and increased accessibility SANTA ROSA, CA (March 23, 2021) – Today, the Board of Directors of …

  • On-the-ground updates from our Stewardship team

    February 24, 2021

    Posted in: News Articles

    On-the-ground updates from our Stewardship team We thought it was well overdue to check in with our Stewardship staff, who work each day to care for our protected lands. From wildfire recovery to grazing, our Stewardship team has stayed busy …

  • Leveraging outside funds for local farms

    February 22, 2021

    Posted in: News Articles

    We access state and federal funding sources to stretch our sales tax dollars. Most recently, we’ve garnered funds from the following sources: Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Through the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, we have brought in $11.5 million …

  • Thinking (+ conserving) outside the box

    February 22, 2021

    Posted in: News Articles

    Keeping agriculture thriving in Sonoma County has myriad benefits, including providing local food security, protecting groundwater basins, avoiding urban sprawl, retaining scenic beauty and the county’s rural character, and protecting biological diversity and wildlife habitat. Agriculture in our region is …

  • A year in review: Highlights from 2020

    January 27, 2021

    Posted in: News Articles

    A year in review: Highlights from 2020 As we reflect on the last year we find ourselves full of gratitude for our amazing Sonoma County community. Every day, we strive to thank you all through our work – protecting the …

  • Ag + Open Space Board of Directors Approve “Vital Lands Initiative”

    January 26, 2021

    Posted in: Press Releases

    Ag + Open Space Board Approves “Vital Lands Initiative” Long-range strategic plan will focus on climate change & social equity SANTA ROSA, CA (January 26, 2021) – Today the Board of Directors for the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open …

  • Resilience lessons on our protected lands

    December 29, 2020

    Posted in: News Articles

    Resilience lessons on our protected lands After the 2017 Sonoma Complex Fires, Ag + Open Space led a study to evaluate how those wildfires impacted vegetation within burn zones. Since then, we’ve been honored to share the findings with local government …

  • New Park & Open Space Preserve Coming to Sonoma Coast

    December 29, 2020

    Posted in: Press Releases

    New Park and Open Space Preserve Coming to Sonoma Coast Ag + Open Space Transfers 335 Acres of Protected Land to Regional Parks SANTA ROSA, CA (December 29, 2020) – Yesterday, the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District …

  • Pryor Ranch and the impacts of the Walbridge Fire

    November 30, 2020

    Posted in: News Articles

    Pryor Ranch and the impacts of the Walbridge Fire As wildfire season winds down and we transition to winter, we are reflecting on what we can learn from this year’s fires as we continue our preparedness and resiliency work. As …

  • A Farewell Message from General Manager Bill Keene

    November 30, 2020

    Posted in: News Articles

    A Farewell Message from General Manager Bill Keene Greetings Ag + Open Space Community, On this my last day as General Manager, I want to take a few moments to reflect on my time at Ag + Open Space. When …